I keep coughing and don’t know what’s going on

I Keep Coughing and Don't Know What's Going on

Coughing is a common symptom of many different conditions, ranging from the common cold to more serious illnesses like pneumonia. While most coughs will go away on their own within a few weeks, some can linger for months or even years. If you have a cough that doesn't seem to be getting better, it's important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Causes of Coughing

There are many different things that can cause coughing, including:

Viral infections: The most common cause of coughing is a viral infection, such as the common cold or flu. These viruses can irritate the throat and airways, causing inflammation and coughing.

Bacterial infections: Bacterial infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, can also cause coughing. These infections can cause the lungs to fill with fluid or mucus, which can irritate the airways and lead to coughing.

Allergies: Allergies can also cause coughing. When you're exposed to an allergen, your body produces antibodies that can trigger inflammation in the airways. This inflammation can cause coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose.

Asthma: Asthma is a chronic condition that causes the airways to become inflamed and narrow. This can make it difficult to breathe and can lead to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

COPD: COPD is a group of lung diseases that cause the airways to become damaged and narrowed. This can make it difficult to breathe and can lead to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

GERD: GERD is a condition in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. This can irritate the esophagus and throat, causing coughing.

Medications: Some medications, such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, can cause coughing as a side effect.

When to See a Doctor

Most coughs will go away on their own within a few weeks. However, it's important to see a doctor if your cough:

Doesn't improve after two weeks

Is severe or persistent

Is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain

Is accompanied by blood or mucus

Is worse at night or when you're lying down

Diagnosis

Your doctor will likely ask you about your symptoms and medical history. They may also perform a physical exam and listen to your lungs. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may order one or more of the following tests:

Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can help your doctor see if there is any fluid or infection in your lungs.

Pulmonary function test: A pulmonary function test can measure how well your lungs are working.

Allergy test: An allergy test can help your doctor determine if you have any allergies that are causing your cough.

Treatment

The treatment for coughing will depend on the underlying cause. For example, if your cough is caused by a viral infection, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter cough suppressants or decongestants. If your cough is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If your cough is caused by allergies, your doctor may recommend allergy medications or immunotherapy.

Prevention

There are a few things you can do to help prevent coughing, including:

Wash your hands frequently: This will help to prevent the spread of germs that can cause coughing.

Avoid exposure to allergens: If you know you're allergic to something, try to avoid exposure to it as much as possible.

Get vaccinated: Getting vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia can help to prevent these infections, which can lead to coughing.

Quit smoking: Smoking can damage the lungs and make you more likely to develop coughing.

See your doctor regularly: If you have a chronic condition that can cause coughing, such as asthma or COPD, see your doctor regularly for checkups and treatment.

Coughing is a common symptom of many different conditions. While most coughs will go away on their own within a few weeks, it's important to see a doctor if your cough is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms. Your doctor can help to diagnose the cause of your cough and recommend the best course of treatment.

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