4. Chronic Cough
Why it happens: In lung failure (especially COPD, fibrosis, or advanced asthma), inflammation and obstruction in the airways trigger ongoing coughing. This may be dry or productive with mucus.
How it feels: Patients may ignore it as a “smoker’s cough,” but when it persists >8 weeks, it suggests chronic lung disease. Coughing may worsen at night or early morning.
Medical Tests:
- Chest X-ray / CT Scan: Looks for lung scarring, infection, or tumors.
- Sputum Culture: Detects infection-causing organisms.
- Spirometry (PFTs): Measures obstruction/restriction.