A persistent cough is a cough that lasts for more than 3 weeks. Coughing up phlegm or mucus is also common with a persistent cough. A persistent cough with phlegm can be caused by various conditions, from minor illnesses like the common cold to more serious conditions like bronchitis, pneumonia, or COPD. Finding the underlying cause is important to get the right treatment. Some common causes of a persistent cough with phlegm include:
Common Cold
The common cold is one of the most frequent causes of a persistent cough with phlegm. A cold causes inflammation in the respiratory tract, leading to increased mucus production. The cough helps clear this excess mucus from the airways. Colds are usually caused by viruses and tend to resolve on their own within 1-2 weeks. Sometimes the cough can linger for a few weeks after the cold symptoms improve.
Allergies
Allergies like hay fever can also cause a persistent cough with phlegm. Allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander trigger the immune system and cause inflammation in the respiratory tract. This leads to excess mucus production and coughing as the body tries to expel the mucus. The cough and phlegm may worsen seasonally when certain allergens are high.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes swelling and narrowing of the airways. This makes breathing difficult and triggers coughing as the body tries to remove mucus and irritants from the lungs. The cough may be worse at night or with triggers like exercise, smoke, or cold air. Phlegm coughed up may be clear, white, yellow, or greenish in color.
Smoking
Smoking irritates the airways and damages the cilia, tiny hair-like structures that sweep mucus out of the lungs. This impairs mucus clearance, leading to a buildup of phlegm in the lungs. Long-term smokers often have a persistent cough with phlegm as their lungs try to expel the excess mucus. Quitting smoking can help reduce phlegm production and ease coughing.
Environmental Irritants
Dust, air pollution, and strong fumes can irritate the airways and cause chronic coughing. This type of cough may worsen when exposed to these irritants and improve when avoiding them. The cough helps clear out the irritants but can persist even after exposure stops.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis causes inflammation along the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air into the lungs. This leads to increased mucus production and a cough as the body tries to get rid of the excess phlegm. Viruses are the most common cause of acute bronchitis while bacteria can cause chronic bronchitis, especially in those who smoke.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause phlegm-producing coughs. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can all cause pneumonia. The air sacs in the lungs fill with fluid and phlegm, leading to coughing. Pneumonia needs treatment with antibiotics in serious cases.
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to lung damage that obstructs airflow. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are types of COPD. The damaged airways cause increased mucus buildup, leading to a persistent cough with phlegm. COPD develops over years and is usually caused by smoking.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer can cause airway obstruction and excess mucus production. People with lung cancer often have a persistent cough with phlegm streaked with blood. The cough is usually worse with activity or deep breathing. Other symptoms like weight loss and fatigue also occur.
Heart Failure
Fluid can back up into the lungs in people with heart failure, causing a wet cough with frothy phlegm. The cough may worsen at night or when lying down. Shortness of breath and swelling in the legs and abdomen also occur. Medications and reducing salt intake can help treat the fluid buildup.
When to See a Doctor
You should see a doctor if you have any of the following:
– Cough lasting over 3 weeks
– Cough with excessive phlegm or mucus
– Cough with blood-streaked phlegm
– Persistent wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest pain with cough
– Fever, headache, nausea, or body aches along with cough
– Recent exposure to someone sick
– Weight loss or loss of appetite
– Swelling in the legs or abdomen
– Known heart or lung condition
Seeking prompt medical care is crucial to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment when needed. Leaving a persistent cough unchecked can worsen lung damage and other complications.
Diagnosing the Cause
To diagnose the cause of a persistent cough with phlegm, the doctor will:
Take a Medical History
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, when the cough started, any related symptoms you have, your medical history, and potential triggers or exposures.
Perform a Physical Exam
The doctor will listen to your breathing with a stethoscope to check for wheezing, crackles, or other abnormal sounds. They may also check your vital signs and assess for signs of illness.
Order Imaging Tests
Chest X-rays or CT scans can detect lung abnormalities or buildup of fluid that may be causing the cough.
Do a Sputum Test
A sample of your phlegm can be examined to check for bacteria, blood, fungi, or cancer cells.
Conduct Lung Function Tests
Spirometry tests how well your lungs inhale and exhale air. Decreased lung function can indicate asthma or COPD.
Check Bloodwork
Blood tests may reveal an infection, allergies, or heart failure contributing to the cough.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your cough with phlegm but may include:
Medications
– Cough medicine containing guaifenesin to thin mucus
– Expectorants like Mucinex to loosen phlegm
– Antihistamines for allergic coughs
– Inhalers to open airways in asthma
– Antibiotics for bacterial infections
– ACE inhibitors for heart failure
Lifestyle Changes
– Quit smoking to allow lungs to heal
– Use a humidifier to moisturize dry airways
– Drink lots of water to thin mucus
– Avoid triggers like pollution, allergens, and irritants
Chest Physiotherapy
This uses percussion and vibration techniques to loosen thick phlegm.
Oxygen Therapy
Extra oxygen may be prescribed for those with low oxygen levels to ease breathing.
Surgery
Surgery may be an option to remove blockages or tumors obstructing airways.
Seeking prompt treatment for chronic cough with phlegm can prevent complications. Work closely with your doctor to ensure proper diagnosis and management.
Prevention
You can take steps to prevent a persistent cough with phlegm:
Avoid Irritants
Steer clear of chemical fumes, smoke, and pollution that can damage airways.
Treat Allergies
Manage indoor and outdoor allergies to prevent excess mucus production.
Get Vaccines
Stay up to date on flu and pneumonia vaccines to prevent infection-related coughs.
Practice Good Hygiene
Wash hands regularly and disinfect surfaces to avoid catching colds and flu.
Take Medications as Prescribed
Properly follow treatment plans for conditions like asthma, COPD, and heart disease.
Exercise and Eat Well
Stay active and eat a healthy diet to keep your immune system strong.
Stop Smoking
Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke to protect your lungs.
Get Regular Checkups
See your doctor for well visits to catch any potential issues early.
Following healthy habits and getting preventive care are key to reducing phlegm coughs. See your doctor at the first signs of a persistent cough to get the right diagnosis and treatment. With the right care, bothersome coughing can be relieved.
Conclusion
In summary, a persistent cough with phlegm has many potential causes, from minor viral illnesses to chronic lung disease. Seeing a doctor for a cough lasting over 3 weeks is important to determine the underlying problem. Tests like imaging scans, lung function tests, and phlegm cultures help diagnose the cause. Treatment depends on the diagnosis but may include expectorants, inhalers, antibiotics, lifestyle changes, oxygen therapy, or surgery. Preventing a chronic cough includes avoiding irritants, managing illnesses like asthma properly, getting immunized, practicing good hygiene, eating well, exercising, quitting smoking, and getting regular medical care. With the right diagnosis and treatment, bothersome symptoms can be managed. Working closely with your healthcare provider is key to finding relief from a stubborn cough producing excessive phlegm.