Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Fatma Zengin, who gave information about long-term cough, said, “Coughs that exceed 3 weeks are called chronic-refractory cough. Persistent cough can be a harbinger of a number of different diseases. The most common causes are allergies, chronic diseases (asthma-COPD), reflux, heart failure, lung cancer, drug use. A doctor should be consulted urgently in coughs that cause respiratory distress, accompanied by fever, weight loss, significant weakness, chest pain, swelling in the neck and coughs with bloody sputum.”
Istinye University Medical Park Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Fatma Zengin made explanations about cough.
“Not only lung diseases cause cough”
Speaking briefly about what a cough is, Uzm. Dr. Zengin said, “Cough is a protective reflex that cleans the airways. Contrary to popular belief, not only lung diseases cause coughing. Nasal discharge, allergenic substances, smoking, air pollution, reflux and some medications also cause cough. Coughing occurs most frequently in flu-viral infections to clear the airways of mucus,” he said.
“Smokers are at risk”
Referring to which individuals are at risk, Uzm. Dr. Zengin said, “Cough is observed more frequently in people with chronic airway diseases (such as asthma and COPD), allergic individuals, smokers who use tobacco products and people with reflux diagnosis.”
“If there is shortness of breath, consult a physician”
Drawing attention to when to consult a specialist, Specialist. Dr. Zengin said, “A physician should be consulted in cases of cough exceeding 3 weeks, shortness of breath and chest pain accompanying cough, cough with bloody sputum and persistent coughs that persist despite treatment.”
“The idea that cough will not go away without antibiotics is wrong”
Speaking about long-term cough, Uzm. Dr. Zengin said, “Coughs that last more than 3 weeks are called chronic cough. Persistent cough can be a harbinger of a number of different diseases. The most common causes are allergies, chronic diseases (asthma-COPD), reflux, heart failure, lung cancer, drug use. Coughs that cause respiratory distress, accompanied by fever, weight loss and significant weakness, chest pain, swelling in the neck and coughs with bloody sputum should be consulted urgently. One of the biggest misconceptions is that a cough will not go away without antibiotics. Treatment varies depending on the nature of the cough, whether it is sputumy or not, whether it is accompanied by nasal discharge or allergic conditions. Although the patient does not feel shortness of breath, prolonged coughs may be a harbinger of asthma.”
“Cough may also develop after taking medication”
Explaining that some individuals are also at risk due to their occupations, Uzm. Dr. Zengin said, “It is important that those with allergies and a family history of asthma and those who work professionally in jobs that affect the respiratory tract (hairdressers, painters, cleaners, chemical industry jobs, construction dust exposure, etc.) should consult a physician without neglecting when they have complaints due to the possibility that the cause of cough may be asthma. Some blood pressure medications have the effect of triggering chronic dry cough. Coughs that develop after a newly started medication should also be taken into consideration.”
“Coughs accompanied by wheezing and respiratory distress should be taken into consideration”
Stating that coughs should not be neglected, Uzm. Dr. Zengin said, “In long-term smokers, cough is often attributed to smoking, delaying the physician's referral and wasting time to make a diagnosis. Radiologic imaging should be performed in prolonged coughs with a different course, even if smoking is present. Aspiration-induced coughs that may develop in most elderly patients in need of bed care, with diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia, and coughs due to swallowing difficulties during feeding are also important. Coughs accompanied by wheezing and respiratory distress should be taken into consideration.”
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