If you’re plagued by a persistent cough, it’s not just annoying—it can disrupt your day and even keep you up at night. Though most people associate coughing with a common cold or respiratory infection, there are several other potential culprits. This article explores five common reasons behind a never-ending cough, such as postnasal drip, GERD, and allergies.

Postnasal Drip

When you have a postnasal drip, excess mucus trickles down from your nasal passages into your throat. This irritates your throat and triggers a cough as your body tries to clear the mucus away.

Why does it make you cough? Your body is smart. It wants to get rid of anything that shouldn’t be there. So, when extra mucus dribbles into your throat, your body’s natural response is to cough. In other words, your body is doing its job, but it can certainly make you miserable.

How can you manage it? To combat postnasal drip, you can use saline nasal sprays to moisten your nasal passages. Moreover, drinking plenty of water helps thin the mucus, making it easier for your body to get rid of it. In some cases, antihistamines can help, particularly if allergies are the root cause of your postnasal drip.

Allergies

You might think that allergies are limited to sneezing and itchy eyes, but they can actually make you cough, too. Allergens like dust, pollen, or pet dander in the air can irritate your airways. This irritation prompts your body to cough as a way to clear these particles out.

In people with allergies, the immune system overreacts to harmless substances, treating them as threats. As a result, your body releases chemicals like histamines that can cause inflammation in your airways. Consequently, you end up coughing to remove the irritants.

Asthma

Asthma is another common culprit. Although primarily known for causing shortness of breath, asthma can also cause a persistent cough, especially at night or early morning. Asthma narrows and inflames the airways, which can lead to coughing fits.

How asthma triggers coughing: When your airways become inflamed due to asthma, they become more sensitive to various triggers like cold air, smoke, or exercise. Exposure to these triggers can cause your airways to tighten even more, forcing you to cough as your body tries to open up the airways.

Infections

Bacterial and viral infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and the common cold can be behind your coughing. These infections often come with other symptoms like fever, fatigue, and a runny nose.

Why do infections make you cough? Infections can cause mucus production to go into overdrive, filling up your airways. As a result, your body coughs to expel this excess mucus and make breathing easier.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, the tube connecting your mouth and stomach. While GERD is primarily known for causing heartburn, it can also result in a chronic cough.

How Does GERD cause coughing? When stomach acid enters the esophagus, it can reach your throat and irritate your vocal cords. Consequently, you may find yourself coughing to clear this irritation, especially after meals or when lying down.

Medication

Certain medications, particularly ACE inhibitors used for treating high blood pressure, can have coughing as a side effect.

These medications can cause a buildup of substances like bradykinin in your lungs, which can irritate your airways. Therefore, if you’ve recently started a new medication and notice a persistent cough, consult your healthcare provider to discuss alternative treatment options.

When Should You Be Concerned About Your Cough?

Not all coughs are created equal. Some are merely annoying, while others can be a sign of a severe health issue. You should seek medical advice if:

Your cough lasts longer than three weeks.
You cough up blood or have a high fever.
You experience shortness of breath or chest pain.

These could be indicators of more serious conditions such as pneumonia or even lung cancer. Don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

Further Reading: 10 Ways To Stop Coughing at Night