61 years
My son, 19 years old, is coughing only at night. This phenomena is chronic, since his childhood when it started at the age of 9. No other symptoms to declare.
Jun 9, 2014
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A chronic cough can occur in isolation or in association with other signs and symptoms, such as:
A runny or stuffy nose. A feeling of liquid running down the back of the throat (postnasal drip). Frequent throat clearing and sore throat. Hoarseness. Wheezing and shortness of breath. Heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth.
The most common causes of chronic cough (especially in the case of your son who is otherwise healthy):
-Postnasal drip: due to the nose or sinuses producing extra mucus, which drips down the back of the throat and triggers cough reflex. This is also called upper airway cough syndrome. The extra mucus production may be an exaggerated reaction to pollutants or noxious materials like dust and smoke. Nasal saline (daily) & nasal steroids are the optimal treatment.
-Cough-variant asthma: varies with the seasons, increases with upper respiratory tract infection, or gets worse when you're exposed to cold air or certain chemicals or fragrances. Avoiding triggers, &sometimes albuterol inhaled therapy (with attacks) and montelukast maintenance help.
-Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, resulting in constant irritation chronic coughing, which in turn, worsens GERD — a vicious cycle.
-Chronic bronchitis: long-standing inflammation of the major airways (bronchial tubes) can cause congestion, breathlessness, wheezing and a cough that brings up discolored sputum. Most people with chronic bronchitis are current or former smokers.
Of note, if there's constant tobacco smoking in your home, this will trigger cough in your son. Also try to avoid heavy drapings and carpets in his room. Regular professional cleaning of the AC.
A runny or stuffy nose. A feeling of liquid running down the back of the throat (postnasal drip). Frequent throat clearing and sore throat. Hoarseness. Wheezing and shortness of breath. Heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth.
The most common causes of chronic cough (especially in the case of your son who is otherwise healthy):
-Postnasal drip: due to the nose or sinuses producing extra mucus, which drips down the back of the throat and triggers cough reflex. This is also called upper airway cough syndrome. The extra mucus production may be an exaggerated reaction to pollutants or noxious materials like dust and smoke. Nasal saline (daily) & nasal steroids are the optimal treatment.
-Cough-variant asthma: varies with the seasons, increases with upper respiratory tract infection, or gets worse when you're exposed to cold air or certain chemicals or fragrances. Avoiding triggers, &sometimes albuterol inhaled therapy (with attacks) and montelukast maintenance help.
-Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, resulting in constant irritation chronic coughing, which in turn, worsens GERD — a vicious cycle.
-Chronic bronchitis: long-standing inflammation of the major airways (bronchial tubes) can cause congestion, breathlessness, wheezing and a cough that brings up discolored sputum. Most people with chronic bronchitis are current or former smokers.
Of note, if there's constant tobacco smoking in your home, this will trigger cough in your son. Also try to avoid heavy drapings and carpets in his room. Regular professional cleaning of the AC.
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