Why is my wife coughing all the time?
Short answer: Persistent cough can result from many causes including postnasal drip, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), chronic bronchitis/COPD, medication side effects (especially ACE inhibitors), infections, or less commonly heart failure or interstitial lung disease. If the cough lasts more than 8 weeks, is severe, or has red-flag signs (fever, weight loss, blood, shortness of breath), seek medical evaluation promptly.
Explanation
A cough is a reflex to clear the airways; chronic cough (>8 weeks in adults) often stems from upper airway cough syndrome (postnasal drip), asthma (including cough-variant asthma), and GERD. Smoking and chronic bronchitis are common in smokers; ACE inhibitor medications can cause a dry cough that resolves after stopping the drug. Infections (pertussis, bronchitis, pneumonia) cause acute or subacute cough; less common causes include lung cancer, heart failure, interstitial lung disease, or foreign body. Diagnosis uses history (duration, character, triggers), exam, chest X-ray, spirometry, review of medications, allergy testing, and sometimes CT chest or ENT/pulmonary referral. Watch for red flags: hemoptysis, severe dyspnea, unexplained weight loss, recurrent fevers, or failure to improve with initial treatment.
Tips
- See a clinician if cough persists >8 weeks or has red flags; bring a list of medications (check for ACE inhibitors).
- Note triggers: position, eating, exercise, allergens, smoking, or reflux symptoms to help diagnosis.
- Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke and irritants; consider a HEPA filter for indoor air quality.
- Manage reflux: avoid late meals, elevate head of bed, and discuss antacid therapy with your doctor.
- Follow recommended tests (chest X-ray, spirometry) and referrals (ENT, pulmonology) if initial treatment fails.
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