Chronic Coughing Causes. Have you been suffering a bad cough that just won’t go away? Even after a couple of weeks? Then, it can be a sign of something more serious than the common flu.

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We take a quick look at the different types of cough that come from different ailments. Of course, it is best to consult a doctor for a professional diagnosis.

Asthma

A long-term lung condition, asthma can present itself in mild or severe forms. It occurs when the airways in your lungs are inflamed, making breathing difficult. The coughing fits may be accompanied by wheezing (whistling) sounds as you struggle to breathe.

Pertussis

Otherwise known as ‘whooping cough’, pertussis can cause coughing fits that drain you physically. The fits are rapid and accompanied by a distinctive ‘whooping’ sound. It often gives the sensation that you are coughing until there is no more air in your lungs.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) arises when, due to acid reflux, the stomach contents flow back to the esophagus. The acid reflux causes throat irritation that is accompanied with a sour taste in the mouth. GERD often happens at night during bedtime.

Allergic rhinitis

Triggered by allergens such as mould, pollen, dust mites, insect droppings, the initial symptoms are sudden sneezing and a runny nose. The coughing follows after.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis or TB (in short) can be a life-threatening disease that usually affects the lungs. The telling sign is a persistent cough that lasts for 3 weeks or longer, accompanied by the coughing up of blood or sputum.

Lung cancer

Obviously, cancer of the lungs is very serious. If you have a very stubborn cough that gets worse with time, you should definitely go see a doctor quickly. This is especially so when you also cough up blood and suffer chest pain that becomes increasingly worse.

Interstitial lung disease

As the name for a broad classification of lung conditions, interstitial lung disease refers to the inflammation or scarring of lung tissue. A very common symptom is a dry, hacking cough accompanied by frequent breathlessness.

This article has been verified medically by Dr Alvin Ng Choon Yong, Consultant Respiratory Physician and Intensivist with The Respiratory Practice, Farrer Park Hospital (Singapore).