6 causes of chronic coughs, and how to fight back

Do you have a cough that won't go away? Use this information to help determine why you're coughing, and how you should proceed.

• Symptoms: A cough accompanied by postnasal drip, repeated throat clearing, nasal discharge or excessive phlegm.
• Response: See your doctor, who may prescribe allergy medication or refer you to an allergist for diagnosis and treatment.
• If you have a sinus infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.

• Symptoms: A nighttime cough that brings up no mucus and may end with wheezing or a rattling sound.
• Response: See your doctor, who may prescribe a bronchodilator, inhaled corticosteroid or other medication to control asthma.

ACE inhibitors cause dry cough in 5 to 10 percent of patients. If you experience a cough, talk with your doctor about whether another drug should be substituted.

• Symptoms: A dry cough accompanied by shortness of breath.
• Response: See your doctor, who may do a test to measure lung capacity and order a chest x-ray. There is no cure, but symptoms can be treated.
• The condition includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It's almost always caused by smoking.

• Symptoms: A cough accompanied by bouts of heartburn that occur more than twice a week.
• Response: See your doctor, who will prescribe antacids and drugs that inhibit stomach acid production. They may recommend gastroscopy to assess damage to the esophagus.

• Symptoms: A cough that worsens over time and may be accompanied by fatigue, chest pain, coughing up blood, hoarseness or shortness of breath.
• Response: See your doctor, who will order diagnostic tests such as a chest x-ray, CT scan, MRI and blood tests.

Chronic coughs can often be signs of much larger issues. You can use this information to help you figure out what's the issue, but you should always consult a doctor if your cough doesn't go away.