Do I Have a Chronic Cough?
While most coughs are short-lived in nature, if you experience a consistent and repetitive cough and trouble breathing, you may have a chronic condition that needs to be treated. Learn more about this condition, as well as how our team of board-certified specialists at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia can help today.
What is Chronic Cough?
Typically, a cold should last no longer than a few days to a few weeks, depending on the condition that’s caused your cough. However, a cough that lasts 8 weeks or more is known as a chronic cough and may be the result of conditions including a post-nasal drip, allergies, or, in rare cases, a lung condition.
Additional reasons a chronic cough may develop include:
- Asthma — especially cough-variant asthma
- Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Chronic bronchitis
- Other forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- An infection, such as pneumonia or acute bronchitis
- ACE inhibitors (used to treat high blood pressure)
- Heavy smoking
- Cystic fibrosis
Common Symptoms of Chronic Cough
While you may think your cough is the only symptom you can experience, there are several others that can be related to this condition, including:
- The feeling of liquid dripping in your throat
- Heartburn
- A hoarse voice accompanied with a sore throat
- Runny nose
- A runny or stuffy nose
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or fainting
- Soreness or discomfort in your chest
Treating Your Chronic Cough at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia
Often, chronic coughing can be related to a patient’s asthma-related conditions; in other cases, chronic coughing is typically related to a virus or bacterial infection. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to diagnose and treat your cough.
At Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia, one of our board-certified allergists will first assess whether the cough is a ‘productive’ (caused by mucus) or ‘nonproductive’ ailment (known as dry cough). From here, we can determine the root cause of your cough and form a treatment plan to help you breathe easier and eliminate your symptoms.
Coughing is a symptom, not a disease in itself — which means you should be treated as soon as possible. Consulting with the highly-trained board-certified allergists at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia can provide you the relief you need from your chronic cough.
Book your consultation at our state-of-the-art allergy and asthma facility via our online contact form or via phone at (770) 459-0620. We offer same-day and next-day appointments through virtual and in-office meetings. Seek relief for your symptoms today.