A cough that lasts more than eight weeks in adults is called chronic cough. Most cases have one or more identifiable, treatable causes.
The most common causes
- Post-nasal drip from allergic rhinitis or sinusitis
- Asthma, including cough-variant asthma
- Acid reflux (GERD)
- Smoking and chronic bronchitis
- Blood pressure medicines called ACE inhibitors
- Lung conditions such as TB, bronchiectasis and ILD
Red flags
See a doctor promptly if your cough is accompanied by blood, weight loss, fever, night sweats, breathlessness or a change in voice.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Please consult a doctor about your specific situation.
