How to Treat Persistent Cough That Wont Go Away?

In cases of persistent coughing that does not improve, patients should stop taking antibiotics and investigate the underlying cause of the condition. Treatment should then be tailored to the specific cause. For infectious coughs, anti-inflammatory and antitussive medications, such as Asmeton, can be prescribed. For cough variant asthma, beta-agonists may be used. For nasal congestion leading to persistent coughing, sinus drainage techniques can be employed to reduce secretions in the nasal cavity.

1. Infectious Cough: This type of cough is caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and mycoplasma. The infection damages the airway mucosa, exposing underlying nerves and leading to airway hyperreactivity. Stimuli that do not normally cause coughing can trigger coughing in these patients. Such coughs often resolve spontaneously without medication, typically within 4-8 weeks. Antibiotics are not necessary as the pathogens have been cleared. If coughing significantly impacts quality of life, antitussive medications such as Asmeton or Xikeqi can be prescribed.

2. Cough Variant Asthma: This condition is characterized by airway hyperreactivity due to allergies. Patients are advised to inhale corticosteroids and beta-agonists, such as Symbicort or Seretide.

3. Rhinitis and Postnasal Drip Syndrome: In patients with rhinitis, inflammatory secretions accumulate in the sinuses. When patients lie down, these secretions flow into the throat, stimulating the posterior pharyngeal wall and causing coughing. Treatment involves active anti-inflammatory measures and promoting sinus drainage to significantly improve coughing symptoms.

4. Gastroesophageal Reflux: In this condition, stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus, stimulating cough receptors and causing chronic coughing. Patients are advised to take acid-suppressing medications and gastric motility enhancers, which can significantly reduce coughing.