A persistent cough can sometimes signal a serious health issue like pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, tuberculosis, pulmonary embolism, or even lung cancer; discover when to seek medical advice.
You know, that tickle in your throat that just won’t quit? It’s easy to brush off a cough, thinking it’s just a common cold or allergies acting up, isn’t it? But sometimes, a persistent cough can be a signal that something a bit more serious is going on.
We’ll take a closer look and explore the topic further below.
- 5 Serious Diseases That Can Cause a Cough
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Tuberculosis
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Lung Cancer
- FAQ, Myth & Facts
5 Serious Diseases That Can Cause a Cough
Here are some of the serious conditions that a cough might indicate:
1. Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis involves lung tissue scarring, which makes breathing difficult. This can lead to a range of symptoms including:
- A persistent cough, possibly producing phlegm, which might be clear or colored.
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest pain when breathing deeply or exercising.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Clubbing of fingers and toes.
- Loss of appetite.
- Chest tightness.
- Weight loss and dehydration.
- General discomfort.
- Decreased tolerance to cold temperatures with age.
- Increased irritability or anxiety as you get older.
Pulmonary fibrosis is a common cause of chronic, severe coughing in both children and older adults, often requiring hospital visits for treatment. Usual treatments include:
- Oxygen therapy.
- Medications that reduce inflammation.
- Steroid treatments.
2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
A persistent and severe cough can also be a sign of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a condition where the lungs and airways become damaged, usually from exposure to irritants. This damage makes it hard for air to flow in and out of the lungs, resulting in symptoms such as:
- Severe coughing, which may involve bringing up large amounts of mucus.
- Shortness of breath, particularly during mild activities.
- Chest pain or tightness.
- Wheezing.
- Fatigue and decreased energy.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Swollen ankles and legs.
- Recurrent respiratory infections.
A persistent cough can disrupt sleep and interfere with daily activities due to the symptoms of the disease.
3. Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a severe bacterial infection affecting the lungs that spreads through airborne droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. Initially, TB symptoms might be mild, but they worsen over time and include:
- A severe cough lasting longer than three weeks, sometimes producing phlegm and blood.
- Chest pain, especially with breathing or coughing.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Night sweats.
- Loss of appetite.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Fever and chills.
The infection can also affect other body parts causing:
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Spinal pain.
- Abdominal and joint pain.
- Arthritis.
- Seizures.
- Bloody urine.
4. Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary embolism, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, can also trigger a cough. It happens when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the lungs which prevents oxygen from reaching the lung tissue, and causes:
- Severe coughing, possibly with bloody or mucus.
- Shortness of breath, even at rest.
- Sharp chest pain, especially during deep breaths, coughing, or activity.
- Irregular heartbeat or rapid heart rate.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Skin that is clammy or bluish.
- Fever.
- Excessive sweating.
- Rapid heartbeat.
Pulmonary embolism is potentially fatal and requires immediate treatment.
5. Lung Cancer
A persistent cough can be a sign of lung cancer, which may cause a dry cough lasting over eight weeks, particularly in the initial stages. Other symptoms include:
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Feeling tired.
- Cause shortness of breath and dizziness.
- Make it hard to perform daily tasks.
In advanced stages of lung cancer, a persistent cough may include phlegm and blood along with these additional symptoms:
- Severe breathing difficulties.
- Persistent fatigue and weakness.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Chronic chest or bone pain.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Chest tightness.
Key takeaways
- A cough isn’t always just a cough – it can sometimes point to serious health issues like lung disease, heart failure or infections.
- Don’t ignore a cough that hangs around for weeks, gets worse, or comes with other troubling signs such as shortness of breath or chest pain.
- If you’re concerned about your cough, book an appointment with your doctor to rule out potential underlying causes and get the appropriate treatment.
But you know what? Sometimes a cough *isn’t* due to one of these conditions. It could be that undiagnosed sleep apnea is the real culprit. The constant awakenings and disrupted breathing patterns associated with sleep apnea can cause irritation to the airways, leading to a chronic cough that people often don’t realize is connected. Getting a sleep study could be the key to finally kicking that stubborn cough to the curb.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Can heart failure cause a cough?
Yes, heart failure can cause a persistent cough in older adults, often producing white or pink mucus.
When is a cough serious in adults?
See a doctor if your cough doesn’t improve after a couple of weeks or if it’s accompanied by severe symptoms like:
- Severe or persistent fever.
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest tightness.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Nausea.
- Fainting.
- Rapid weight loss.
When is a cough serious in children?
Take your child to the doctor or emergency room if they exhibit the following symptoms:
- Bloody mucus or phlegm.
- Cyanosis.
- Dehydration.
- Trouble breathing or swallowing.
- Chest pain.
Here are a few testimonials from people who have been through similar experiences:
I thought my constant coughing was just allergies, but it turned out to be early-stage COPD. Getting diagnosed early made a huge difference in managing it.
After months of feeling run-down and coughing, I was diagnosed with TB. It was scary, but the treatment worked, and now I’m feeling much better.
I always brushed off my breathlessness as just being out of shape, but the doctor discovered it was a pulmonary embolism. I’m so grateful it was caught in time.
So, yeah, a cough might seem like NBD, but it can be a red flag waving for some serious conditions. Next time that cough hangs around a little too long, don’t just reach for the cough drops. Maybe it’s worth chatting with a doc to make sure you’re not missing something bigger, y’know?
