Illinois Lung and Interventional Pulmonary Associates
Cough is a reflex action that clears the airways of irritants, mucus, or foreign particles. It can be voluntary or involuntary and is often a symptom of respiratory conditions such as colds, flu, asthma, bronchitis, or allergies. Coughs can be classified as dry (without mucus) or productive (with mucus) and can vary in duration and severity, depending on the underlying cause.
Acute cough is a short-term cough that typically lasts less than three weeks. Acute cough develops as a protective reflex mechanism of the body to clear the airways of irritants, mucus, or pathogens. It can be accompanied by other symptoms depending on the underlying cause, such as a runny nose, fever, or wheezing.
Chronic cough is a cough that lasts eight weeks or longer in adults, or four weeks in children. It can be caused by various underlying conditions, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or postnasal dripping. Chronic cough often requires medical evaluation to identify and treat the root cause, as it may indicate an ongoing or more serious health issue.
What conditions can lead to a chronic cough?
Chronic coughs frequently occur in individuals with allergic nasal congestion, sinusitis (inflammation or infection of the sinuses), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heart failure, and various other conditions that primarily impact the lungs and other parts of the body.
Coughing may serve as a key symptom of persistent lung conditions such as
Any time you have a cough that lasts longer than eight weeks, it is important to consider a full evaluation to learn the underlying cause and get the appropriate treatment. Many lung conditions are not curable and may get progressively worse. Treatment can slow or stop the ongoing lung damage, or in many cases repair the damage that has occurred.
What symptoms may occur alongside a cough?
Depending on the underlying condition, you might also experience:
