What are the symptoms of a chronic cough?

Chronic cough is the most common type among all types of variant asthma. The main symptom of chronic cough is coughing. Many patients think it is an ordinary cough when they have a chronic cough, so they don’t pay much attention to it. However, it will develop into a chronic cough over time. So, what are the symptoms of chronic cough? Let’s take a brief look at this issue with the editor!

1. Population affected

The incidence rate is higher in children, and it has been found that more than 30% of children's dry cough is related to cough variant asthma. In adults, the age of onset of cough variant asthma is higher than that of typical asthma. About 13% of patients are over 50 years old, and it is more common in middle-aged women.

2. Clinical manifestations

Cough may be the only symptom of asthma, mainly a long-term, stubborn dry cough, which is often triggered by inhaling irritating odors, cold air, contact with allergens, exercise or upper respiratory tract infection. Some patients have no triggering factors. It often worsens at night or early morning. Some patients have a certain seasonality in their attacks, mostly in spring and autumn. When patients see a doctor, they have usually already been treated with cough suppressants and expectorants and antibiotics for a period of time, with almost no effect. However, the use of corticosteroids, anti-allergic drugs, β2 receptor agonists and theophyllines can provide relief.

3. History of allergies

The patient himself may have a clear history of allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis, eczema, etc. Some patients can be traced back to a family history of allergies.

4. Physical signs

Although bronchospasm may occur, it mostly occurs in the small distal bronchi or transient spasms, so wheezing is rarely or rarely heard during physical examination.

The incidence of chronic cough is very high among children. Of course, many middle-aged women are also prone to chronic cough. Preventive measures should be taken in normal times. Avoid contact with too much pollen in spring and autumn, otherwise it is easy to aggravate or cause chronic cough. Therefore, patients must pay attention to this.