That Winter Cough That Won’t Quit Could Be More Than a Cold

You may find the nagging cough that lingers long after your cold symptoms disappear annoying, but it could be more than that — it might mean more than the remnants of a cold. 

During the winter, dry air, viral infections, and seasonal allergies often team up to make it feel like you caught a “forever cold.” But if your cough won’t quit, it’s worth a closer look. A chronic cough can mean bronchitis, asthma, or even acid reflux.

At Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Associates in Tampa and Brandon, Florida, our experts uncover the underlying causes of lingering coughs so you can finally get relief.

About your winter cough

Winter is prime time for colds, and many adults catch two to three each year. It’s normal to associate coughing with a cold, but viruses aren’t the only culprits.

Cold, dry air can irritate and constrict your airway and trigger coughing fits, even without an infection. And if you travel to a cold area for the holidays, indoor heating can make the air even drier and worsen the irritation. 

When a cough lasts too long

Most cold or flu symptoms clear up in a week or two. It’s not unusual for a cough to hang on for three weeks, but if it lasts longer, you might have something else going on.

Coughing is a reflex that protects your lungs and airways from irritants and germs. But when it persists for weeks, it can disrupt sleep, drain your energy, and affect your quality of life. 

We consider a cough chronic when it lasts longer than eight weeks.

Common causes of a lingering cough

Your lingering cough may develop from any number of health conditions. Common causes include:

• Postnasal drip
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Acid reflux
• Bronchitis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Hay fever
• Sinusitis
• Upper respiratory infection

Coughing that won’t quit can also be a symptom of heart failure. Additionally, smoking and ACE inhibitors used to lower blood pressure can cause ongoing coughing.

Ongoing coughing may also occur more often in the winter if you have a chronic lung condition like asthma.

When to see your doctor

If your cough lasts longer than three weeks, it’s time to see your doctor. You should also schedule an appointment if you have other concerning symptoms like a fever, chest pain, or shortness of breath. 

Your doctor reviews symptoms, performs a physical exam, and may order diagnostics such as a chest X-ray, lung function tests, or allergy testing to identify the cause. 

Once we determine what’s behind your persistent cough, we create a personalized treatment plan to ease your symptoms and support overall health. Treatment may include:

• Medications to control symptoms and/or address the underlying cause
• Lifestyle adjustments (hydration and rest)
• Using a humidifier  

Don’t lose another night of sleep over your cough that won’t quit. We can help uncover the cause and create a plan that brings relief and restores your comfort. 

Call Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Associates today or book an appointment online to get started.