Why do older people cough a lot? (cold, skin, doctor)

[Woof Woof Woof!]

I'm just wondering what makes people cough as they get older?

A few older men I know are constantly coughing. Why do they do this? How do you prevent it from happening?

Thanks,

Woof x3

[Viralmd]

It could be any number of things: congestive heart failure or even acid reflux. It's very hard to generalize.

[ConeyIsBabe]

Originally Posted by Woof Woof Woof!

I'm just wondering what makes people cough as they get older?

A few older men I know are constantly coughing. Why do they do this? How do you prevent it from happening?

Thanks,

Woof x3

Perhaps they are smokers, or former smokers ?? Emphysema? Lung damage? Perhaps they have bronchitis?

I have never noticed any older people coughing more than younger people.

[Woof Woof Woof!]

I know a man who is 73 and he is always coughing. It's usually in the morning, but today he coughed throughout the day. I thought all older people coughed. I thought it was just a part of getting old. Is it?

[I LOVE PA!]

A chronic cough is never normal and never a good thing. Maybe he needs a trip to the Doctor.

[Steve Bagu]

When I lived in Mexico City had a young friend who smoked a lot and was always coughing. I thought it was from the cigarettes. Couple yrs after returning to the US talked to a MD about spending time in Mexico who then ordered a skin test. Skin (TB) test which showed a minor reaction. Nothing serious but still a reaction. So far I'm okay. Steve

[ConeyIsBabe]

Originally Posted by Woof Woof Woof!

I know a man who is 73 and he is always coughing. It's usually in the morning, but today he coughed throughout the day. I thought all older people coughed. I thought it was just a part of getting old. Is it?

NO, coughing is not a part of getting old !

illness is more likely!!

[Miss Blue]

Now I am REALLY old and very seldom cough unless I have a chest cold or aspirate a bit if I try to eat while laughing I would say your old friend has a health problem like others have suggested..

[Huckleberry3911948]

ka ka ka ka ka
what did you say son?

[Woof Woof Woof!]

Well, that is interesting. No, he is not a smoker. Maybe he has heart disease that he is not aware of. Who knows. It just seems that I know a LOT of old men who cough all the time. In fact, all of the old men I know cough a lot. They are all over 74 years old. Ages: 74, 78, 86.... cough, cough, cough...