Chronic cough

Chronic cough is a cough that persists over a prolonged period; in adults, the term commonly refers to a cough lasting more than eight weeks. You do not need to wait that long to seek help. Duration, associated symptoms and changes from your usual breathing guide assessment.

What can keep a cough going?

Possible contributors include a recent infection, asthma, nasal or sinus symptoms, reflux, smoking and other lung conditions. Some medicines can also contribute. More than one factor may be present, so treating a presumed cause without reviewing progress can miss the broader picture.

Tell the clinician whether the cough is dry or produces mucus, what triggers it and whether it disrupts sleep. Mention blood, weight loss, fever, breathlessness and changes in your voice. Record when it began and any relevant travel or exposure.

For the Australian guidance behind this explanation, see Healthdirect Australia: Cough - types, treatments and remedies - Healthdirect Australia.

What investigations might be needed?

A doctor may examine the chest and consider lung function testing, chest imaging or other investigations. The choice depends on age, history and findings. A normal initial test does not necessarily complete the assessment if symptoms continue or change.

Bring a list of current medicines, but do not stop them without advice. Ask what the working explanation is, how long to try a proposed approach and when to review. Children have different assessment thresholds and should not be managed using an adult duration definition. Persistent cough in a child deserves appropriate paediatric advice.

When should I seek urgent care?

Severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, collapse or significant chest pain requires emergency help. Coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss or worsening breathlessness needs prompt assessment. Telehealth can help organise the history and follow-up, but cannot replace all chest examinations or tests. A cough that has lasted a long time is not automatically safe simply because you have become used to it.

Where to go next

Read online doctor consultations to understand the relevant service. A doctor decides whether a consultation, examination, referral or another pathway is appropriate for your situation.