Persistent cough? Be alert to these conditions

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Coughing is a common health problem. It usually occurs when the body is trying to clear mucus, dust or foreign objects from the airways. However, if a cough persists and does not improve, greater vigilance is needed, as it may indicate an underlying condition.

A cough caused by flu or a mild respiratory infection will generally improve within a few days to a few weeks. However, a cough lasting more than two weeks, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms, should not be dismissed as an ordinary ailment.

The following are several conditions to be aware of when a cough does not go away.

1. Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis, or TB, is one condition to watch for in cases of a prolonged cough. It is caused by infection with the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most commonly affects the lungs.

One of the main symptoms of pulmonary TB is a cough with phlegm lasting two weeks or more. It may be accompanied by coughing up blood, a prolonged fever, night sweats, weight loss, reduced appetite and fatigue.

TB is also a contagious disease that can spread through the air when someone with active TB coughs, sneezes or speaks.

People with a prolonged cough, particularly if they have these symptoms, are therefore advised to seek care at a health facility promptly.

2. Chronic bronchitis

Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs. It can cause excess mucus production, resulting in a cough with phlegm.

If the inflammation persists over a long period, it can develop into chronic bronchitis. Common factors associated with the condition include smoking and prolonged exposure to air pollution.

People with the condition typically experience recurring phlegmy coughs, shortness of breath, wheezing and chest discomfort.

3. Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. It can trigger recurrent coughing; for some people, coughing is the most prominent symptom.

An asthma-related cough is usually worse at night, towards morning, after exercise, or when exposed to dust or cold air.

Other symptoms include shortness of breath, a tight feeling in the chest, and wheezing or noisy breathing.

4. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs in the lungs. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi.

The disease can cause a phlegmy cough, fever, chills, chest pain when breathing or coughing, and shortness of breath.

In some cases, pneumonia can become serious, particularly in children, older people and those with weakened immune systems.

5. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Not all prolonged coughs originate in the lungs. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also trigger a persistent cough.

GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus. This can cause irritation that triggers the cough reflex.

A GERD-related cough often occurs after eating or when lying down. Other accompanying symptoms can include a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), a sour taste in the mouth and a feeling that something is stuck in the throat.

When should you seek medical advice?

A cough lasting more than two weeks should be checked, particularly if accompanied by a prolonged fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss.

Seek medical attention immediately if a cough is accompanied by blood, chest pain or difficulty breathing. Do not wait for the symptoms to become more severe.

A doctor may carry out a physical examination, test a sputum sample, take a chest X-ray or order other tests, depending on the suspected cause.

It is also important not to take antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription, as not all coughs are caused by bacterial infections.

In short, a prolonged cough should not be ignored. Recognising symptoms early and obtaining the right medical assessment can help prevent a condition from becoming more serious.