COUGH LASTING MORE THAN 8 WEEKS
Chronic Cough
A cough lasting more than 8 weeks, often with multiple possible causes including asthma, reflux, postnasal drip, infections or medications. Careful evaluation guides targeted treatment.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Chronic Cough
Chronic cough is defined as a cough that lasts more than 8 weeks in adults. While occasional coughing is a normal protective reflex, persistent coughing can significantly affect sleep, work, social life and emotional well-being. The most common causes in non-smokers are postnasal drip, asthma, acid reflux and certain medications. In smokers, chronic bronchitis and COPD are major contributors. Less commonly, chronic cough can result from infections such as tuberculosis, lung tumours, heart failure or interstitial lung disease. A careful, stepwise evaluation — including detailed history, examination, chest X-ray, lung function tests and other investigations — helps identify the underlying cause. Treatment focuses on the specific cause and is highly effective in most patients. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides systematic chronic cough evaluation and care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Postnasal drip from allergies, sinusitis or chronic rhinitis
- Asthma and other airway diseases
- Acid reflux affecting the airways
- Smoking and chronic bronchitis or COPD
- Certain blood pressure medications
- Lung infections such as tuberculosis
- Less commonly, lung tumours, heart failure or interstitial lung disease
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Detailed history, examination, chest X-ray, spirometry and targeted tests
Postnasal drip, asthma, reflux
Cause-specific therapy gives the best results
Blood in sputum, weight loss, fever, breathlessness or progressive symptoms
Should always be evaluated carefully for lung disease
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Systematic Workup with Cause-Specific Therapy
The most effective approach is a stepwise, systematic workup to identify the underlying cause — postnasal drip, asthma, reflux, smoking-related lung disease or other conditions — followed by targeted, cause-specific therapy. This achieves good control in the majority of patients.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika takes a detailed history, examines the chest and throat and arranges chest X-ray, spirometry and other targeted tests.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created based on the most likely cause, with stepwise trials of treatment and reassessment if needed.
- 3
Medical Management
Cause-specific therapy for postnasal drip, asthma, reflux or other conditions, along with smoking cessation support when applicable.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Regular review to assess response, adjust therapy and refer for further specialist evaluation if needed.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Cause-Specific Therapy
Treatment is directed at the underlying cause — anti-inflammatory therapy for asthma, anti-allergy therapy for postnasal drip, acid-suppression therapy for reflux, etc.
Smoking Cessation Support
Stopping smoking is essential when smoking-related lung disease is contributing to chronic cough.
Review of Medications
Certain medications, particularly some blood pressure medications, can cause persistent cough — adjusting these often resolves the symptom.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Avoiding irritants, managing reflux through diet and posture, and treating allergies all contribute to long-term relief.
Further Specialist Evaluation if Needed (Referral for pulmonology / ENT)
Patients with persistent or unexplained cough may need referral for specialist evaluation, including chest imaging and bronchoscopy in selected cases.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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