Why Am I Coughing? Understanding the Primary Cause of Persistent Cough

A persistent cough is one of the most common reasons patients seek medical care. While an occasional cough helps clear your airways, a cough that lingers can be both frustrating and concerning. Dr. Kenneth Bookman, pulmonologist in Naples, Florida, frequently evaluates patients who want answers about a cough that just won’t go away.

The #1 Cause of a Chronic Cough

The most frequent reason for a chronic cough is postnasal drip. This occurs when excess mucus from your nose or sinuses drips down the back of your throat, creating irritation and the urge to cough. Postnasal drip is often linked to:

• Seasonal or environmental allergies

• Sinus infections

• The common cold

Other Common Reasons for a Persistent Cough

While postnasal drip leads the list, other medical conditions can cause ongoing cough, including:

• Asthma – cough may be the only symptom for some patients.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – acid reflux can irritate the throat and lungs.

• Chronic bronchitis or COPD – often linked to smoking or exposure to lung irritants.

• Medications – ACE inhibitors (used for high blood pressure) commonly cause cough.

When to See a Pulmonologist for Cough in Naples, FL

If your cough is short-term, it may clear up without treatment. However, you should schedule an appointment if:

• Your cough lasts longer than 3 weeks.

• You cough up blood or thick mucus.

• You also experience shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest discomfort.

• You have a history of smoking or lung disease.