I Have a Cough That Won't Go Away β Could It Be Throat Cancer?
A persistent cough is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor. Here is what it could mean.
A chronic cough is very common and most often caused by conditions other than cancer.
- Common causes include:
- Post-nasal drip β the most common cause; mucus from the sinuses drips down and triggers coughing
- GERD (acid reflux) β stomach acid reaching the throat can cause a chronic cough
- Asthma β cough-variant asthma presents with cough as the main symptom
- Allergies β seasonal or year-round allergies
- ACE inhibitor medications β blood pressure medications that cause a dry cough in many people
- Bronchitis or COPD β chronic lung conditions
- Smoker's cough β long-term irritation from tobacco
Throat cancer is an uncommon cause of chronic cough. When it is, the cough is usually accompanied by other symptoms.
What to Look For
- Usually not serious:
- Cough that is worse at night or in the morning
- Improves with allergy or reflux treatment
- Productive cough (bringing up mucus)
- Comes with nasal congestion or heartburn
- Clear trigger (allergies, cold, medication)
- Worth having checked:
- Cough that lasts more than 4 weeks without clear cause
- Coughing up blood (even a small amount)
- Cough accompanied by hoarseness that persists
- Pain when swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Shortness of breath
When to See a Doctor
- See a doctor if:
- Your cough has lasted more than 4 weeks
- You cough up blood
- You have hoarseness that will not go away
- You have trouble swallowing or pain with swallowing
- You have weight loss, fever, or night sweats
- You are a smoker over age 45