Can't Stop Coughing? Find Out Why.

What is causing that cough? You’ve been coughing for weeks and can’t figure out what it could be. You may wonder if it’s a cold or something more serious. We’re here to help you figure that out.

Health.com has done their research to find some answers:

Asthma/Allergies- asthma is a chronic lung disease where the airways can become inflamed and swell up – making breathing difficult. Allergic reactions can trigger an asthma attack
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)- happens when airways/air sacs are inflamed, or damaged by the production of excess mucus… mostly caused by smoking… most common after age 45
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)- an illness of the stomach and esophagus which occurs when acid backs up from the stomach to the throat, caused by a weak valve. Heartburn is the main symptom, along with coughing.
Respiratory tract infection- coughing, colds and the flu are most common symptoms. Bad coughs outlast other symptoms. Postnasal drip can occur when the lungs are sensitive and inflamed. Pneumonia can also occur by cause of bacteria or viruses, coughing and wheezing are symptoms.
Air pollution- a variety of pollution can irritate the lungs, causing a persistent cough. Stay away from mold (created the ‘Katrina cough’ from all the mold after the flood), diesel exhaust and other fumes.
Acute bronchitis- often occurs when you’re recovering from a common cold, then out of nowhere you develop a hacking, filled-with-mucus cough. This is caused by your passageways in the lungs becoming infected and inflamed. Chronic bronchitis can develop after acute bronchitis as well.
ACE inhibitors- are a type of high blood pressure/heart failure medication which are taken by 1 out of 5 people. This could help develop a dry cough- women, African-Americans and Asians are at greater risk, if taking this medication.
Pertussis (aka whooping cough)- is a bacterial disease that causes a terrible cough, fever and runny nose. Breathing air into the lungs can create a high-pitched whooping sound… hence the nickname.

Contact your doctor near your home immediately if your cough has persisted over more than a week. Your doctor will test you for several things to find out the reason you are coughing.

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