ENT Specialists of Alaska

ENT Specialists of Alaska

Persistent Cough

Because coughs are triggered by a tickle or irritation in the back of your throat, they can be caused by a number of things, from allergies to the common cold. But if your cough is lingering for 4 weeks or longer, you should come in for an evaluation. Persistent coughs can be a sign of other underlying health conditions. Plus, constantly coughing can cause headaches, dizziness, vomiting, and even fractured ribs.

What Can a Persistent or Chronic Cough Be a Sign Of?

Older man experiencing chronic coughing.

Coughs can linger for a number of reasons, including:

  • Post-nasal drip from allergies, a cold, or sinus infection
  • A dry or hoarse throat
  • Exposure to chemicals from vaping, tobacco use, or toxins in the air
  • Acid reflux
  • Asthma or other chronic breathing problems that cause wheezing
  • Upper respiratory infections

Chronic coughs can also be caused by:

  • Heart failure
  • Damage to the voice box
  • Certain throat and oral cancers
  • Medications
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 
  • Chronic bronchitis
  • Emphysema
  • Infections such as whooping cough or tuberculosis

This is not a complete list, and to uncover the cause of your cough, we’ll need to conduct a complete medical history.

How Do I Know If My Cough Is Serious?

If your cough is lingering for more than 4 weeks, you should get it checked out, especially if you are coughing up blood or you’re in a high-risk group for more serious conditions.

Persistent coughs should be evaluated. Call Us

Call Us 844-436-1368