Persistent Cough

Diagnosis starts with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Your doctor may order tests such as chest X-rays or CT Scan to visualize the lungs, and blood tests to check for signs of infection, inflammation, or autoimmunity. In some cases, a bronchoscopy (a procedure to look directly into the airways) or a lung biopsy may be needed.

Blood tests can reveal signs of infection, inflammation, or the presence of certain autoantibodies, which are produced by the immune system in autoimmune diseases. These tests can provide clues about the underlying cause of a persistent cough.

Red flag' symptoms that might accompany a persistent cough and suggest a serious immune system disorder include coughing up blood, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, recurrent fevers, or shortness of breath. If you're experiencing these symptoms along with a persistent cough, it's important to seek medical attention.

If you're experiencing a persistent cough, you should start by consulting your primary care doctor. Depending on your symptoms and the suspected underlying cause, you may be referred to a specialist such as a pulmonologist (lung specialist), a rheumatologist (autoimmune specialist), or an allergist/immunologist.

Yes, certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking or exposure to environmental irritants, can contribute to a persistent cough. Stress and uncontrolled gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also exacerbate a cough.

Quitting smoking, avoiding exposure to environmental irritants, managing stress, and controlling underlying conditions like GERD can all help manage a persistent cough. Regular exercise can also support overall lung health.

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the persistent cough. This might involve antibiotics for an infection, immunosuppressive drugs for an autoimmune condition, antihistamines or steroids for allergies, or other treatments as appropriate.

While the underlying immune system disorder may not always be curable, the associated persistent cough can often be effectively managed with the right treatment. It's crucial to work closely with your healthcare team to manage your symptoms and maintain your quality of life.

Persistent coughs can be a common symptom of many immune system disorders. They may occur as the body's response to chronic inflammation, infection, or other disruptions caused by these conditions.