Overview
A chronic cough is one that lasts longer than about eight weeks in adults or four weeks in children. It is a symptom rather than a disease and usually points to an underlying cause that can be identified and treated. A persistent cough can disrupt sleep, daily life and quality of life.
Symptoms
- A cough that persists for weeks
- Throat clearing or a tickle in the throat
- A runny or blocked nose or postnasal drip
- Heartburn or a sour taste
- Wheezing or breathlessness in some cases
- Hoarseness
- Disturbed sleep
Causes & risk factors
- Postnasal drip from allergies or sinus problems
- Asthma
- Acid reflux
- Lingering effects of a respiratory infection
- Smoking
- Certain blood pressure medicines
- Less commonly, COPD, infections such as tuberculosis, or lung disease
Treatment & self-care
Care focuses on identifying the cause through a clinical history, examination and sometimes tests, then treating that cause. A clinician should evaluate a cough that does not settle rather than relying on long-term over-the-counter cough remedies.
See a doctor urgently if
- Your cough lasts more than a few weeks or keeps returning
- You cough up blood
- Seek prompt care if you also have unexplained weight loss, night sweats, breathlessness, or chest pain
- Get emergency care for sudden severe breathlessness