Recognizing the Symptoms of Constant Coughing
Constant coughing is defined as a period of two to four weeks where an individual is constantly coughing. Coughing is a reflex of the human body that is intended to keep the body’s airway clear. Common causes of a more persistent coughing can include the common cold, sinusitis, and the flu. More serious conditions, of which constant coughing are symptoms include bronchitis, pneumonia, and whooping cough. This can also be a side effect of some blood pressure medications, including Capoten, Vesotec, and Zestril. If an individual has experienced constant coughing for several weeks, it is imperative that he or she seeks medical attention to eliminate the possibility of more serious underlying causes. In the most serious cases, constant coughing can be indicative of cancer or pulmonary disorders.
However, in almost eighty percent of cases, constant coughing is attributed to nasal or bacterial drainage from the sinus cavities of the head. The drainage runs down the back of an individual’s throat, causing irritation. The type of drainage may be caused by allergies. If so, then an individual needs to remove possible sources of contamination from their surrounding environments. Allergies can provoke sinusitis, which can be the underlying cause of constant coughing. A doctor might recommend that an individual take Sudafed or Centirizene to reduce swelling in the nasal passages. If these medications are not effective, then the doctor will prescribe a prescription level of antibiotics. If allergies are not the root cause of the coughing, it may be due to some type of inflammation or irritation in the lungs.
Generally, constant coughing can be divided into two separate categories. The first category is that of a dry cough. With this type of cough, no mucus or discharge is produced. The second category of cough is that of the wet cough. With this particular type of cough, mucus or phlegm becomes present when a person coughs. However, it may also be heard in the chest or lung region when a person coughs. Determining the type of cough that an individual has can point a doctor in the right direction as to the underlying cause of the cough. It is not uncommon to hear the terms “constant coughing” and “chronic coughing” used interchangeably. However, a chronic cough is generally defined as one that has persisted for more than three months.