Definition: A chronic cough can be defined as a cough that is long-term, persistent and does not seem to go away in spite of treatment.
It is a defense mechanism developed by the body in an attempt to keep the airways free of mucus or other debris.
A chronic cough is one of the most common reasons prompting a visit to the doctor's office. It can be caused by an infection in the lungs or from outside irritants such as cigarette smoke or air pollution.
A chronic cough can be debilitating, as it interferes with sleep, causes chest pain and leaves you feeling angry and frustrated. A chronic cough may, or may not be, indicative of a serious, underlying lung condition like COPD, and warrants further investigation from your healthcare provider.
Also Known As: Long-term cough, persistant cough
