Causes of chronic cough: Top do’s and don’ts

Do’s and Don’ts of Chronic Cough

It’s time for your cough to back off. This is possible through smart and effective management of chronic cough.

Chronic cough is a persistent cough that lasts eight weeks or more. It can be annoying and can affect your sleep, leaving you exhausted.⁷³

Causes of continuous cough.

Main causes include:

Postnasal drip
Asthma
Gastroesophageal reflux.

Other causes include:

Infections (whooping cough)
Blood pressure drugs
Chronic bronchitis.⁷³
Smoking is a major risk factor for chronic bronchitis.⁷⁴
During their lifetime, over 40% of smokers develop chronic bronchitis.⁷⁵

Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts to
control your chronic cough

Do's

Keep a diary of how often you cough during the day and what triggers it⁷³

Try the Hold, Blow, Sip, Swallow technique⁷³ Identify the sensations in your throat just before you start coughing (scratching, tickling, catching or a “closing” sensation).

Hold your breath for a count to five
Blow the air out of your mouth as if blowing candles
Sip some water
Swallow while tucking your chin down towards your chest

Sip water every 15 minutes to keep your throat moist. This will soothe the voice box and help thin out the mucus that builds up in the throat.⁷³

Don't

Don’t be exposed to allergens (e.g. dust, pollen, or animal fur)⁷³

Don’t smoke ⁷³

Don't drink fizzy or caffeinated beverages to avoid acid reflux that causes cough⁷⁶