What are persistent coughs, cough-asthma, and asthma?
When a cold lasts only with a cough, or when the cough continues at night or early in the morning, asthma or cough-asthma may be present.
Asthma (bronchial asthma) is a disease in which chronic inflammation occurs in the bronchi, the airways, causing the airways to become narrower. The airways become narrower due to inflammation, and when triggered by stimuli such as dust, pollen, colds, exercise, or changes in temperature, a whistling, hissing sound (wheezing) and shortness of breath occurs. This is called an asthma attack. In asthma, the whistling symptoms are not the main symptom; in some cases, the only symptom may be coughing. What is called “cough asthma” is a condition in which the airways become sensitive, and the whistling and shortness of breath do not occur; only the coughing continues.
While the causes of inflammation often involve allergies from mites, house dust, mold, and pets in addition to genetics, it is not always clear. It is often mistaken for a child’s illness, but it is not uncommon to develop it as an adult; even once it settles down, it can return. There are also many people who have allergic rhinitis, hay fever, and atopic dermatitis, among other conditions.
Other causes of persistent cough include COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
In such cases, seek medical attention.
- The cough continues.
- After catching a cold, only the cough has persisted.
- The cough continues during the night or early in the morning
- There is a whistling and hissing sound when breathing.
- It's stuffy
Tests performed at our clinic
We will ask about the course of the symptoms, whether there have been any seizures, and whether there is any allergy. Based on that, we will perform the following tests if necessary.
- Blood tests: To determine whether you have an allergic tendency or an inflammatory condition. If necessary, we will also test for the substances (allergens) that cause the allergy.
- Phlegm testing (test of phlegm)
- Chest X-ray: To check that other respiratory diseases such as pneumonia are not hidden.
A lung function test (spirometry) to check if the airways are not narrowed may give a normal result during periods without seizures.
medical treatment
Preventive treatment for seizuresThe main focus of treatment is inhaled corticosteroids to suppress inflammation in the airways. The type of inhaler is chosen based on the severity of the symptoms and your lifestyle. When inhaled corticosteroids alone are not enough, combination therapy with anti-allergic medications such as bronchodilators and leukotriene receptor antagonists is used. Since asthma often continues even when there are no symptoms, it is important not to interrupt treatment on your own and to continue it.
Treatment during an attack: すぐに効く気管支を広げる薬を使います。症状が強い時は、ステロイドの飲み薬を使うことがあります。点滴によるステロイドの治療が必要な時や、呼吸の状態が悪い時、重い発作が疑われる時は、速やかに専門の医療機関をご案内します。
Things to be careful of in daily lifeMeasures to control dust mites and house dust, keeping the interior clean, not smoking (avoiding second-hand smoke), preventing colds and infections, and treating allergies such as hay fever lead to a stable condition of symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Q. I only cough, but I don't wheeze. Is there a possibility of asthma?
A. In asthma, the symptoms are not the whistling sounds but coughing is the main symptom. If the cough alone persists after a cold, or if the cough continues at night or early in the morning, asthma or cough-asthma may be present.
Q. Do you get asthma after becoming an adult?
A. Yes. Asthma is often thought of as a childhood disease, but it is not uncommon for it to occur in adults as well.
Q. Can I stop using the inhaler once the symptoms subside?
A. Since asthma often continues even when there are no symptoms, it is important to not interrupt treatment on your own and to continue with the medication in consultation with a doctor.
Related explanatory articles
- What are Asthma and COPD? Symptoms, Differences, Treatment, and Management
- What is the common cold syndrome? Symptoms, causes, remedies, and when to see a doctor