Chronic cough

Overview

What is chronic cough?

A cough that lasts beyond the occasional irritation of a cold or flu can raise concern. When it lingers for more than eight weeks in adults or four weeks in children it is considered chronic. Unlike a short-lived cough that clears once the infection passes, a chronic cough often signals an underlying health issue that needs attention. It is not a disease in itself but rather a symptom, a persistent warning from the body that something is off.

Possible Causes

What causes chronic cough?

There isn’t a single explanation for chronic cough; instead, several conditions may trigger it. Common culprits include asthma, postnasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and long-term respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis. Infections that damage airways can also leave a lingering cough even after recovery. Medications like ACE inhibitors often prescribed for high blood pressure have been linked to persistent coughing in some patients.

Environmental factors matter, too. In Nairobi, as in many growing African cities, rising air pollution and exposure to smoke from biomass fuels increase the burden of respiratory problems. A persistent cough in such settings may not just be an inconvenience it can be a sign that the lungs are constantly battling irritants.

Care and Treatment

How is chronic cough treated?

Treatment depends entirely on the cause. The goal is not simply to silence the cough but to resolve what is driving it. That means a healthcare provider will first try to identify the source through medical history, examinations, and tests.

Medicines

In cases linked to asthma, inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators may ease airway inflammation. For GERD-related cough, acid-suppressing medicines help reduce reflux that irritates the throat. If postnasal drip is at fault, antihistamines or decongestants may bring relief. When medications like ACE inhibitors are the problem, a change in prescription might be all it takes to stop the cough.

Lifestyle changes

Sometimes, simple shifts in daily habits make a difference. Quitting smoking is one of the most powerful steps anyone with chronic cough can take, as tobacco smoke directly damages lung tissue. Reducing exposure to air pollutants, dust, and strong fumes also matters. For those with reflux-related cough, adjusting meal sizes, avoiding late-night eating, and elevating the head while sleeping can be surprisingly effective.

What happens if chronic cough goes untreated?

Ignoring a chronic cough can be risky. Over time, persistent coughing may cause physical complications such as exhaustion, fractured ribs, or disrupted sleep. More importantly, untreated cough may mask a serious condition, delaying treatment that could prevent long-term damage. For instance, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or even early-stage lung cancer can initially present with an ongoing cough.

Can chronic cough be prevented?

Not all cases are preventable, but risk can be reduced. Staying away from smoke, pollutants, and allergens lowers exposure to irritants. Vaccinations against respiratory infections, such as influenza and whooping cough, also help by protecting the lungs from illnesses that often trigger prolonged coughing spells. Maintaining good hydration keeps the airways moist and less prone to irritation, while seeking medical advice early can prevent minor issues from developing into chronic problems.

When To Call the Doctor

When should chronic cough be treated by a doctor or healthcare provider?

A cough that won’t go away deserves professional attention. If it lasts more than eight weeks, or comes with troubling symptoms like coughing up blood, chest pain, fever, unexplained weight loss, or shortness of breath, medical evaluation should not be delayed. Children with a cough persisting for more than four weeks also require assessment. Timely consultation can make the difference between quick recovery and progression into something more severe.

Published 25th Sept 2025

References

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