Chronic cough — Patient information · Ruqelo Health
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Chronic cough
Ruqelo Health — Take to your appointment
Educational summary — not medical advice. Discuss with your healthcare provider.
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
A chronic cough is a cough that lasts for eight weeks or longer in adults, or four weeks or longer in children. It is not a disease itself, but a symptom that something else is going on in your body. Unlike an acute cough that goes away with a cold, a chronic cough persists and can be frustrating or exhausting.
Key facts
A chronic cough lasts more than 8 weeks in adults, more than 4 weeks in children.
It is often caused by more than one condition at the same time.
Treating the underlying cause usually helps the cough to go away.
Yes, chronic cough is quite common. It is one of the most frequent reasons people visit their general practice doctor. Many people experience it at some point in their lives.
Chronic cough can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in adults, especially women. It also tends to occur more often in people who smoke, have allergies, or have certain long-term conditions like asthma or acid reflux.
Questions about this article
Symptoms
Call emergency services immediately if you notice:
You are struggling to breathe or gasping for air
Your lips or face turn blue
You cough up large amounts of blood
You feel a sudden, severe chest pain
See a doctor urgently (same day) if you notice:
⚠You have a fever that does not go away after a few days
⚠You are losing weight without trying
⚠You have a cough that gets worse instead of better
⚠You feel very weak or dizzy
Common symptoms
A cough that lasts for weeks or months
A tickling or irritating sensation in the throat
Coughing that gets worse at night or after meals
Mucus or phlegm (you may cough it up)
Hoarse voice or sore throat from coughing
Symptoms in children
Persistent cough lasting more than 4 weeks
Cough that often happens at night or after running around
A 'barking' cough or whooping sound (though not always)
Sometimes a cough that goes away and comes back
Symptoms in older adults
Cough that may be dry or produce mucus
Feeling more tired than usual due to coughing
Cough might be linked to taking certain medicines (like blood pressure pills)
Shortness of breath or wheezing along with the cough
Causes
Main causes
Post-nasal drip – mucus from your nose or sinuses drips down the back of your throat and triggers a cough
Asthma – a condition where your airways tighten and swell, causing cough (cough-variant asthma)
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) – stomach acid leaks back into your throat, irritating it
Chronic bronchitis – often caused by smoking, with inflammation of the airways
Certain medicines – like ACE inhibitors (a type of blood pressure pill)
Infections – a lingering cough after a cold or chest infection
Risk factors
Smoking or being around second-hand smoke
Having asthma, allergies, or hay fever
Having gastric reflux (heartburn often)
Working or living in places with dust, fumes, or chemicals
Being over 50 years old
Having a weakened immune system
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
You have chest pain or difficulty breathing
You cough up blood or rust-coloured sputum
You have a high fever that does not come down
You feel very unwell or faint
Book a routine appointment if:
Your cough has lasted more than 3 weeks (adults) or more than 2 weeks (children)
The cough is stopping you from sleeping, working, or doing everyday things
You have other symptoms like unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fatigue
You keep getting coughs or chest infections
If your cough started after a cold and is slowly getting better, it is usually nothing to worry about. But if it lingers beyond a few weeks, it is a good idea to check with your doctor – just to be safe.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your cough – when it started, how it feels, and if anything makes it better or worse. They will also ask about your medical history, medicines, and lifestyle (like smoking). They may listen to your chest and look in your throat.
Tests that may be done
Chest X-ray – to check your lungs and airways
Spirometry – a breathing test to see if you have asthma or other lung conditions
Peak flow test – a small device you blow into to measure how fast you can breathe out
Blood tests – to look for infection or inflammation
Sputum sample – testing the mucus you cough up for bacteria
If needed, referral to a specialist for further tests like a CT scan or a scope of your airways (bronchoscopy)
What to expect at your appointment
Your doctor may try a treatment for the most likely cause first – for example, a trial of asthma medication or acid reflux medicine. Because chronic cough often has more than one cause, it may take a few appointments to sort out. Be patient and tell your doctor how you are doing.
Treatment
Treatment for chronic cough focuses on the underlying cause. Once that is found and treated, the cough usually improves. Because there can be multiple causes, you may need to address more than one issue – like treating allergies and acid reflux at the same time.
Self-care at home
If you smoke, seek help to quit – it is the single most important step
Avoid things that trigger your cough, such as dust, strong smells, or cold air
Drink plenty of water to soothe your throat and thin mucus
Use a humidifier or steam to moisten the air, especially in dry rooms
Try honey and warm lemon water (for adults only – not for babies under 1 year)
Raise your pillow when you sleep if you have heartburn or post-nasal drip
Medical treatments
Depending on the cause, your doctor may recommend treatments such as antihistamines for allergies, inhalers for asthma, acid-reducing medicines for reflux, or antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection. Always follow your doctor’s advice about any medicines. Do not use over-the-counter cough syrups for longer than a few days without talking to your doctor.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is rarely needed for chronic cough. It may be considered if the cause is severe acid reflux that does not get better with medicine, or if there is a physical problem like a growth in the airway. Your doctor will discuss this if it applies to you.
Living with this condition
Living with a chronic cough can be tiring and frustrating. It may interrupt your sleep, make talking difficult, and cause worry. But remember: most chronic coughs can be managed well once the cause is found. Work closely with your doctor and give treatments time to work.
Lifestyle tips
Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke
Reduce exposure to dust, pollen, and other irritants (use an air purifier if helpful)
Manage stress – stress can make a cough worse for some people
Get enough rest – your body needs energy to heal
Stay active gently – walking or light exercise can help your lungs work better
Diet and exercise
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports your immune system. If you have acid reflux, try eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoid spicy or fatty foods late at night. Gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga can help keep your lungs healthy – but listen to your body and stop if you start coughing too much.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
A long-lasting cough can be stressful, embarrassing, and affect your mood. You may feel anxious or sad. That is normal. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling. They can suggest support or ways to cope. You are not alone.
Prevention
You cannot always prevent a chronic cough, especially if it is caused by a condition like asthma or allergies. But you can reduce your risk by not smoking, avoiding lung irritants, and managing conditions such as acid reflux and allergies. Treating infections early also helps.
Vaccines
Vaccines can help prevent some causes of cough, like the flu (influenza) and whooping cough (pertussis). Make sure you and your children are up to date with your vaccinations. Your doctor can tell you which vaccines are recommended.
Screening programmes
There is no routine screening test for chronic cough. However, if you have a family history of lung disease or other risk factors, your doctor may suggest regular check-ups to catch problems early.
Complications
If left untreated
Sleep problems due to coughing at night
Exhaustion and low energy
Headaches, muscle aches, or rib pain from forceful coughing
Urinary incontinence (leaking urine when coughing, especially in women)
Strained voice or laryngitis
Social embarrassment and avoiding social situations
In rare cases, signs of a more serious underlying condition if left untreated
Long-term outlook
For most people, chronic cough gets better or goes away once the cause is found and treated. Even when a full cure is not possible, symptoms can often be well controlled so you can live a normal, active life. Working with your doctor and being patient with treatment are key. There is good reason to be hopeful.
Find support
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.
