A persistent cough may last up to eight weeks following a respiratory infection, physicians say.
A cough usually resolves on its own. However, if it persists with other symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath, it may indicate other underlying conditions, experts explain.
“If you have a cough that persists for eight weeks or longer, you may have a chronic cough that needs medical attention,” he adds.
Though a lingering cough may be more of a nuisance than an alarming health risk, you might want to consult your doctor if it lasts for more than a few weeks.
Typically, an acute cough lasts for three weeks or less as a result of a viral upper respiratory infection.
“If a cough persists for more than three weeks and/or is accompanied by other severe symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood, it’s time to see a doctor sooner rather than later to identify and address any underlying causes,” said Raj Dasgupta, MD, chief medical advisor for Sleep Advisor and a fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians.
Common causes of a persistent cough
If you only have a cough without other symptoms, you can go for over-the-counter cough syrups that contain dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant.
If you have a cough that lasts more than three weeks, with symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, see a doctor
“Over-the-counter options include cough suppressants, expectorants, and antihistamines; while prescription medications may be needed for conditions like asthma or bacterial infections that would require antibiotics,” Dasgupta said.
For at-home remedies, Dasgupta recommends staying hydrated with water and herbal tea, using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, and taking throat lozenges to relieve irritation in the throat.
He also suggests drinking warm water mixed with honey, gargling salt water, and improving sleep. Even avoiding irritants such as smoke or strong odors can help ease a cough.
If you have a cough lasting longer than eight weeks, it’s a chronic cough that may be indicative of certain lung conditions. It’s important to visit a healthcare provider to figure out the root cause of your cough.
What causes coughing?
Numerous factors can contribute to a prolonged cough. Asthma, upper airway cough syndrome (known as postnasal drip), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), respiratory infections, and even allergies can cause a cough to persist.
if a persistent cough is left untreated, it could worsen or induce severe coughing fits that can lead to fainting or vomiting
Smoking, air pollution, and medications like ACE inhibitors can also lead to a persistent cough, Dasgupta said.
While some coughs may eventually go away, you should get a diagnosis for the underlying factors if a cough lingers for too long, according to Sean P. Duffy, MD, a pulmonologist and associate professor of thoracic medicine and surgery at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.
He added that if a persistent cough is left untreated, it could worsen or induce severe coughing fits that can lead to fainting or vomiting.
get a diagnosis for the underlying factors if a cough lingers for too long
“Every effort should be made to establish a diagnosis for the underlying cause of the cough,” Duffy said. “Treating the underlying cause of cough is always preferred to simply treating the symptom.”
What this means for you
If you have a cough that lasts more than three weeks, accompanied by symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, you should consult a healthcare provider to identify any underlying conditions.
