Dear Readers: On July 14, a letter writer expressed anxiety about a persistent cough. Dozens of letters poured in with stories of similar situations. Although the letter writer didn’t ask for medical diagnosis or advice, the response was so strong I wanted to share some suggested causes and home remedies. This is not medical advice. If you have a medical issue, please see a doctor.

Some readers found out that their coughs were caused by: Sensory laryngeal neuropathy; blood pressure medication, specifically an ACE inhibitor; bronchiectasis and Mycobacteria Avium Complex; a bacterial infection called Helicobacter Pylori (or H. Pylori); acid reflux; a hiatal hernia.

And for relief they turned to: Coca-Cola; visiting a voice teacher; chewing a marshmallow; a speech pathologist; the Bastian Voice Institute in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Read more Asking Eric and other advice columns.

Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.