17 Reasons For Prolonged Cough

14. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also known as chronic obstructive lung disease, is an inflammatory lung disease wherein airflow in the lungs is obstructed. Patients with COPD experience long-term breathing problems, and common symptoms include coughing with sputum production and shortness of breath. In fact, the first symptom to develop is usually a chronic cough. This may be mild in the beginning, but if it lingers for over three months in a year for at least two years, it may be a sign of chronic bronchitis, which is a type of COPD. Although there is no cure for COPD, getting proper treatment can prevent complications, ease the symptoms, and slow down the progression of the disease.