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Chronic cough: common diseases of the respiratory system (P2)

Chronic cough: common diseases of the respiratory system (P2)

Edited by: TOP DOCTORS® at 01/04/2023

Dr. Abraham Ali Munive

There are serious and in some cases fatal diseases, which can start with cough : lung cancer and interstitial lung disease. Pneumology helps to have a timely diagnosis and allows to give the appropriate treatment to avoid the progression of the disease.

After exhausting the diagnostic means and having no cause, it can be said that the cough is of psychogenic origin, that is to say, a habit or simply the respiratory manifestation of a nervous tic.

The causes that can generate cough, are multiple and therefore the expert must realize an evaluation of all the corporal systems to find the diagnosis. Do not focus only on the respiratory system. It is necessary for the physician to establish cough severity, cough impact on quality of life, frequency, schedule, periodicity and accompanying symptoms. Another factor that makes the difference is to know if the cough is acute, short-lived, subacute, between one and three weeks or chronic.

Treatment and prevention of chronic cough

People who have decreased defenses and therefore predispose themselves to infections are more likely to suffer from chronic cough. Also those who have bad eating habits, are overweight or smoke, are at increased risk.

Treatment will vary according to diagnosis. Because of the multiple origin of the cough, it is necessary to alert health personnel and patients to the need to expand the study of cough and to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. They should not be treated with antitussives, in some cases they can be harmful because they do not allow to eliminate the infected secretions.

Cough can be prevented with good eating habits and hygienic measures. This results in frequent washing of hands, use of masks in unfavorable conditions for people with influenza pictures, avoiding situations that favor gastroesophageal reflux and not smoking or exposing to unhealthy environments.

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