6 REASONS WHY YOUR COUGH MAY NOT BE IMPROVING

A cough is the body’s natural defense, helping clear the airways of mucus, irritants, or infections. While it may seem like a minor annoyance, a cough that won’t go away can often signal something more serious than just a passing cold.

Besides being bothersome, it disrupts sleep and causes fatigue, and severe cases may lead to vomiting, dizziness, or fractured ribs.[1] A cough lasting longer than normal warrants careful attention and care.

If this occurs, a persistent cough can significantly disrupt daily life and may indicate underlying health issues. Ignoring a continuous cough can hinder recovery and cause discomfort. It's essential to understand what's really happening inside your body.

That’s why, in this blog, we explore the reasons behind a cough that won't go away. Additionally, we discuss the right cough relief when you’re experiencing cold and flu symptoms, such as Mucinex^® Canada.

Causes of a cough

Coughing can result from infections like the common cold, flu, or pneumonia, which irritate the respiratory tract and activate the body’s defense mechanisms. Medical conditions such as asthma, allergies, acid reflux, and even heart failure can also cause persistent coughing.

Environmental factors, such as smoke, dust, and pollution, often irritate and exacerbate coughing spells. In some cases, certain medications may also cause a lingering cough as a side effect.

Reasons why the cough may not be improving

A cough that doesn’t improve often signals underlying issues that need attention. Some reasons are as follows:

1. Post-nasal drip

Post-nasal drip, also known as upper airway cough syndrome, is a condition characterized by the excessive production of mucus in the nasal lining. This mucus builds up in the back of the nose and slowly drips down into the throat, causing a persistent cough and irritation even when attempts are made to clear it.

2. Asthma

Asthma is a condition characterized by airway inflammation and muscle tightening triggered by irritants, leading to bronchoconstriction and a persistent cough. In its form called cough-variant asthma, the primary symptom is a chronic dry cough, rather than the typical wheezing or shortness of breath.

3. Acid reflux

Acid reflux is a condition where stomach acid and digestive enzymes flow back into the esophagus, irritating the throat and airways. This irritation, along with stimulation of nerves in the esophagus and bronchial tubes, can cause inflammation and a hypersensitive response that prolongs the cough.

4. Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is a condition marked by long-term irritation and inflammation of the airways, usually caused by smoking. This inflammation leads to excessive mucus production, which results in repeated coughing as the body attempts to clear its airways. The ongoing cycle of irritation and mucus buildup leads to a persistent and chronic cough.

5. Lung cancer

Lung cancer can cause a persistent cough by creating ongoing irritation or blockage in the airways. Tumor growth may press against or block parts of the respiratory tract, leading to a persistent cough as the body tries to clear the obstruction.

In some cases, bleeding or inflammation from the cancer further irritates the airways, making the cough chronic and difficult to resolve.

6. Eosinophilic bronchitis

Eosinophilic bronchitis is a condition characterized by the accumulation of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the airways, resulting in inflammation without the typical airway narrowing typically seen in asthma.

This inflammation irritates the cough reflex, causing a persistent and chronic cough. Because eosinophilic activity continues unless treated, the cough remains long-lasting and does not resolve on its own.

Over-the-counter medication

When your cough doesn’t improve and continues to bother you, finding relief becomes crucial. The right treatment can help and loosen stubborn mucus.

Try Mucinex^® Chest Congestion Guaifenesin 600 mg Tablets Expectorant to help effectively tackle coughs and chest congestion, lasting up to 12 hours^*.

This medicine contains Guaifenesin, a key expectorant that thins and loosens mucus, making coughs more productive.

^*600 mg tablets expectorant for the relief of chest congestion due to common colds.

FAQs

Can allergies make my cough last longer?

Yes, allergies can cause a cough to persist by triggering post-nasal drip or irritating the airways, leading to a prolonged cough that may last for weeks, often longer than the usual duration of a cold.

Is it normal for a dry cough to last for weeks?

No, a dry cough that lasts for several weeks isn’t usually normal and often requires medical attention, especially if it persists or is accompanied by symptoms like fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.

Can environmental factors affect how long my cough lasts?

Yes, environmental factors can extend a cough by irritating the airways or worsening underlying conditions such as asthma, allergies, or bronchitis.

Can weather triggers like cold or humidity affect how long my cough lasts?

Yes, weather conditions like cold, dry air, or high humidity can trigger or worsen a cough by irritating and narrowing the airways, weakening the immune system's defenses, or increasing the risk of respiratory infections.