Cough lasting 3 weeks usually indicates an acute illness

Chest Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Savaş Özsu took the causes, diagnostic methods and treatment approaches of dry cough that does not go away in detail.

Cough is a stimulating symptom that occurs as a reflex response to an abnormal condition in the throat and upper respiratory tract. Cough, whether acute or chronic, is a disturbing condition that impairs the patient's quality of life. Cough lasting 3 weeks usually indicates an acute illness, which is usually due to upper respiratory diseases. A subacute cough lasting 3-8 weeks is often due to airway hypersensitivity following an infection.

Cough lasting more than 8 weeks is now considered chronic. It is usually caused by chronic upper airway diseases (chronic sinusitis, pharyngitis, allergic rhinitis). Again, asthma and reflux are the causes respectively. In smokers, causes such as tumors, chronic bronchitis, COPD can cause chronic cough. In addition, some blood pressure medications and some new generation sugar medications can also cause persistent cough. There is a different entity defined as cough and hypersensitivity syndrome, especially in middle-aged female patients who cannot smoke and whose respiratory tests and chest X-rays are normal. Drug studies on this are ongoing.

“Nevertheless, it should be kept in mind that there may be psychogenic cough in cases where there is no cause,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Savaş Özsu, who examined the medical basis of dry cough that does not go away in a few articles;

Respiratory tract infections: Viral and bacterial upper respiratory tract infections are the most common cause of acute cough. Especially in infections caused by viruses, the cough can often last for several weeks and this subacute cough, called post-infectious, resolves over time. However, any cough that lasts longer than the duration of the infection should be investigated for asthma.

Allergic reactions: Allergens can cause dry cough by causing mucosal irritation and inflammation in the throat. Inhalant allergens such as pollen, dust and animal dander can cause allergic rhinitis and trigger a scratchy throat and dry cough. Allergic cough is often associated with seasonal changes or environmental factors (occupational, pet ownership, etc.).

Asthma Asthma causes chronic inflammation and hyperreactivity of the airways. Cough in asthma patients is often accompanied by shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness. Dry cough, as a symptom of asthma, is associated with inflammation and narrowing of the airways.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GER): GERD is characterized by the escape of stomach acid back into the esophagus. The impact of acidic contents on the esophagus and throat can lead to mucosal irritation and dry cough. Reflux disease usually worsens after meals, at bedtime or in the lying position. Treatment includes acid-reducing medications, antacids and lifestyle changes.

Smoking: Cigarette smoke and environmental air pollution can cause inflammation and mucosal irritation in the airways. Smoking can cause dangerous diseases such as chronic bronchitis, COPD and lung cancer.

Dry and cold air: Indoor heaters, especially in winter, can reduce air humidity and cause a dry throat. Low air humidity can lead to a dry throat and worsen coughing. Humidifiers and steam inhalations can help alleviate this problem. In some susceptible people, especially in winter, inhaling cold air can also cause a cough on its own.

Stating that a detailed evaluation is necessary to determine the cause of dry cough that does not go away, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Savaş Özsu said, “In this process, the patient's medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests are important. Advanced tests such as chest X-ray, spirometry, eosinophil levels in the blood, allergic skin tests and sometimes endoscopy can be useful in determining the underlying pathologies.”

Stating that treatment should include a targeted approach to the underlying cause, Çakmak Erdem Hospital Chest Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Savaş Özsu, “Treatment of upper respiratory tract infections usually solves the problem. In allergic cough, antihistamines and allergen avoidance strategies are recommended. In the treatment of asthma, inhalers and airborne cortisone are used, while acid-reducing drugs and lifestyle changes are prominent in the treatment of GER. Quitting smoking and avoiding environmental air pollution can reduce throat irritation and contribute to cough improvement. In addition, the use of air humidifiers at home and herbal teas that soothe the throat can alleviate symptoms.”