Why Do Old People Cough So Much? (2024)

As people age, their susceptibility to various health issues increases, and one common symptom that manifests is persistent coughing.

This phenomenon in elderly adults can be attributed to several factors, including weakened immune systems, the presence of chronic diseases, and the physiological changes in the respiratory system that accompany aging.

This article explores the most common causes of frequent coughing in older adults and how to mitigate the effects of this unwanted symptom.

Why Do Old People Cough So Much?

Older adults often cough more frequently due to age-related changes in the respiratory system, decreased immunity, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. Additionally, conditions like COPD, asthma, and acid reflux, which are more common in seniors, can contribute to chronic coughing.

Types of Cough is Senior Adults

When discussing types of cough in senior adults, it’s important to consider the various causes and characteristics that can differ from younger populations due to age-related changes in the body and immune system.

Here are some common types of coughs found in seniors, along with their potential causes:

• Chronic Dry Cough: This type of cough, which lacks phlegm, is often seen in elderly individuals and can be due to conditions like asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or as a side effect of medications (especially ACE inhibitors used in heart disease).
• Wet or Productive Cough: This cough produces phlegm and can be a sign of an underlying infection like bronchitis or pneumonia, which seniors are particularly susceptible to due to a decreased immune response. Chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can also cause a productive cough.
• Whooping Cough (Pertussis): Although less common in seniors, it’s possible, especially among those who have not been vaccinated. It’s characterized by severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like “whoop.”
• Cough with Wheezing: This type of cough indicates that something is blocking or narrowing the airways. Causes might include asthma, COPD, or heart failure.
• Nocturnal Cough: Often worsening at night, this cough can be due to heart failure, asthma, or GERD. The recumbent position can exacerbate the cough.
• Cough with Fever: A cough accompanied by fever in seniors can indicate a serious infection and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Common causes include influenza and pneumonia.

Each type of cough and its underlying cause should be properly diagnosed and treated by healthcare professionals, especially in senior adults, due to the potential for rapid health deterioration and the complexities of multiple existing health conditions.

Always consult with a medical professional to determine the specific cause and appropriate treatment for a cough.

Causes of Coughing in Senior Adults

Coughing in senior adults can be caused by a variety of factors, often reflecting more serious health concerns due to the vulnerability of older adults.

Here are several common causes:

• Infections: Respiratory infections like the common cold, influenza, pneumonia, and COVID-19 are frequent causes of coughing in seniors. Their immune systems are typically weaker, making them more susceptible to infections.
• Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, are prevalent in older adults, especially those who have a history of smoking. Asthma is another chronic condition that can cause coughing.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD can cause a chronic dry cough if stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, especially noticeable at night or when lying down.
• Heart Failure: This condition can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema), resulting in a hacking cough or wheezing.
• Medications: ACE inhibitors, which are commonly prescribed for hypertension and heart failure, can lead to a dry, persistent cough as a side effect.
• Allergies and Environmental Irritants: Allergens like pollen, mold, and pet dander, as well as irritants such as air pollution and smoke, can provoke coughing.
• Lung Cancer: In some cases, a persistent cough that does not go away can be a sign of lung cancer, especially in individuals who are long-term smokers.
• Postnasal Drip: Also known as upper airway cough syndrome, this occurs when excess mucus from the nose or sinuses drips down the back of the throat, leading to a cough.
• Aspiration: Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) can lead to aspiration of food or liquids into the lungs, causing coughing and increasing the risk of pneumonia.

Note: Due to the multiple potential causes and the serious nature of some of these conditions, it’s important for senior adults experiencing a persistent cough to consult healthcare professionals for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Natural Cough Remedies for Senior Citizens

For senior citizens seeking to ease cough symptoms, there are several natural remedies that can be gentle yet effective.

However, it’s essential for seniors to consult with healthcare professionals before trying new remedies, especially if they have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

Here are some natural cough remedies suitable for seniors:

• Honey: Widely recognized for its soothing properties, honey can help to relieve coughs by coating and calming the throat. Mixing a tablespoon of honey with warm water or herbal tea is an effective way to soothe a cough. Note that honey should not be given to children under one year of age.
• Warm Salt Water Gargle: Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce phlegm and mucus in the back of the throat, which can lessen the need to cough.
• Peppermint: Peppermint leaves are well known for their healing properties. The menthol in peppermint soothes the throat and acts as a decongestant, helping to break down mucus. Drinking peppermint tea or inhaling peppermint steam can be beneficial.
• Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relax membranes in the airways, which might reduce coughing. Brewing a ginger tea from fresh ginger root can be very soothing for a cough.
• Steam Inhalation: Breathing in steam can help loosen mucus and phlegm in the airways. Seniors can simply breathe in the steam from a hot bath or shower, or use a bowl of hot water, placing a towel over their head to trap the steam.
• Thyme: This herb is used widely for respiratory illnesses. It is thought to have antibacterial and antiviral properties, which can help fight infections that might be causing coughs. Thyme can be used in tea or as an herbal inhalation.
• Hydration: Staying hydrated helps thin mucus, making it easier to expel. Warm liquids, in particular, can provide relief from coughing fits.
• Humidifiers: Adding moisture to the air can help ease coughs and congestion. A humidifier in the bedroom can reduce the dryness that might cause or worsen a cough.
• Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can be added to warm milk (often called golden milk) to help relieve a cough. It’s also beneficial for boosting overall immunity.
• Lemon: Lemon can help to reduce inflammation and provide a dose of infection-fighting vitamin C. A squeeze of lemon juice added to hot tea or warm water can help relieve a cough.

