A chronic cough is generally defined as a cough that lasts 8 weeks or longer in adults (or 4 weeks or longer in children) [1,2]. While it may seem harmless, a chronic cough can significantly affect sleep, work, and quality of life and it often signals an underlying condition that can be treated.
What Is a Chronic Cough?
Chronic cough is not a disease on its own; it is a symptom. It is the body’s response to ongoing irritation or inflammation in the airways, lungs, or digestive tract [3].
Many people live with chronic cough for years without realizing that identifying the cause often leads to effective treatment and long-term relief [4].
Common Causes of Chronic Cough
Most cases of chronic cough are linked to one or more of the following conditions:
Postnasal Drip
Excess mucus from the nose or sinuses can drip down the back of the throat, irritating the airway and triggering coughing or frequent throat clearing. Allergies, sinus infections, and environmental irritants are common contributors [1].
Asthma
Asthma does not always cause wheezing. In some people, cough is the main or only symptom, particularly at night, during exercise, or when exposed to cold air or allergens [2,6].
Acid Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and throat, irritating the airway and triggering chronic cough even in people without typical heartburn symptoms [1,7].
Smoking and Lung Conditions
Smoking is a major cause of chronic cough and can lead to chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke or air pollution can have similar effects [3,5].
Infections
Some respiratory infections leave the airways hypersensitive, causing coughing to persist long after the infection itself has resolved [1].
Medications
Certain medications — especially ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure — can cause chronic cough in some individuals [1].
In rare cases, chronic cough may be associated with more serious conditions such as bronchiectasis, aspiration, or lung cancer [1,6].
Symptoms That Often Accompany Chronic Cough
A chronic cough may occur alongside other symptoms, including:
- Frequent throat clearing
- Sensation of mucus in the throat
- Hoarseness or sore throat
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Heartburn or sour taste in the mouth
- Disrupted sleep and fatigue
Chronic cough can also affect emotional well-being, leading to frustration, embarrassment, anxiety, or social withdrawal.
When Should You See a Healthcare Provider?
You should seek medical advice if your cough:
- Lasts longer than 8 weeks
- Produces blood or thick sputum
- Causes chest pain, fever, or shortness of breath
- Interferes with sleep or daily activities
- Continues to worsen over time
Early evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.
Can Chronic Cough Be Treated?
Yes. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:
- Allergy or sinus treatment
- Asthma inhalers
- Acid reflux management
- Smoking cessation
- Adjusting medications that may trigger coughing [2,6]
Avoiding irritants such as smoke, strong scents, and air pollution can also help reduce symptoms.
This quiz is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Answer Yes or No:
- Have you been coughing for 8 weeks or longer?
- Does your cough occur most days, even when you’re not sick?
- Does your cough worsen at night, when lying down, or after eating?
- Do you often feel mucus dripping down your throat or need to clear your throat?
- Do you experience heartburn or acid reflux along with coughing?
- Do you have asthma, allergies, or wheezing?
- Are you a current or former smoker, or exposed to smoke or air pollution?
- Does your cough disrupt sleep, work, or daily activities?
- Have over-the-counter cough medicines failed to improve your symptoms?
- Do coughing fits feel difficult to control or exhausting?
What Your Answers May Mean
- 0–2 Yes answers
Your cough may be temporary or related to short-term irritation.
- 3–5 Yes answers
You may have a persistent cough that would benefit from medical evaluation.
- 6 or more Yes answers
Your symptoms are consistent with chronic cough, and seeing a healthcare provider is strongly recommended.
Seek Medical Care Immediately If You Have:
- Coughing up blood
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Fever or night sweats
References
- Mayo Clinic. Chronic cough: Symptoms and causes.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-cough/symptoms-causes/syc-20351575
- Cleveland Clinic. Chronic cough overview.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/15048-chronic-cough-overview
- Lung Health Foundation (Canada). Chronic cough.https://www.lung.ca/lung-health/lung-diseases/chronic-cough
- Lung Health Foundation. Chronic cough.https://lunghealth.ca/lung-disease/chronic-cough/
- American Lung Association. Chronic cough. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/chronic-cough
- UpToDate. Chronic cough in adults: Beyond the basics. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/chronic-cough-in-adults-beyond-the-basics
- Harvard Health Publishing. That nagging cough. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/that-nagging-cough