Chronic cough
What is a chronic cough?
Most coughs cause discomfort, but they usually serve a use – when we cough, we expel germs, mucus and foreign material from our lungs. Most only last a short time. However, sometimes they linger for weeks or even months.
A chronic cough is defined as one that lasts for eight weeks or longer in adults or over four weeks in children. They can potentially be very disruptive to the patient’s life, interrupting sleep and leading to fatigue, and in severe cases, they can cause vomiting, light-headedness, and even rib fractures.
Symptoms of chronic cough:
The cough itself is a symptom of an underlying condition, but it may be accompanied by other symptoms, some of which may be a result of the coughing.
- Stuffy nose
- Runny nose
- Post-nasal drip
- Sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Wheezing/shortness of breath
- Heartburn
- Sour taste in the mouth
- Coughing up blood
What are the causes of chronic cough?
There are several things that can cause a chronic cough:
- Asthma
- Chronic bronchitis
- Infections, e.g. pneumonia
- Smoking
- Postnasal drip
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Certain medications, e.g. ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure
In rarer cases the following can also be responsible:
- Bronchiectasis (damaged airways)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Lung cancer
- Aspiration
- Sarcoidosis
- Bronchiolitis
- Whooping cough
When to see a doctor
When a cough lasts for more than a few weeks, it is worth having it checked out by a doctor. If you cough up blood, or experience weight loss, fever, or trouble sleeping, you should consult your GP or a specialist.
Treatments for chronic cough
Treatment for chronic cough depends largely on the cause, as treatment tends to be targeted at the underlying illness, rather than the symptom. For example, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, while asthma could be treated with steroids and/or bronchodilators. If you have a chronic cough, consult a doctor and follow their advice.
Which type of specialist treats chronic cough?
Specialists in pulmonary and respiratory medicine and otolaryngologists may both treat chronic cough, and other specialties may be involved, depending on the underlying cause.


What is a chronic cough, and how is it treated?
By Dr Amit Patel
2022-07-02
Dr Amit Patel, leading consultant respiratory physician explains all about chronic cough, including the causes, symptoms, and possible treatment options. See more


Chronic cough: why won’t my cough go away?
By Mr Kalpesh Patel
2022-07-02
A cough is a human reflex that aims to stop the airway becoming blocked so that breathing is not compromised. Mr Kalpesh Patel, top ENT specialist, discusses how a cough can sometimes become a chronic cough. See more


Chronic cough: when it’s time to see a doctor
By Dr Grace Robinson
2022-07-02
While most coughs can take up to four weeks to clear up completely, there are some that can linger for longer and become chronic - indicating something more serious is going on. Dr Grace Robinson, a leading specialist in pulmonology and respiratory medicine in Reading, explains more about chronic coughs and when you should see a doctor. See more


When should I visit a cough specialist?
By Dr Sundeep Kaul
2022-07-02
Most people with a chronic cough will visit their GP for advice and treatment. But evidence suggests that a visit to a cough specialist is much more likely to result in correct diagnosis and effective treatment. So what does a cough specialist do, how do they diagnose your cough, and when should you visit one? We asked Dr Sundeep Kaul, leading expert in both respiratory medicine and critical care. See more
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Dr Mark Rosenthal
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