Our expert physicians specialize in the treatment of allergy, food allergy, asthma, and sinus problems, as well as other conditions, such as hay fever, hives, eczema, contact dermatitis, insect allergies, drug reactions, anaphylaxis, and immune deficiency conditions.
Children and adults can cough several times a day and have coughing episodes lasting up to a couple of weeks if they have a viral infection. However, coughing that lasts more than two to three weeks should prompt a visit to your physician.
Causes of chronic cough can include:
Asthma - People with asthma have inflamed or swollen airways, which commonly cause wheezing and shortness of breath. Sometimes the only symptom is a cough that is made worse by viral infections, is worse while you are asleep, or may be triggered by exercise and cold air.
Nasal and Sinus Disease - Postnasal drip or a sinus infection (sinusitis) can produce chronic cough. Usually other symptoms are present, but sometimes the only symptom you notice is the cough.
Stomach and Esophageal Causes of Cough - In some people, the cause of chronic cough is stomach fluid moving back up the throat. This is called "reflux" and may occur silently without heartburn. Some people may develop a hoarse voice and/or choking as symptoms.
Post-Viral Cough - After having a viral respiratory infection, otherwise healthy people can have a cough lasting for weeks to even months. There is no specific therapy for this cough, which eventually goes away.
Bacterial Infection of the Lower Airway - While the large majority of cases of bronchitis are viral in nature, a bacteria sometimes can infect the lower airways and cause irritation and cough.
Inhaled Foreign Body - Foreign bodies, such as toys and food, can be accidentally inhaled at any age, but most commonly occurs at ages two to four years. It can cause a cough to persist for many weeks to months until it is discovered.
“Habit Cough - This is a persistent cough of childhood that has no clear physical cause. It occasionally persists after a simple viral respiratory infection. The cough is typically dry and repetitive or is a "honking" cough. Habit cough usually occurs only when your child is awake, not sleeping. A neuromuscular tic can also cause this kind of cough.
Irritant Cough - Exposure to tobacco smoke and other pollutants (smoke and exhaust from wood burning, air pollution and exhaust from vehicles) can lead to cough and may worsen the cough associated with asthma or rhinitis.
