A cough is a reflex that clears the airways. Most coughs follow colds or allergies and improve within a few weeks, but a persistent or severe cough — especially with breathing difficulty — needs medical evaluation.
A cough is a reflex that clears the airways.
A cough is a reflex that clears the airways.
Coughing protects the lungs by removing mucus, dust, and irritants. Acute coughs usually last less than three weeks and often follow upper respiratory infections. Subacute coughs last three to eight weeks; chronic coughs persist beyond eight weeks and warrant thorough evaluation.
Common causes include viral upper respiratory infections, post-nasal drip from allergies, asthma, acid reflux, and acute bronchitis. Less commonly, persistent cough may relate to pneumonia, tuberculosis (in endemic settings), medication side effects, or — rarely — other lung conditions.
A cough that began after starting a new medicine should be discussed with your doctor. Never assume a long-standing cough is 'just a habit' without medical review.
Seek urgent care for coughing up blood, severe breathlessness, chest pain, high fever, or lips turning blue. See a doctor if a cough lasts more than three weeks, keeps returning, or disturbs sleep and daily activities.
For cough, a general physician is often the appropriate starting point. They can examine you, order relevant tests, and refer to another specialist if needed. View available doctors.
A general physician asks how long you have coughed, whether you bring up phlegm, and if you have fever, weight loss, or breathlessness. They listen to your chest and may order a chest X-ray or other tests when symptoms persist or red flags are present.
Treatment depends on the cause. Viral coughs often improve with rest and fluids. Bacterial infections may need antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Cough suppressants are not suitable for everyone — especially children — and should only be used on medical advice.
Avoid smoking, manage allergies and reflux, wash hands regularly during cold season, and seek early care for chest infections to reduce prolonged coughing.
Most viral coughs improve within two to three weeks. See a doctor if a cough lasts longer than three weeks, worsens, produces blood, or occurs with fever, weight loss, or breathing difficulty.
A general physician evaluates most coughs first. They may refer you to a chest specialist or ENT specialist if needed based on examination and tests.
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