Chronic cough
Chronic cough is defined as lasting eight weeks or longer in adults, four weeks in children.
While it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the problem that's triggering a chronic cough, the most common causes are tobacco use, postnasal drip, asthma and acid reflux — the backflow of stomach acid that can irritate your throat. Chronic cough typically disappears once the underlying problem is treated.
A chronic cough can occur with other signs and symptoms, which may include:
- A runny or stuffy nose
- A feeling of liquid running down the back of your throat
- Frequent throat clearing and sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Heartburn or a sour taste in your mouth
- In rare cases, coughing up blood
You may wish to call your doctor under the following circumstances:
- If a chronic cough lasts more than three weeks.
- Any concern you may have about the cause of the cough.
- Coughing up blood.
- Severe pain or fainting caused by coughing bouts.
- Trouble sleeping at night because of coughing.
- Any worrying symptom such as breathlessness or chest pain.
Related Organisations
Recently updated Healthcare Professionals
- Dr Ranjan Shrestha (Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Specialist)
- Dr Francesco Piccolo (Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Specialist)
- Dr Qaiser Niazi (Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Specialist)
- Dr Chee Choy (Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Specialist)
- Dr Miriam Vassallo (Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Specialist)
- Dr Eric Pertnikovs (Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Specialist)
Related Interventions
