We’ve all had a cough that lingers after a cold or flu, but what if it just doesn’t stop?
We call it a chronic cough when it lasts longer than eight weeks, and while it may feel like just an annoyance, it can point to something happening underneath the surface. Let’s talk through the most common reasons for a long-lasting cough, what treatments look like, and even some new therapies that are on the horizon.
The Usual Suspects
One of the top culprits is postnasal drip, sometimes called upper airway cough syndrome. This happens when mucus from your nose or sinuses slides down the back of your throat. That constant “drip” tickles your airway and triggers coughing.
Another big one is acid reflux. You may think of reflux as heartburn, but stomach acid can also reach the throat and voice box. When that happens—known as LPR—it irritates the airway, leaving you with a stubborn cough, hoarseness, or the need to constantly clear your throat.
Allergies can also keep a cough going. Pollen, dust, pet dander—your body reacts to these by inflaming the airways, and your cough reflex never takes a break.
Finally, there’s cough-variant asthma. Unlike the classic wheezing form of asthma, this one shows up almost entirely as a nagging cough. It can be tricky to catch without special breathing tests.
Other Reasons Your Cough Might Linger
Sometimes a cough hangs around after a bad infection. We call this a post-infectious cough, and it can stick around for weeks even after you’ve otherwise recovered.
There’s also what’s known as a neurogenic cough, where the nerves in your throat become overly sensitive. In this case, even little things like talking, laughing, or breathing cool air can trigger coughing.
Chronic infections, such as mycobacteria in the lungs, can also be a source of ongoing cough. And for people with swallowing difficulties, aspiration—when food, liquid, or stomach contents slip into the airway—can cause frequent coughing too.
How We Treat It
The first step is always figuring out the cause. We may ask about your symptoms, check your nose and throat, order breathing tests, or even get imaging. From there, treatment can be targeted:
- Postnasal drip often responds to antihistamines or nasal sprays.
- Reflux may improve with diet changes and acid-reducing medicines.
- Allergies can be treated with medications or allergy shots.
- Asthma-related cough is usually managed with inhalers.
- Other causes might call for antibiotics, swallowing therapy, or medicines that calm the nerves involved in coughing.
New Treatments on the Horizon
For people who’ve tried everything but still cough, there’s good news. Researchers are studying new therapies that focus on calming the nerves that drive coughing. A class of medicines called P2X3 receptor antagonists has shown promise in clinical trials, and several are close to becoming available. Other approaches, like low-dose neuromodulator medicines or targeted biologic therapies, are also being tested.
The Bottom Line
A cough that won’t quit can feel exhausting and even embarrassing, but it’s not something you have to live with. Most cases can be explained by a handful of common conditions and treated effectively. And for those stubborn coughs, new options are on the way.
Ready for Relief?
At Tampa Pulmonary, we take a personalized approach to every patient. With our Premium Service, you’ll have direct, one-on-one access to your doctor 24 hours a day—no answering services, no waiting weeks for an appointment. Whether it’s a chronic cough, breathing issues, or peace of mind, we’re here for you when you need us most.
If your cough has lasted more than eight weeks, don’t wait any longer. Schedule a consultation with Tampa Pulmonary & Sleep Specialists today and experience care designed around you.
