Cough

What is a cough?

A cough is a reflex action that helps clear the airways of mucus, irritants, or foreign particles. It can be acute (lasting less than 3 weeks), subacute (3–8 weeks), or chronic (lasting longer than 8 weeks).

 

What are the common causes of a cough?

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• Acute cough: Often due to viral infections (like the common cold or flu), allergies, or inhaled irritants.

• Chronic cough: May be caused by asthma, post-nasal drip (upper airway cough syndrome), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic bronchitis, or medication side effects (e.g., ACE inhibitors).

 

When should I be concerned about a cough and seek medical attention?

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• Persistent (lasting more than 3 weeks)

• Accompanied by blood, chest pain, fever, or shortness of breath

• Interfering with sleep or daily activities

• Associated with weight loss or hoarseness

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Can a cough be a sign of something serious?

 

•  Yes. While many coughs are harmless, a persistent or worsening cough can be a sign of conditions such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, lung cancer, or heart failure. A thorough evaluation helps rule out serious causes.

 

How is a chronic cough diagnosed?

 

• Diagnosis usually involves a detailed history and physical examination, followed by tests such as:

• Chest X-ray or CT scan

• Pulmonary function tests

• Allergy testing

• pH monitoring (for GERD)

• Nasal endoscopy (for post-nasal drip)

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What treatments are available for cough?

 

• Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

• Viral infections: Usually self-limited; supportive care with fluids, rest, and OTC cough remedies

• Asthma or COPD: Inhalers or bronchodilators

• Allergies or post-nasal drip: Antihistamines, nasal sprays

• GERD: Dietary changes, antacids, proton-pump inhibitors

• Bacterial infections: Antibiotics (if indicated)

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How can I prevent a cough?
 

• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke

• Stay hydrated

• Practice good hand hygiene to reduce infections

• Manage allergies and asthma effectively

• Avoid known environmental triggers (dust, cold air, pollution)

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If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, we encourage you to contact our office to schedule a comprehensive cough evaluation with one of our certified Providers.