There are several reasons why you might cough every time you talk, ranging from relatively minor irritations to underlying medical conditions.
Here's a breakdown of potential causes:
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Acid Reflux (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux - LPR): Stomach acid can travel up to your voice box (larynx) and throat, irritating these areas and triggering a cough. Unlike typical heartburn, LPR might not cause obvious symptoms like chest pain. The irritation to your vocal cords and throat, however, makes you want to cough when you use them.
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Asthma: Talking can change your breathing pattern, sometimes triggering asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Vocal cord dysfunction can also mimic asthma.
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Laryngeal Irritation/Dysfunction: Your larynx (voice box) may be hypersensitive. Talking, which requires vocal cord movement, can irritate the larynx and lead to coughing. This can be due to a recent infection, overuse of your voice, or other irritants.
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Postnasal Drip: Mucus dripping down the back of your throat can irritate your throat and trigger a cough, which can be especially noticeable when talking because you're more aware of your throat.
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Environmental Irritants: Smoke, dust, pollen, or other airborne irritants can make you cough, especially when talking, because your breathing becomes deeper and faster.
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Vocal Cord Nodules or Polyps: These growths on the vocal cords can change the way they vibrate, causing irritation and leading to a cough, particularly when talking.
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Infection: A lingering cough after a cold, flu, or other respiratory infection could be triggered or exacerbated by talking.
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Medications: Some medications, such as ACE inhibitors (used to treat high blood pressure), are known to cause a chronic cough.
What To Do:
The best course of action is to consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine the underlying cause of your cough through a physical exam, medical history review, and possibly further testing.
- See a Doctor: Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or an otolaryngologist (ENT doctor).
- Describe Your Symptoms: Be prepared to describe the frequency, severity, and timing of your cough, as well as any other symptoms you are experiencing.
- Keep a Cough Diary: Note when your cough occurs, what triggers it, and any other relevant details. This can help your doctor identify patterns.
It is crucial to seek medical advice to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Don't self-diagnose or self-treat.
