Why can't i stop coughing
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Understanding Persistent Cough: Causes and Complications
Habit Cough: A Functional Disorder
What is Habit Cough?
Habit cough, also known as a psychogenic or tic cough, is a chronic cough that persists without an identifiable medical cause. Unlike coughs caused by asthma, which typically respond to treatments like oral corticosteroids, habit cough does not improve with pharmacologic agents. This type of cough is often misdiagnosed and treated as asthma, leading to unnecessary medical interventions and increased patient morbidity.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Patients with habit cough experience persistent coughing that troubles not only themselves but also their families and healthcare providers. The lack of response to conventional treatments for other types of cough is a key indicator that the cough may be functional in nature. Recognizing the differences between habit cough and other causes of chronic cough is crucial for proper diagnosis and management.
Complications of Chronic Cough
Physiological and Psychosocial Impact
Chronic coughing can lead to a wide range of complications due to the intense pressures, velocities, and energy generated during vigorous coughing episodes. These complications can affect various systems in the body, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, musculoskeletal, neurologic, ophthalmologic, respiratory, and skin systems.
Health-Related Quality of Life
The persistent nature of chronic cough can significantly decrease a patient's health-related quality of life. The physical strain from constant coughing can lead to serious health issues, while the psychosocial impact can cause stress and anxiety, further exacerbating the condition. Understanding the full spectrum of complications associated with chronic cough is essential for clinicians to appreciate the severity of the condition and the importance of thorough diagnostic and therapeutic efforts.
Conclusion
Persistent coughing can be a complex issue with various underlying causes and significant complications. Habit cough, a functional disorder, is often misdiagnosed and does not respond to typical asthma treatments. Chronic cough can lead to a multitude of physiological and psychosocial complications, severely impacting a patient's quality of life. Proper diagnosis and comprehensive management are crucial to address this challenging condition effectively.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic