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More than 10 population has a chronic cough, with women, particularly post-menopause, more affected
A lingering, chronic cough can strike for all sorts of reasons, from a changing weather virus to something more serious and according to experts, even age and sex play a big role in it. Defined as a cough that lasts more than eight weeks, chronic cough is usually a symptom of another health condition.
According to data, more than 10 per cent of the population has a chronic cough—with women, particularly post-menopause, more affected.
What causes chronic cough in women?
Doctors say in older women, constant coughing may be due to lower levels of the hormone estrogen. Post-menopause, the theory is that the loss of the calming effects of estrogen and the other female hormones somehow makes the cough nerve fibres oversensitive.
Also, estrogen deficiency causes atrophy of vaginal epithelia, reduction or modification in mucus, ciliae, or changes in sensitivity in respiratory tissue—all of which lead to a reduction in lung function and coughing.
Other important causes
The most common chronic cough causes include asthma, postnasal drip, and gastro-oesophageal reflux diseaall of which account for up to 90 per cent of all chronic cough cases. However, not all causes of chronic cough are respiratory.
A few other causes include:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Cancer
- Fungal lung infections
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Non-tuberculosis mycobacteria infection
- Obesity
- Taking ACE inhibitors
- Tuberculosis
- Whooping cough
- Sinus
- Upper respiratory conditions like flu and pneumonia
Ways to treat cough
According to experts, treatment for chronic cough depends on the associated health condition. Your doctors can provide you with a tailored treatment plan based on your unique needs. Possible chronic cough treatments may include:
Decongestants
These help relieve postnasal drip.
Nasal sprays
These are extremely helpful in alleviating sneezing, runny nose, and other allergy symptoms.
Steroids
Steroids help reduce asthma-induced airway inflammation.
Antibiotics
These are used for infections like bacterial pneumonia, sinusitis, or bronchitis.
Changing medications
Whenever you change certain medications or dosages, it leads to coughing so never stop taking a medication without discussing it with your doctor.
Ways to manage the symptoms of a chronic cough
A few ways to relieve the symptoms of chronic cough include:
- Drink lots of water, at least 8-ounce glasses a day
- Gargle twice a day with warm salt water to help remove any mucus
- Avoid inhaling dust, smoke, or other pollutants as much as possible
- Use extra pillows at night to prop up your head and upper body
- Try cough lozenges
- Try over-the-counter cough medicines that contain guaifenesin and dextromethorphan.
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