What Your Persistent Winter Cough Means

Persistent or chronic cough can be frustrating to the person suffering from it, and doctors alike. A cough is said to be chronic when it lasts longer than 8 weeks in adults and 4 weeks in children. It can make everyday life difficult and can also lead to pain in the throat and chest. Several reasons can cause a persistent winter cough that does not respond to medication. Let’s understand the causes of chronic cough, followed by some serious health problems that may cause constant coughing.

Common Causes of Persistent Winter Cough

Asthma is one of the common causes of persistent winter cough. Since this condition makes a person sensitive to cold air and irritants, it is possible to have a dry cough present throughout the season. There is also a type of asthma that specifically causes coughing. It is known as cough-variant asthma.

1. Asthma
   Asthma is one of the common causes of persistent winter cough. Since this condition makes a person sensitive to cold air and irritants, it is possible to have a dry cough present throughout the season. There is also a type of asthma that specifically causes coughing. It is known as cough-variant asthma.
2. Bronchitis
   Bronchitis causes inflammation of the airways that can lead to a cough. If a person has chronic bronchitis, they may experience chronic cough all through the season and even beyond that. You must talk to your physician and seek treatment for bronchitis. If you are a smoker, you must quit smoking.
3. After-effects of an infection
   Severe infections such as pneumonia and flu can cause a persistent cough. If you have suffered from any lung-related health problems recently, you may experience a cough for several days afterwards. This lingering cough can also indicate that there may be some infection left in your body, and some medication and care will help you get better.
4. Allergies
   Winter air is dry and carries several allergens with it. If you are allergic to tree pollen, mould, dust mites and other common allergens, you may find yourself with a persistent winter cough. To get help, you must contact an allergy specialist and find out why you have an allergy and how to stay away from the allergens.
5. Postnasal Drip
   Postnasal drip is the mucus dripping down the back of the throat. It irritates the throat and causes a cough that refuses to go away. Your physician may be the right person to tell you how to get rid of a cough.

Some Rare and Serious Causes of Persistent Cough

1. Cystic Fibrosis
   Cystic fibrosis causes a chronic cough because of the excess mucus in the respiratory system. Cystic fibrosis is a life-long condition and needs constant treatment. Your doctor may test you for this condition based on your symptoms and some tests.
2. Lung Cancer
   Persistent coughing may be caused by lung cancer. Although rare, this disease can cause a cough that does not respond to any medication and often causes chest pain and blood in the sputum. If you are worried about your persistent cough, you must talk to your doctor about all the possibilities.
3. Heart Disease
   Sometimes coughing along with shortness of breath may be a symptom of heart disease. This condition is known as cardiac cough. The cough caused by an underlying heart condition gets worse when lying down flat on the back. If you get shortness of breath along with a consistent cough, it might point towards a heart problem. Therefore, you must see your doctor immediately
4. Sarcoidosis
   Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that leads to small lumps in different parts of the body, with the most common affected areas being the lungs, eyes, lymph nodes, and skin. If it affects the lungs, one of its symptoms includes a persistent cough that does not get better with the common treatment. Your doctor may prescribe you a test based on your condition and symptoms.
5. Bronchiolitis
   Bronchiolitis is a viral infection that causes persistent cough in children. This disease causes inflammation of the bronchioles, the small airways in the lungs. The persistent cough caused by Bronchiolitis may be accompanied by a fever. Since it’s a viral disease, you will have to wait for the virus to run its course, but your child’s paediatrician may prescribe medicines to help with the symptoms.

When to See a Doctor

A consistent cough becomes a medical emergency if it is accompanied by some serious symptoms such as:

• a high-grade fever
• blood in sputum
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• night sweats
• appetite loss and weight loss
• coughing up a lot of mucus
• fatigue

Persistent coughing can be irritating and may also get painful after a few days. While your persistent cough may be nothing but an allergic reaction or an irritation to the cold air, you must consult your physician about it. A conversation with your doctor will help you rule out the serious reasons behind a persistent cough, and your doctor may also be able to help you get rid of it.