Aging adult chronic cough is a very common syndrome that is seen in the medical field. This condition is characterized by a cough that lasts for a long time, typically more than eight weeks. Chronic coughing in older adults can be caused by a variety of factors including allergies, asthma, COPD, gastroesophageal reflux disease, air pollution, and smoking. It can also be caused by a respiratory tract infection or ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure.
The most common cause of chronic cough in older adults is postnasal drip, which is a condition where mucus flows into the back of the throat or sinuses. This condition can be caused by allergies, dust, pet dander, or smoke. A cough that is caused by acid refux disease (GERD) is also very common, as it can cause coughing even when you are not eating.
Chronic coughing can also be caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is a serious condition that causes the lungs to lose their ability to expand and contract properly. COPD is often caused by smoking, but it can also be caused by exposure to air pollution or chemicals.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is another common cause of chronic cough in older adults. It causes coughing by allowing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. This can happen even if you are not coughing up any phlegm or blood.
Chronic coughing can also be caused by exposure to air pollution, which can irritate the lungs and cause a persistent cough. People who smoke are also more likely to develop a chronic cough.
In some cases, chronic coughing can be caused by a respiratory tract infection, such as a cold or flu. This can result in a cough that lingers for a long time and can be difficult to treat.
Finally, ACE inhibitors, which are used to treat high blood pressure, can sometimes cause a chronic, dry cough as a side effect., chronic coughing in older adults is a very common condition that can have many different causes. It can be caused by allergies, asthma, COPD,GERD, air pollution, smoking, or a respiratory tract infection. If you have a chronic cough, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and to determine the appropriate treatment.
