Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is especially common in smokers because tobacco smoke irritates the airways and damages the body’s normal ways of clearing mucus. Quitting smoking is the only effective treatment for chronic bronchitis in a smoker.

Because smokers often "expect to cough," they may not seek medical attention for a cough that persists. Smokers should contact their physician if they notice a change in their coughing pattern, or any sign of blood in their sputum.

Additional information related to Chronic Bronchitis

Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is an uncommon disease of the airways in which some of the bronchial passages are widened and bacteria can grow in these areas more easily. This condition is seen in patients with cystic fibrosis and may be seen in a much milder form in patients who have a history of multiple pneumonias or childhood respiratory infections. Bronchiectasis is usually characterized by chronic cough with periods of increased mucus production. It is diagnosed by plain chest xray or CT scan.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is an uncommon cause of chronic cough in nonsmokers. A new cough in a smoker or ex-smoker should be evaluated within the first month by chest xray.

Additional Information on Lung Cancer

ACE Inhibitor-Induced Cough

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are blood pressure-lowering drugs that cause chronic cough as a side effect in up to 10% of patients. The cough is typically dry and hacking. Stopping the medication causes the cough to improve or resolve within a month.

Habit Cough

Frequent throat clearing may be done out of habit or in the setting of anxiety or personal stress.. Medical treatment is not necessary.

Interstitial Lung Disease

Inflammation or scarring of the lungs is an uncommon cause of cough that may be seen in the setting of some medications (such as Amiodarone or Macrodantin) or rheumatologic illnesses (such as Rheumatoid Arthritis or Scleroderma). Often the underlying reason for the inflammation is unknown (“idiopathic”.) This condition is diagnosed by chest xray and/or CT scan.