Can Cough Cause Breathing Problems?
May 29, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Yes, a cough can sometimes cause breathing problems. Here are a few scenarios in which this might occur:
- Asthma: A persistent cough can be a symptom of asthma, which is a condition where the airways narrow and swell, making breathing difficult. Asthma can cause wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness along with coughing.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema fall under COPD. Chronic bronchitis is often characterized by a long-term cough that can lead to breathing difficulties due to obstructed airflow.
- Infections: Respiratory infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or even a severe cold can cause a cough that makes it hard to breathe. These infections can lead to inflammation and fluid in the lungs, restricting airflow.
- Allergic Reactions: Allergies can cause coughing and lead to asthma-like symptoms, including difficulty breathing.
- Upper Respiratory Infections: Viral infections such as the common cold or the flu can cause a cough that may make breathing feel more laborious, especially if there is congestion and postnasal drip.
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough): This highly contagious bacterial infection causes severe coughing fits that can make it very difficult to breathe during episodes.
- Reflux Disease: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause a chronic cough and may lead to breathing difficulties if the acid irritates the airways.
If a cough is causing significant breathing problems, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.