MURDOCK HEALTH

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Benefits
  • Services
  • Contact/Forms
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Benefits
  • Services
  • Contact/Forms

Should I Be Concerned About a Persistent Cough?

11/27/2016

0 Comments

 
The symptom of cough is one of the primary reasons patients come to see me. It is also one of the most annoying and persistent symptoms for patients and one of the most difficult to treat. Across the United States, evaluation and management of cough can account for up to 40 percent of patient visits to doctor's offices. 

Acute cough, which lasts up to 3 weeks, is most commonly attributed to upper respiratory infection. Other causes include asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and blood clots. Cough that persists beyond 3 weeks but less than 8 weeks is defined as subacute cough. A cough that lasts longer than 8 weeks is defined as a chronic cough. 

Interestingly, patients who go to their doctor for chronic cough are more likely to be female. Women also tend to cough more often and to have heightened cough reflex compared to men. 

The most common causes of chronic cough are upper airway cough syndrome, asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux).

Upper airway cough syndrome is often caused by allergies, post-nasal drip (drainage), runny nose, or sinus issues. Treatment includes addressing the underlying cause including treatment with antihistamines or decongestants. 

Asthma is often associated with night time cough and/or wheezing. Treatment includes inhalers and steroids. 

Gastroesphogeal reflux or acid reflux is often associated with night time symptoms as well and patients often report a sour taste in their mouth in the morning. The cough is typically better during the day. Treatment includes addressing the underlying factors contributing to acid reflux and sometimes reflux medications like Nexium or Pepcid. 

A post-infectious cough is also a common cause of subacute and chronic cough with symptoms often persisting well beyond when other symptoms have resolved. A post-infectious cough may be the cause of subacute cough in half of all cases. 

Other causes include blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors) like Lisinopril, bronchitis, lung disease, or cancer. 

When to be concerned?

Common reasons to be concerned and to consult with your doctor include cough persisting longer than eight weeks, a history of smoking, fever, weight loss, or worsening cough. In general, I recommend getting a chest xray for cough persisting beyond 8 weeks or sooner if there are other warning signs. 

The good news is that upper airway cough syndrome, asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux are responsible for the vast majority of cases of chronic cough. These conditions are very treatable in most cases.

For those with questions or concerns about a persistent cough I advise you to consult with your doctor. I am happy to help as well. 
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Follow Dr. Murdock
    ​BASIC VISIT          $55
    PREMIUM     $45-60/MO
    WEIGHT LOSS          $55
    HCG DIET                $399
    HORMONE VISIT     $55
    XRAY                          $50
    BLOOD WORK          $50
    LACERATION          $150
    STEM CELL             $999
    Testosterone Visit    $55
    Vitamin B12              $25

      GET THE LATEST ARTICLES FOR FREE FROM DR. MURDOCK!

    Subscribe Now!

    Archives

    June 2022
    April 2022
    December 2020
    February 2020
    February 2019
    January 2019
    April 2018
    March 2018
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015

    Categories

    All
    Addiction
    Allergy
    Anxiety
    Appreciation
    Cholesterol
    Coronavirus
    Cough
    Deodorant
    Depression
    Diabetes
    Diet
    Excuses
    Exercise
    Fasting
    Fat
    Fear
    Flu
    Gratefulness
    Health
    HIT
    Hormones
    Keto
    Ketogenic
    Mindset
    Murdock Health Products
    Obamacare
    Plateau
    Sacrifice
    Sinus
    Sprints
    Starvation Mode
    Strength Training
    Testosterone
    Thanksgiving
    Virus
    Vitamin D
    Weight Loss

Services

Weight Loss
Adipex
Diet Pills
Ketogenic Diet
HCG Diet
Cuts
X-ray
Blood work
Physicals (Adult/Sports/Employment)

Murdock health, PLLC

3313 Naaman School Rd. Suite 200
Garland, TX 75040
Phone: (469) 209-5013


Office hours

Open Monday - Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.  Closed Weekends. Just call to get an appointment! 
© COPYRIGHT 2022. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.