Cough – find the cause and how to treat it

Got a lingering cough that just won’t budge? Discover what could be the cause and the best way to get rid of it.

What are the different types?

What causes a cough?

How to manage a cough with self-care

When to see a doctor 

How is a cough diagnosed?

What are the medical treatments?

Can you prevent a cough?

Whether it’s a chesty cough, one that keeps you up during the night or it’s been hanging around for a while, a cough can really get you down. Here’s what might be causing yours, and treatments that might help.

A cough can be one of the most frustrating symptoms to experience. It might hang around for weeks or months, cause a sore throat, breathlessness, or disrupt your sleep. 

But coughing is an important way for your body to protect itself. How? It’s a reflex that stops irritants getting into your airways and your lungs, such as mucus, dust, and smoke. 

It’s very normal to develop a cough, but if you’re coughing often and it’s ongoing, you need to see a doctor to rule out other conditions. 


## What are the different types?

Coughs are often described in terms of how long they tend to last. Different types of coughs include: 

- __acute cough__ – it often comes on suddenly and lasts up to 3 weeks, usually as a result of a virus such as the common cold or flu
- __subacute cough__ – a cough caused by an infection, which can hang around for 3 to 8 weeks
- __chronic cough__ – a cough that lasts longer than 8 weeks
- __refractory cough__ – a chronic cough that hasn’t gone away with treatment.

A cough can be productive – a “wet” cough, where you bring up mucus, or non-productive – a “dry” cough, producing no mucus. Coughing can occur mainly during the daytime or at night. 

Some coughs have a certain sound, such as:

- __[whooping cough](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/whooping-cough)__ – an infection that leads to a cough, which sounds like a “whoop”
- __wheezing cough__ – a cough you might have if you have blocked airways, which may be caused by the [common cold](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/common-cold), [asthma](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/asthma) or other chronic conditions.

Some signs, such as severe chest pain and coughing up blood mean you need [urgent medical help.](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/symptoms/cough#when-to-see-a-doctor)


Get help with this

## What causes a cough?

A cough is a symptom of an illness or condition, such as: 

- __upper respiratory infections__ – usually caused by a virus like the common cold or flu
- __allergies__ – for example, a [pollen allergy](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/hay-fever) that often leads to a dry cough, sneezing, and a runny nose
- __smoking or breathing in lung irritants__ – inhaling certain smoke or certain fumes can cause inflammation in the airways and lead to a cough
- __lower respiratory infections__ – viral or bacterial infections like [bronchitis](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/bronchitis) or [pneumonia](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/pneumonia), which can cause a cough that lasts longer
- __[gastro-esophageal reflux](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease)__ – a digestive disorder that causes stomach acid to flow back up to your mouth and throat, leading to acid reflux and heartburn –  can cause a dry cough
- __chronic conditions__ – including [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease)(COPD) and other lung conditions 
- __lung cancer__ – but this is very rare.


## How to manage a cough with self-care

In most cases, your cough should go away on its own without needing to see a doctor. Try these steps to help yourself feel better faster: 

- drinking lots of fluids, including water and hot lemon and honey to ease throat soreness
- resting
- using a humidifier to moisten the air
- avoiding smoking and other lung irritants, including perfumes and allergens such as pollen, if you’re affected
- taking painkillers, like acetaminophen (paracetamol) and ibuprofen.

It won’t necessarily stop your cough, but a pharmacist may be able help ease your symptoms by offering you cough syrups, cough medicines or cough sweets. 


## When to see a doctor 

Book an appointment with a doctor if you have a cough and: 

- you’re losing weight for no reason
- you’re wheezing
- it’s lasted more than 3 weeks
- you’re bringing up thick mucus that’s green or yellow
- you’ve had a fever for more than a few days
- you have a weakened immune system because of chemotherapy or you have [diabetes](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/diabetes).

You need emergency help right away if you have a cough and: 

- it’s severe or suddenly gets worse
- you feel really unwell
- it’s hard to breathe
- you’re choking or vomiting 
- you have swollen glands in your neck
- you’re getting severe chest pain
- you're coughing up blood.


## How is a cough diagnosed?

At your appointment the doctor will likely ask you a series of questions about your coughing, such as: 

- how long has the cough lasted
- do you smoke or vape
- is it stopping you from sleeping
- are you coughing up blood or mucus
- do you take any medicines?

Next, you may have tests, which can include listening to your chest with a stethoscope, taking a mucus sample, an X-ray, or tests for allergy and lung functioning.

In rare cases, you might be referred to a specialist for further tests. 

## What are the medical treatments?

Your cough will be treated depending on what the cause is. 

Most coughs go away on their own but if you have an infection, you might be prescribed antibiotics or antivirals, although this is rare. 

Other treatment options for a cough that has lasted for more than 3 weeks can include: 

- antihistamines, steroids, and decongestants for treating allergies
- acid blockers for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and [acid reflux](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease) symptoms
- steroids and bronchodilators for [asthma](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/asthma) to help open the airways.


## Can you prevent a cough?
You can’t totally avoid coughs but you can lessen your risk by:

- getting shots for flu, [COVID-19 ](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/coronavirus-covid19)and [pneumonia](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/pneumonia)
- staying away from people who are ill
- practicing good hygiene such as washing your hands often with soap and water – or using hand sanitizer
- not touching your eyes, nose and mouth, which can spread germs. 


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References

Amelia Glean

Jo Wheatley

Dr Tamer T Malak

Article information

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