Doctor listening to a man's chronic cough

Persistent Cough

Because coughs are triggered by a tickle or irritation in the back of your throat, they can be caused by a number of things, from allergies to the common cold. But if your cough is lingering for 4 weeks or longer, you should come in for an evaluation. Persistent coughs can be a sign of other underlying health conditions. Plus, constantly coughing can cause headaches, dizziness, vomiting, and even fractured ribs.

What Can a Persistent or Chronic Cough Be a Sign Of?

Older man experiencing chronic coughing.

Coughs can linger for a number of reasons, including:

Post-nasal drip from allergies, a cold, or sinus infection
A dry or hoarse throat
Exposure to chemicals from vaping, tobacco use, or toxins in the air
Acid reflux
Asthma or other chronic breathing problems that cause wheezing
Upper respiratory infections

Chronic coughs can also be caused by:

Heart failure
Damage to the voice box
Certain throat and oral cancers
Medications
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic bronchitis
Emphysema
Infections such as whooping cough or tuberculosis

This is not a complete list, and to uncover the cause of your cough, we’ll need to conduct a complete medical history.

How Do I Know If My Cough Is Serious?

If your cough is lingering for more than 4 weeks, you should get it checked out, especially if you are coughing up blood or you’re in a high-risk group for more serious conditions.

Corpus Christi ENT Sinus & Allergy

Corpus Christi, TX

5641 Esplanade Dr.
Corpus Christi, TX 78414

Call: 361-320-6130

Fax: 361-287-0101

Monday through Friday, 8am – 5pm

Affiliated with Advanced Hearing Aid & Diagnostics, LLC

Persistent coughs should be evaluated. Call Us

Call 361-320-6130