Coughing is very common among people. It indicates that there is some
problem in the respiratory system. It can be happened due to viruses
or germs, smoking, air pollution, dust, passive smoking or a simple
thing that irritates your respiratory tract.
One of the common cause of constant cough is post-nasal drip, where
nasal secretion drops down from posterior nares over the laryngeal
inlet and initiates cough. Asthma is another cause of chronic cough.
While bacteria and viruses can cause a few symptoms, chronic lung
disease can also cause chronic cough. GORD ( Gastro Oesophaseal
Reflux Diseases) needs to be addressed for chronic cough.
Acute cough, sub-acute cough, and chronic cough
Doctors describe the symptoms of coughing differently. If it has been
present for less than three weeks, they mention it as acute. Bacteria
or viruses can cause respiratory infection or dust and foreign
substances can cause bronchitis.
In some cases, they prescribe it as a sub-acute cough. A sub-acute
cough may hang on a little longer upto eight weeks and it can be
caused by an infection or may be the sequale of acute infection.
The last one which persists beyond eight weeks they describe it as
chronic. This can be created by chronic infections such as
tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, or a tumor, grown on the airway
surface. Asthma can be a significant cause of chronic cough.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD is a chronic disease with
symptoms like hoarseness, laryngitis, chronic dry cough, and a
feeling of irritation in the throat. Some contagious diseases other
than Tuberculosis can cause chronic symptoms. Whooping cough is a
disease that can cause coughing for many weeks. Lung inflammation,
sleep apnea, medicine side effects, allergies are some causes of
chronic cough.
Acute coughs can be infectious and
noninfectious.
Infectious causes include:
Viral upper respiratory infections (the common cold) Acute bronchitis
Sinus
infections
Pneumonia Croup in infants Whooping cough
Noninfectious causes include:
Chronic lung conditions such as chronic bronchitis Emphysema, asthma
Environmental
allergies
Asthma
Asthma is very common among people of any age. This results in
difficulties in breathing and triggers to coughing, wheezing and
shortness of breath. Frequent coughing at night can be a sign of
asthma. It is swelling and constriction of the inhalation tubes in
the lungs. While some experience dry and nonproductive cough, some
may experience shortness or difficulty in breathing, a feeling of
tightness in the chest, and wheezing sound while exhaling. Smoking,
obesity, and pollution can adverse the condition.
Asthma symptoms can be controlled by the right diagnosis and
medications. You must visit your doctor to track your symptoms and
get the treatment as needed. You should visit your specialist if a
cough hangs back for more than two weeks and comes repeatedly
throughout the year.
If you are looking for the best Asthma treatment at south Kolkata,
visit Dr. Amitabha Saha, specialized in diagnosing and treating
adult ailments including various types of coughs, asthma and COPD. He
is a specialist in critical care medicine and Internal medicine in
South Kolkata and an experienced doctor for the following diseases:
Acute respiratory infections and asthma Bronchitis and pneumonia
Diabetes, high blood cholesterol, and triglycerides Anemia
Hypertension or high blood pressure Kidney diseases
Chronic abdominal diseases and many Chronic acidity
Chronic constipation Incontinance of Urine Urgency of Urine
What is cough etiquette or respiratory hygiene?
Cough etiquette or respiratory hygiene is a course of action to
prevent the spread of respiratory illness to others. As we do not
always know which infection is contagious and which is not,
therefore, cough etiquette is very important to protect you from
illnesses and to prevent others. Using disposal tissues, washing
hands after coughing and sneezing, using masks, and spreading
awareness are some cough management etiquettes. Visit Dr. Amitabha
Saha for the best Cough management at Kolkata. Keep yourself
healthy and free from respiratory infections with this renowned and
experienced physician. For appointments and other details, visit the
website.
