Why do I keep coughing so much? This is a question we see asked all the time - but unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
It could be a symptom of a virus your immune system is battling. Maybe it’s your environment. Some people cough constantly because of an underlying condition, such as asthma, allergies, or GERD.
Whatever the case, you don’t just have to deal with it. Learn how to calm an incessant cough below, from lifestyle changes to lung support supplements like resbiotic’s resB.*
Acute vs Chronic Coughing
Not every cough means there’s cause for concern. Acute coughing usually lasts less than three weeks. It tends to show up with colds, flu, or short-term irritation from dust or smoke. It’s a healthy response your body uses to clear airways and protect the lungs.
The problem is when you have a chronic cough.
This is a cough that’s stuck around for longer than eight weeks. It usually points to an ongoing trigger, such as allergies, asthma, reflux, lifestyle habits, or lingering airway irritation.
Why Do I Keep Coughing So Much?
The length of time matters because it dictates your response. A cough that sticks around longer than it should warrants a closer look at what’s keeping the airways irritated or overly sensitive. So, why do I keep coughing all the time? Let’s narrow it down to the most common culprits.
You’re Sick
Respiratory infections are the first thing to rule out. Viruses irritate airway linings and might make the cough reflex more sensitive. It’s tricky, though. Some people deal with a cough long after the main symptoms fade, sometimes lasting a month or longer.
You Smoke
This is an obvious one. Whether you smoke cigarettes or cannabis, or even vape, the lungs are meant to filter air - and air only. Heat, particles, and chemicals are all going to irritate the airway tissue. This is where that notorious “smoker’s cough” comes from.
You’ve Been Exposed to Irritants/Pollutants
Even if you think you live a healthy life, there are irritants and pollutants all around you - even in the air you breathe outdoors. Cleaning sprays, dust, wildfire smoke, and strong fragrances are just a few of the most common.
The theme across each of these is they can inflame the airway lining, especially if you already have sensitive lungs. Wearing a mask during heavy exposure or filtering indoor air can help.
You’re Dealing With Post-Nasal Drip
Allergies, sinus congestion, or even dry air can lead to post-nasal drip, a condition where mucus drains down the back of your throat. This too can trigger constant throat clearing and coughing. A lot of people dealing with this ailment find it worse at night or first thing in the morning.
You Have Asthma, Allergies, or GERD
Asthma and allergies can make the airways reactive, causing frequent coughing fits. Acid reflux, including silent reflux, can also irritate the throat and trigger a dry cough - even if you don’t feel heartburn. These causes often need targeted management rather than general cough remedies.
Your Space Has Dry Air
I’ve ruled out everything else…so why do I keep coughing? It could be something as simple as you live in a dry environment (like the desert) or you simply have low humidity in your home/office. This is common during the winter when spaces are heated.
The airway lining becomes more prone to irritation when it loses moisture. This can keep the cough reflex active. A humidifier, better hydration, and adjusting indoor airflow are all viable strategies.
Distinguishing Between a Wet and Dry Cough
It helps to understand the differences between a wet and dry cough, as each is more prominently linked to certain causes.
A wet cough is what it sounds like. You’re coughing up mucus. This type of cough is associated with infections, post-nasal drip, or airway inflammation. The body is actively trying to remove buildup.
On the other hand, a dry cough feels more tickly or irritating. It usually comes up as the result of airway sensitivity, reflux, allergies, or exposure to dry air and irritants.
You should also pay close attention to when your cough shows up. Is it after eating? At night? During exercise? There are plenty of clues you can use to narrow it down to what’s making you cough all the time.
How Do I Stop Coughing All the Time?
Stopping a constant cough does require narrowing it down to the root cause - but there is some overlap in how you’ll treat the symptom, regardless of what it’s being driven by. Here are some tips to help calm an incessant cough.
Support Your Respiratory Microbiome
The lungs and gut are more connected than most people realize. A balanced microbiome helps regulate immune responses and airway comfort, which is why probiotics are often discussed in the context of respiratory wellness.
resbiotic’s resB® Lung Support Probiotic was developed with this connection in mind.. It’s among the leading lung support supplements in the world because it combines clinically studied strains like L. plantarum RSB11®, L. acidophilus RSB12®, and L. rhamnosus RSB13® with vasaka, turmeric, and holy basil.
All of these ingredients work in synergy to support clear airways, comfortable breathing, and immune balance - without acting like a temporary cough suppressant.* Clinical studies showed:
- 72% participants reported improvement
- 82% participants reported quality of life improvement
- 95% participants are likely to recommend resB to others
All with no adverse effects. The formula is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO certified, and proudly manufactured here in the USA. If a persistent cough has been bugging you long enough, explore how resbiotic’s resB may be able to support.*
Hydrate Airways and Your Body
Moisture makes mucus easier to clear and minimizes that scratchy feeling that triggers coughing fits. So, drink warm fluids, invest in a humidifier, and make sure you’re getting enough water in on a daily basis.
Minimize Irritants Anywhere You Can
They’re inevitable to some extent, especially in big cities or any area with poor air quality. But, smoke, strong fragrances, dust, and cleaning sprays can keep the cough reflex activated. So do your best to avoid them when possible.
That might mean wearing a mask when you do certain things. Or, maybe you just replace harsh chemical cleaning agents with gentler alternatives. You could even buy an air filter for your home or office.
Bolster Your Immune Response
Your immune system is what helps your body recover from respiratory stress. A good diet, plenty of sleep, and a good supplement like resB can all play a role in calming irritated airways. Managing stress will also help keep your immune response balanced.
Calm the Cough Reflex Naturally
Honey, throat lozenges, steam inhalation, or breathing exercises can all minimize throat irritation. They may not completely shut down your cough, but they’ll take the edge off while you focus on more long-term treatments at the very least.
Address the Root Cause, Not Just the Symptom
This is the key takeaway from today’s conversation. Long-lasting coughs can be traced back to an underlying trigger of some sort, be it reflux, allergies, or lingering inflammation.
You should support the lungs from the inside while figuring out for sure what keeps irritating them in the first place. After all, a balance of treatment and future prevention is always the best policy!
When Should I See a Doctor For My Constant Coughing?
Hopefully your cough fades on its own, but any chronic cough lasting longer than 8 weeks deserves professional attention. It’s not a bad idea to seek help sooner if the cough keeps getting worse or interferes with sleep or daily life, either.
Other instances in which we recommend getting in touch with your primary health care provider include:
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath that feels new or unusual
These signs don’t always mean there’s something sinister going on, but you definitely don’t want to ignore them. A clinician will help you identify underlying causes like asthma, reflux, allergies, or infection.
Final Words on Why You Keep Coughing
So, why do I keep coughing? Hopefully, this guide has helped you narrow it down to the root cause so you can take corrective action and calm irritation fast.
Our blog has more tips on how to remove mucus from lungs naturally, including the top herbs for lungs and the best vitamin for lung repair. Remember, though, resbiotic’s resB brings together all of these in a single formula to help you support your lungs from the inside out.* Add resB to your daily routine as consistent respiratory support focused on immune and microbiome balance.*
It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can feel the impact firsthand, risk-free. Add resbiotic’s resB to your daily routine and give your lungs what they need to feel stronger, calmer, and more resilient.*