“If the reflux is the cause of your cough, treating the reflux should stop the cough,” says Puneet Patni, M.D., a specialist in Pulmonary Medicine at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. “The type of cough you have may determine your disorder.”
For example, he says, if you are extremely short of breath and coughing up thick mucus, then you may have pulmonary edema or fluid in the lungs. Cough-like symptoms may last long after the common cold has disappeared.
However, if cough suppressants are not reducing the frequency of your cough, then a cold may not be the cause of your cough. An acute cough, most often found with a cold or flu, usually lasts no more than two to three weeks. A chronic cough is generally associated with smoking, asthma, allergies or gastro esophageal reflux.
Dr. Patni recommends seeing your doctor to uncover the cause of your persistent cough. They may order a chest X-ray to help uncover the cause. Lung function testing, or a breathing test, may be performed to examine your lungs to search for other causes.
“As uncomfortable as it may be, coughing can help your body heal after a cold. Coughing is a natural reflex that keeps your airways clear so you can breathe normally,” adds Dr. Patni. “However, if your cough does not go away after three weeks, get medical attention. Your doctor can prescribe medicine to relieve your symptoms. Be sure to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids,” concludes Dr. Patni.
