If your cough persists,
you should follow up
with your primary care
provider. Many factors can
lead to a chronic cough,
and your doctor can
help guide you through
diagnosis and available
treatmentoptions."
JENNIFER HADEN, DO, FAMILY
MEDICINE PHYSICIAN WITH
MERCYCENTERVILLE
Acute
vs
Chronic
THE OCCASIONAL COUGH is normal. It's simply a reex that keeps your throat and
airways clear of any unwanted substances. However, a cough that becomes a regular
occurrence may hide a deeper health problem. Consider these dierences between acute
and chronic coughs, and what each could mean for your health.
HAS YOUR COUGH
LASTED MORE
THAN EIGHT
WEEKS?
Over-the-counter medications
Cough drops
Warm liquids such as tea
Staying hydrated with water
Steam from a shower or vaporizer
Treatments vary depending on the
conditions causing the chronic cough,
ranging from an inhaler to blood
pressure medication.
No
ACUTE
Yes
CHRONIC
All coughs are initially
classied as acute
After eight weeks, a cough
is considered chronic.
CATEGORIZING BY THE CALENDAR
POSSIBLE PERPETRATORS
POTENTIAL REMEDIES
Early stages of chronic coughs
are sometimes referred to
as"subacute."
If left untreated, excessive
coughing can cause chest pain,
headaches and vomiting.
Chronic bronchitis
Smoking
Asthma
Chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease
(COPD)
Gastroesophageal reux
disease (GERD)
Allergy
Cold
Flu
Acute
bronchitis
Exposure to
airborne irritant
Categorizing
your cough.
MERCY MEDICAL CENTERCENTERVILLE /// www.mercycenterville.org 3
