Chronic Cough

A chronic cough is a cough that lasts for 8 weeks or more. Chronic cough can be troublesome as it can affect daily activities and disrupt sleep.

Common triggers of chronic cough can include the following:

Post-nasal drip
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Acid reflux
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Asthma
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ACE-inhibitors
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Heavy Smoking
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Red flag symptoms that suggest the cough is more serious include the following:

- coughing of blood

- significant weight loss

- night sweats

- breathlessness

Investigations and Management

The lung specialist will take a detailed history and examine you to make a diagnosis. You will then be advised for further investigations such as radiologic imaging (chest X-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scan), breathing tests (known as spirometry) and allergy testing. Depending on the underlying cause of cough, the lung specialist will then be able to prescribe the appropriate treatment to manage the cough.