Note: While these remedies can provide relief, they are not substitutes for medical treatment if a cough is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other worrying symptoms such as a high fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain. In such cases, it’s important to seek professional medical advice.

How to Prevent Coughing in Elderly Adults

Preventing coughs in elderly adults is particularly important because their immune systems are often weaker. They may also have pre-existing health conditions that make respiratory issues more dangerous.

Here are several strategies to help prevent coughing in elderly adults:

• Stay Up to Date With Vaccinations: Ensure that all vaccinations are up to date, including the annual flu vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine, which help prevent illnesses that can lead to coughing. The COVID-19 vaccine is also essential in preventing severe illness.
• Maintain Good Hand Hygiene: Regular hand washing and using hand sanitizers can help prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory infections.
• Avoid Irritants: Smoke, chemical fumes, and air pollution can all exacerbate coughing. It’s important to keep the living environment free from these irritants as much as possible. Using air purifiers and ensuring good ventilation can also help.
• Manage Allergies: If allergies are a problem, it’s important to manage them with the help of a healthcare provider. This may include taking antihistamines or avoiding allergens that trigger symptoms.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help keep the throat moist and reduce the risk of coughing. Warm teas and water are excellent choices.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: A nutritious diet supports immune function. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
• Control GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease can cause a chronic cough. Managing GERD through diet, lifestyle changes, and medication can help prevent coughing related to acid reflux.
• Regular Exercise: Keeping physically active helps maintain lung function and overall health, though it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program.
• Avoid Colds and the Flu: Steer clear of close contact with people who are sick, and avoid crowded places during flu season if possible.
• Humidify the Home: Dry air can irritate the respiratory system. Using a humidifier, especially during dry winter months, can help keep the airways moist and less likely to be irritated.
• Quit Smoking and Avoid Secondhand Smoke: Smoking is a major irritant to the lungs and can exacerbate coughing. Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke are crucial for respiratory health.
• Monitor Air Quality: On days when air quality is poor, it’s best to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid exacerbating coughs or other respiratory symptoms.

Note: These preventive measures can help reduce the risk of coughing and other respiratory complications in elderly adults, enhancing their quality of life and overall health.

FAQs About Senior Adults and Coughing

What Causes Persistent Coughing in the Elderly?

Persistent coughing in the elderly can be caused by various factors, including respiratory infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or even side effects of certain medications.

Additionally, age-related changes in the respiratory system, weakened immune function, and environmental factors can contribute to chronic coughing in older adults.

How to Help an Elderly Person Cough?

Assisting an elderly person with coughing involves providing support and comfort while ensuring their safety. Encourage them to sit upright or slightly reclined, which can help ease breathing and facilitate effective coughing.

Offer them small sips of water to keep their throat moist and help loosen mucus. Additionally, using a humidifier in their living space can help alleviate dry air, making it easier to cough up phlegm.

What is a Cardiac Cough?

A cardiac cough, also known as a heart cough, is a type of cough that occurs as a symptom of heart failure. It is typically described as a dry, hacking cough that worsens when lying down.

This cough is caused by fluid buildup in the lungs due to the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively.

A cardiac cough may accompany other symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and ankles.

How to Treat a Chronic Cough in the Elderly?

Treating a chronic cough in the elderly involves addressing the underlying cause while also providing symptomatic relief.

Depending on the cause, treatment may include antibiotics for bacterial infections, bronchodilators or corticosteroids for respiratory conditions like COPD or asthma, proton pump inhibitors for GERD, or adjustments to medications causing coughing as a side effect.

Additionally, maintaining good hydration, avoiding irritants like smoke or allergens, and using cough suppressants or expectorants as directed by a healthcare professional can help manage chronic coughing.

What is a Good Cough Suppressant for the Elderly?

Choosing a suitable cough suppressant for the elderly depends on their specific health condition and any medications they may be taking.

Generally, older adults should avoid cough suppressants containing codeine or dextromethorphan due to potential side effects and interactions with other medications. Instead, non-opioid options such as guaifenesin or diphenhydramine may be safer choices.

However, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new medication, as they can provide personalized recommendations based on the individual’s health status and medication regimen.

What to Do When an Elderly Person Keeps Coughing?

When an elderly person keeps coughing, it’s essential to provide them with comfort and support while addressing the underlying cause of their cough.

Encourage them to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and help thin mucus. Ensure they are sitting upright or slightly reclined to ease breathing and facilitate effective coughing.

When Should Elderly People See a Doctor for Coughing?

Elderly people should see a doctor for coughing if it persists for more than a few weeks, is accompanied by fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or coughing up blood, or significantly impacts their daily activities or quality of life.

Additionally, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions such as COPD, heart disease, or immune system disorders should seek medical attention promptly if they develop a new or worsening cough.

Note: A healthcare provider can assess the underlying cause of the cough and recommend appropriate treatment to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

Final Thoughts

The prevalence of coughing among the elderly is multifactorial, stemming from both age-related physiological changes and underlying health conditions.

While some degree of coughing may be considered a normal part of aging, persistent or severe coughing should never be ignored.

Seeking medical evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and ensure appropriate management, ultimately improving the quality of life for older adults.