Persistent Cough: Causes and How to Treat It
Although it is not an illness that will leave you unable to carry out your activities, a cough that never goes away is certainly very disruptive to your daily activities.
Its persistence is sure to disrupt your sleep quality and limit your ability to perform tasks that you can usually do smoothly.
What is really at the root of this problem, and are there specific steps you can take to address it? Here is the explanation:
What Causes a Cough That Never Goes Away?
An adult is considered to have a cough that never goes away if the cough has persisted for eight weeks.[1]
This cough you are experiencing is not an illness, but rather a symptom of an illness whose onset or recurrence you may not have yet realized.
Here are some of the most common illnesses that cause a cough that never goes away:
1. Asthma

If you have a history of asthma, airways swollen due to an asthma flare-up could be the cause.
You should know that an asthma flare-up is not always accompanied by wheezing, so its onset can indeed be unexpected.[2]
Swollen airways during asthma cause the cells around the swollen area to produce thick mucus to help keep air flowing in. This discomfort will force you to cough.
2. Allergies

A cough that never goes away can also be triggered by seasonal allergies, especially if you are quite sensitive to mold, dust, pollen, or pet dander.
If your cough is caused by this, you will also experience allergy symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, itchy skin and eyes, and a stuffy nose.
As long as the root cause of your allergy has not been addressed, you will continue to cough.
3. Acid Reflux or GERD

Based on available data, it is known that around 25% of cases of persistent or non-resolving cough are caused by GERD.
This cough caused by GERD occurs due to microaspiration, where fluid moves into the respiratory tract because stomach acid rises into the esophagus.[3]
4. Postnasal Drip

Postnasal Drip is a scenario where excessive mucus accumulates and feels stuck at the back of the throat. This is caused by the continuous production of mucus from the glands in the nose and throat.
As a result, the throat becomes uncomfortable and itchy because of the mucus clinging to the area.
In addition to the four common illnesses above, chronic diseases such as bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, and lung cancer can also be contributing factors.
To truly understand the root cause of your symptoms, it is very important to take a moment to undergo a thorough medical examination.
How to Relieve a Cough
If you have not yet had the opportunity or time to get medical treatment, here are some steps you can take yourself:
1. Drink Plenty of Warm Water

The coughing reflex is usually caused by discomfort in the throat due to mucus buildup. Drinking warm water can help thin this bothersome mucus.
Avoid drinks containing caffeine such as coffee, as they can cause throat dehydration.
In addition, avoid drinks containing sugar because sugar is a favorite food for bacteria that can cause an itchy throat.
2. Suck on Lozenges

Sucking on candies will help you produce more saliva, which is good for hydrating a dry throat.
When choosing candies, avoid those with sweeteners and opt for candies containing menthol, which can reduce the sensitivity of the cough reflex.
3. Drink Pure Honey
Sweetener- and colorant-free honey has been proven to reduce the frequency of coughing, so you can use it as an alternative for a cough that never goes away.[4]
Consuming it can help soothe the throat and coat the cough receptors in the throat.
As a natural alternative, honey can also serve as a substitute for antibiotics in the treatment of acute cough.[5]
4. Humidify the Air with a Humidifier

Dry air can irritate the throat and make your cough worse. Therefore, it is important to maintain room humidity, one way by using a humidifier.
The steam from this humidifier will help maintain air humidity, so the throat will feel more comfortable.
5. Inhale Steam

An itchy throat and a cough that never goes away can be relieved by inhaling hot steam.
Through this process, the hot steam entering the respiratory tract will help relieve irritation and swelling. In addition, hot steam also helps loosen mucus, making it easier for you to expel.
What is the medicine for a cough that never goes away? In addition to the steps above, you can also try reducing the intensity of the cough by consuming Sido Muncul Tolak Angin Batuk as home care.
However, a cough that never goes awayshould be examined by a doctor immediately. This way, you can promptly receive the right treatment, so you can get back to living your day to the fullest.
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