The culprit causing prolonged cough

Prolonged cough can occur at any age, but in the elderly, when this disease appears, it needs to be paid close attention.

Coughing is a reflex to expel foreign objects, secretions, toxic gases, microorganisms... from the respiratory tract due to various causes. In particular, prolonged coughing causes discomfort to the patient and greatly affects their life.

Causes of prolonged cough in the elderly

In the elderly, there may be different types of coughs: dry cough, intermittent cough, phlegmy cough, and cough that lasts for days, weeks, or even months.

Cough can be acute or chronic. Acute cough usually lasts a few weeks, but chronic cough can last for weeks, even months, sometimes even years. Prolonged cough in the elderly is most notable due to tuberculosis, lung tumors, and pleural effusion. Nowadays, tuberculosis can be completely cured, so it is necessary to detect it early and treat it properly.

Some other causes that NCT often encounter due to prolonged cough are:asthma,especially chronic asthma. Cough in the elderly with chronic asthma often has liquid or thick phlegm, so when coughing, there is a crackling sound like the sound of a pipe when someone smokes. If treatment stops the asthma attack, the patient's cough will reduce or stop.

When having a cough, the elderly should see a doctor early for diagnosis and treatment.

One cause of cough in the elderly that is easily overlooked isgastroesophageal reflux diseaseCough in gastroesophageal reflux is caused by gastric juice refluxing from the stomach, irritating the respiratory tract mucosa and causing damage due to the effects of gastric juice.

In this case, if detected early, treated properly and cured of gastroesophageal reflux disease, the cough will go away. In addition, some diseases of respiratory tract inflammation such as chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) also cause cough. Some elderly people addicted to cigarettes, tobacco... also have prolonged cough.

When NCT has a prolonged cough, what should be done?

Prolonged cough in the elderly can be caused by many different diseases, so you need to stay calm, not worry too much and need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Once you have been examined and the cause is determined, you should follow the doctor's instructions for complete treatment. The elderly should not self-diagnose or buy medicine to treat themselves. If you do so, the disease will not only not be cured but will also get worse, sometimes endangering your life.

What you need to do is clean your throat, teeth, and mouth every day by brushing your teeth and gargling after eating, before going to bed, and after waking up. You should not smoke cigarettes or tobacco because smoking is the most common cause of respiratory diseases. Elderly people should also not drink cold water, even ice water. If you have high blood pressure and your doctor has prescribed treatment, but when taking medication, you experience a sore throat or cough, especially at night, you should inform your doctor so that he or she can change the medication accordingly.

According to MSc. Dr. Bui Mai Huong - Health & Life - NT