What to do if the cough doesn’t go away

Self there cough doesn’t go away or shows no sign of decreasing despite all efforts to treat it, it is important to clarify the underlying causes that caused it to find a cure. Persistent cough is, in fact, a frustrating and annoying symptom, which can be caused by a variety of conditions.

Together with Dr. Francesca Caterini, Specialist in Otolaryngology and in Audiology and Phoniatrics of Santagostino, Let’s see what these conditions are, and what to do to remedy them.

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There cough which does not go away despite attempts at treatment it can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, ranging from simple irritation of the respiratory tract to more serious conditions such as infections, allergies or lung disorders.

Cough is a natural reflex of the body which helps clear the airways of mucous, foreign or irritating particles. It is, therefore, a defense mechanism which the body uses to keep the airways clean and free, preventing the accumulation of harmful substances.

When a cough doesn’t go away after a reasonable period of treatment, it’s important ascertain the underlying causesi.e. take a targeted approach to relieve the symptom and treat the underlying condition.

If your cough doesn’t go away despite attempted treatments, a wide range of factors may be at the root underlying conditions, ranging from the mildest to the most severe. Some of the most common causes include in addition to respiratory infections as the cold common, theinfluence or the bronchitisother possible causes may include:

It is important to consult a doctor if the cough persists for a long time or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, respiratory difficultiesblood in sputum or weight loss unintentional.

Let’s look at some examples of specific causes of persistent cough.

Self the cough doesn’t go awayantibiotic, you may need to look more closely at the underlying cause. While antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections, they have no effect on viral infections which are often responsible for flu-like symptoms.

Additionally, some types of persistent cough can be caused by non-infectious conditions such as allergies or asthma, which require specific treatments other than antibiotics.

The cortisone is a steroid drug often prescribed for reduce theinflammation and relieve symptoms associated with conditions such as asthma or respiratory allergies. However, if the cough persists despite the use of cortisone, there could be several reasons.

First, it could be that the cough is caused by a condition that does not respond well to treatment with corticosteroids, as a’viral infection or a non-inflammatory condition such as gastroesophageal reflux.

In these cases, cortisone can not be effective in treating the underlying cause of the cough or even can promote gastroesophageal reflux and therefore be responsible for the persistence of the symptom.

Second, you may need a dosage adjustment or a change in the type of corticosteroid used. Each individual may respond differently to medications, so it is important for your doctor to carefully evaluate your situation and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment.

Finally, persistent cough could be due to one more complex or serious condition which requires a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach.

After contracting the COVID-19, the cough may persist for several weeks or even months. This phenomenon, known as post-Covid cough and can be caused by residual lung inflammation or persistent lung damage.

Even after passing theinfluence, the cough may persist for some time. This is due to the damage to the respiratory tract caused by viral infection. In some cases, persistent cough after the flu may indicate asecondary infection or another underlying condition, such as bronchitis or bacterial pneumonia.

If the cough doesn’t go away despite attempts at treatment, it is advisable to follow some suggestions to manage it effectively:

• consult a doctor: especially if the cough does not go away after a week or is accompanied by other worrying symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, purulent or blood-streaked sputum or finally unintentional weight loss
• follow the treatment plan: to make sure to carefully follow the therapeutic indications. Changes in dosage or type of treatment may be necessary to effectively manage cough.
• reduce exposure to factors that can irritate the respiratory tract, such as cigarette smoke, air pollution or chemical irritants
• maintain adequate hydration drinking plenty of water and hot liquids such as herbal teas or broths. Hydration can help thin mucus and reducethroat irritation
• use a room humidifier: this can help relieve nighttime coughs and improve sleeping comfort
• some home remedies as milk and honeyor honey and lemon, honey and ginger tea, or gargling with salt water may offer temporary relief.

If the cough persists despite these suggestions or if it becomes more severe, it is advisable to consult your doctor again for further evaluation and appropriate treatment.

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Persistent cough can be symptom of even serious conditions. Must be carefully monitored in case of extended duration: particularly if it persists for more than 3 weeks, it is advisable to consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation of the underlying cause.

Additionally, it is important to seek immediate medical attention if you witness a worsening of cough in the presence of symptoms such as:

• fever
• respiratory difficulties
• chest pain
• blood in sputum
• unintentional weight loss
• fatigue.

Other symptoms associated with persistent cough that may indicate a serious condition also include: