Overview
“Why am I coughing so much without being sick?” occasional coughing is a normal body reaction to clear irritants and secretions from the lungs. However, if you have a cough that persists over two weeks, a medical problem is usually the cause. Lung infections, allergies, asthma, and medical conditions are common culprits. Treating the underlying cause can improve the cough, but prescription medications and over-the-counter treatments are primarily used. Keep reading to learn more about the causes of chronic cough and how to treat a cough that does not go away.
Why am I coughing so much but not sick?
Various underlying conditions can cause a chronic cough. If your cough is persistent and not go away even after three weeks, possible causes may be
Asthma
Asthma-related cough is triggered by triggers such as pollutants, pollen, chemicals, fragrances, or food-related irritants. These attacks are accompanied by wheezing, chest pain and tightness, shortness of breath, and chronic cough. It worsens with seasons, day or night, cold temperatures, or movement.
Dr. Andrew Mclvor, professor of medicine at McMaster University and works at Firestone Institute of Respiratory Health in Hamilton, Ontario, shares on chronic cough,
“Cough can cause headaches; people can cough until they pass out, and they can cough until they sometimes crack a rib, although that’s very rare. But the good news is the lungs are usually not damaged by the cough or because of the cough.”
Infection and inflammation
Respiratory infections, especially in the upper respiratory system, can inflame your airways, making them hyperreactive and sensitive. The cough can linger even after the symptoms of infection, such as pneumonia or influenza, have cleared. It is also called post-infectious or post-viral cough. You will have a cough but no sickness symptoms, which can last for three to eight weeks.
Whooping cough (pertussis)
A common but underdiagnosed cause of cough without being sick is pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. This chronic cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria and can have symptoms like slight fever and runny nose. Whooping cough is commonly known as “100-day cough”, as it starts from 1-2 weeks and can gradually get worse.
Tuberculosis (TB)
Cough due to TB can last for several weeks to months, even after multiple drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) treatments. It produces a wheezing sound and can scar the throat and lungs. The chronic cough is accompanied by high temperatures, fatigue, and weight loss.
Lung cancer
Lung cancer can result in a dry cough that comes with spasms. It feels like you may have to clear your throat frequently. It can be long-standing and lead to bloody or rust-colored mucus production. Lung cancer symptoms include breathlessness, tiredness, chronic cough, chest infections, wheezing, hoarseness, and facial and neck swelling.
Postnasal drip
When your nose or sinuses produce extra mucus, it can drip down the back of your throat, known as postnasal drip. It can irritate your throat and make you cough without being sick. You may also experience,
- Persistent cough
- A sensation of something dripping down your throat
- Frequently clearing your throat
- Cough worsening during nighttime
- Nasal discharge
- Hoarse voice
Medications
Some medications can dry your throat and cause a cough that will not go away in the duration you take them. A common example is angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors that are prescribed for blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. These medications can make you cough persistently without sickness or allergies.
According to a study, ACE inhibitor cough can appear within hours of the dose and can last one week to three months after resolution of therapy. You should contact your healthcare provider immedietly if you are experiencing any side effects of medication.
Other medications, such as nitrates for chest pain, calcium channel blockers for blood pressure, and sitagliptin for diabetes, can also cause persistent coughs.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
COPD is a group of lung diseases, including chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive asthma, and emphysema. It can irritate the lungs and cause the body to produce too much mucous, which causes coughing to clear the mucous.
The cough can persist over a few weeks and lead to breathing difficulties. If left untreated, COPD can become life-threatening.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
GERD or acid reflux makes stomach acid flow back into the esophagus (tube connecting stomach and throat). It can irritate your throat and lead to chronic coughing. The cough can further worsen GERD, starting a continuous cycle.
Smoking
People who smoke can often develop a cough that won’t go away. It is the body’s natural response to get rid of the tobacco, irritants, or pollutants from the airways and lungs. A smoker’s cough can begin as a dry cough but later develop into a wet one due to phlegm production. A 2016 research found that 47.7% of people with chronic cough were smokers.
How can I stop coughing so much?
If you have a cough that won’t go away without being sick, determining the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment. Your doctor may prescribe medications and inhalers to control the symptoms.
For smokers, it is recommended to quit or at least reduce smoking to speed up the recovery process. If medications are responsible for your persistent cough, your healthcare provider will prescribe a suitable alternative that doesn’t have a cough as a side effect.
Prescription Medication
- Antihistamines are prescribed for allergic reactions and controlling asthma triggers.
- Corticosteroids and decongestants are also prescribed for nasal congestion and stuffy nose.
- For asthma and COPD, bronchodilators and combination inhalers such as Fluticasone/salmeterol and fluticasone propionate inhalers are prescribed to reduce inhalers and open up the airways.
- Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and azithromycin are prescribed for bacterial infections and whooping cough.
- Antibiotic treatment for TB can last more than 6 months, depending on the patient’s condition.
- Acyclovir and famciclovir antivirals are given in case of persistent cough due to viral infections.
- Antifungals such as flucytosine and itraconazole may be prescribed for fungal infections.
- For GERD and acid reflux, antacids like omeprazole and esomeprazole are prescribed.
- Nasal sprays are commonly given for postnasal drip.
- Chemo and radiation therapy for lung cancer.
Over the counter Medications
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can be obtained over the counter for mild inflammation and pain. Pain relievers and antacids can also be used to relieve headaches, body aches, and digestive problems.
Home Remedies
If your cough is not going away, you can try home remedies to get temporary relief and speed up recovery. You will still need proper medical treatment to cure the underlying health conditions. Some remedies you can try for chronic cough are
- Warm drinks and teas
- Honey for mucus secretions
- Humidifier for dry throat
- Expectorants for thin mucus
- Cough suppressants
- Avoid smoking and limit your exposure to irritants
- Cough drop and hard candy can soothe irritated throat
- Keep yourself hydrated and drink plenty of water
How do I know if my cough is serious?
If your cough produces phlegm or mucus, especially if it’s yellowish-green or bloody, it could signal an underlying infection, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. Blood while coughing can also be a sign of tuberculosis or lung cancer. Wheezing sounds, violent coughing episodes, fever, chest or throat pain, or a cough that does not go away after a few weeks may be caused by lung conditions.
Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, and numbness, as it could be a life-threatening allergic reaction or a condition such as a heart attack.
When to consult a doctor?
If you cough without being sick, it should go away within 1-2 weeks or with mild treatment. If your symptoms are worsening and you are experiencing digestive problems, coughing fits after a meal, a cough that worsens during the day or night, night sweats, fever, chest pain, or breathing difficulties, you should contact your doctor.
FAQs about cough that wont go away
A persistent cough, cough with discolored or bloody sputum or phlegm, or wheezing or whistling sound when coughing could indicate a severe underlying condition. Respiratory infections, GERD, asthma, and allergic reactions are typically responsible for them.
Coughing fits at night could disturb your sleep and night-time routine. It could worsen due to sleeping position, air quality in the room, being exposed to dust, pollen, bed mites, or lint. Sleeping with your head raised, in clean bedding and room, and drinking something soothing can help improve nighttime cough.
