Is a chronic cough something to worry about

"For many people, a chronic cough – one lasting eight weeks or longer – is much more than an annoyance. In addition to being physically draining, a cough that hangs on for months can ruin your sleep, and leave you feeling angry and frustrated," says Keith Krawiec, MD, an internal medicine specialist with Baptist Medical Associates.

It’s important to investigate any cough that doesn’t go away. A cough that persists for long periods of time is usually the result of an underlying problem, such as:

• Postnasal drip. Excess mucus, commonly called postnasal drip, can cause irritation and inflammation that trigger coughing.
• Asthma. This is a common cause of chronic cough in adults and the leading cause in children.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The constant irritation in your esophagus, throat and even your lungs can lead to chronic coughing.
• Respiratory tract infection. A cough can linger long after most symptoms of a cold, flu or pneumonia have gone away.
• Lung cancer. A small percentage of people with a chronic cough have lung cancer, and most are current or former smokers.
• Blood pressure drugs. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and heart failure, are known to cause chronic cough in about 20 percent of the people taking them.
• Chronic bronchitis. Because most people with chronic bronchitis are current or former smokers, the cough is usually a sign of damage to the lungs and airways.

"See your doctor if you have a cough that lingers, especially one that brings up sputum or blood, disturbs your sleep or affects your work or relationships," Dr. Krawiec advises.