Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor

A cough is a natural reflex that helps clear mucus, irritants, and infections from your airways. While most coughs resolve within three weeks, persistent coughing can indicate an underlying health condition. Understanding the types of cough and when to seek medical attention is essential for proper management.

What Is a Cough?

A cough is a protective mechanism that clears your throat and lungs of mucus, smoke, allergens, or other irritants. Most coughs are temporary and do not require medical intervention. However, a chronic cough lasting more than eight weeks (or four weeks in children) should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Common Causes of Coughing

A cough can result from various factors, including infections, allergies, and chronic diseases. Below are the primary causes:

1. Acute Cough (Less than 3 Weeks)

• Viral infections – Common cold, flu, COVID-19

• Bacterial infections – Whooping cough (pertussis), pneumonia

• Allergies – Pollen, pet dander, mold

• Irritants – Smoke, pollution, dust, perfumes

• Asthma flare-ups – Can cause a dry or wheezing cough

2. Subacute Cough (3 to 8 Weeks)

• Post-infectious cough – Lingering cough following a viral illness

• Sinus drainage – Postnasal drip from allergies or sinus infections

3. Chronic Cough (More than 8 Weeks)

• Smoking-related cough – A persistent phlegmy cough, often with wheezing

• Chronic conditions – Asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – Stomach acid irritation

• Heart conditions – Heart failure can cause a chronic cough

• Medication side effects – Certain blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors)

Types of Cough

Dry Cough (Tickly Cough)

• Caused by viruses, allergies, or irritants

• Produces no mucus

• Can worsen at night

Chesty Cough (Phlegm Cough)

• Produces mucus

• Can be caused by respiratory infections or smoking

• May indicate bronchitis or pneumonia

Whooping Cough

• Caused by the pertussis bacteria

• Produces a “whooping” sound when inhaling after a coughing fit

• More dangerous for infants

Persistent Cough

• Lasts more than eight weeks

• Requires medical evaluation

Croup Cough

• Common in young children

• Barking cough with difficulty breathing

COVID-19 Cough

• Often dry and persistent

• Accompanied by fever, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell

Chest Tightness and Cough: When to Worry

A tight chest with a cough can indicate conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, or even a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism). Seek immediate medical help if you experience:

• Shortness of breath

• Coughing up blood

• Severe chest pain

How to Stop Coughing

Self-Care Remedies

• Stay hydrated – Drink warm fluids to soothe the throat

• Use honey and lemon – Natural cough suppressant

• Inhale steam – Helps loosen mucus

• Use a humidifier – Keeps airways moist

• Rest and avoid irritants (smoke, dust)

Cough Medicines and Syrups

Over-the-counter cough syrups may provide relief, but evidence of their effectiveness is limited. Consult a pharmacist for the best option.

When to See a Doctor

Seek urgent medical help if:

• Coughing up blood

• Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing

• High fever in infants:

  • Above 38°C (if under 3 months old)

  • Above 39°C (if older than 3 months)

• Signs of dehydration in children (dry nappies, lethargy)

See a doctor if:

• Cough lasts more than 3 weeks

• Symptoms worsen instead of improving

• Unexplained weight loss or persistent fatigue

Get Medical Advice Online

If you're experiencing persistent cough symptoms, you can consult a doctor remotely. TravelDoctor EU offers telehealth services and in-person visits in select cities. For conditions related to cough, visit What We Treat.

For further reading, check out WebMD’s guide on coughs.

Key Takeaways

• Coughing is a natural reflex that helps clear the airways.

• Most coughs resolve within 3 weeks and don’t require treatment.

• Chronic coughs lasting over 8 weeks may indicate an underlying condition.

• Seek medical attention if experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.

• Telehealth services are available for convenient consultations via TravelDoctor EU.