Persistent cough is a cough that lasts more than eight weeks in adults and longer than four weeks in children. If your cough sticks around, it often signals something specific — not just a cold that won't quit. Start by noting whether it is dry or brings up phlegm, when it happens, and what makes it better or worse.
Common causes include postnasal drip from allergies or sinusitis, asthma, acid reflux, chronic bronchitis in smokers, and side effects from medicines such as ACE inhibitors. Less common but serious causes are pneumonia, tuberculosis, pertussis, heart failure, and lung cancer. Your age, smoking history, and recent travel or exposure to sick people help narrow the list.
Do a quick self-check. Look for red flags: coughing blood, shortness of breath at rest, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, high fever, or fainting. If you have any of those, seek urgent medical care. If the cough is only annoying but persistent, make a non-urgent appointment and bring a short diary: note cough duration, triggers (cold air, exercise, lying down), sputum color, and any treatments tried.
What to expect at the clinic: the doctor will take a focused history and listen to your lungs. Common tests include a chest X-ray, spirometry to check for asthma or COPD, and sometimes blood tests or a sputum culture. If initial tests are normal but cough continues, they may try a trial treatment for reflux, allergy nasal sprays, or inhaled asthma medication. In some cases a CT scan or referral to a lung specialist is needed.
Simple home steps often help. Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke and strong smells. Use a humidifier or sit in a steamy bathroom to loosen mucus. Stay hydrated and use warm drinks or honey for adults and children over one year. Saline nasal sprays and nasal steroid sprays can reduce postnasal drip. Reduce reflux by not lying down after eating, avoiding large meals late at night, and cutting back on spicy or fatty foods.
Medications your doctor might use depend on the cause. For ACE inhibitor coughs, switching to an angiotensin receptor blocker usually stops the problem. For asthma or COPD, inhaled bronchodilators and steroids are common. Bacterial infections need antibiotics, though most coughs are viral and don't. Persistent cough from reflux can improve with acid suppression and lifestyle changes.
Keep track of what helps. If inhalers, nasal sprays, or reflux treatment reduce your cough, that points to the likely cause. If treatments fail or new symptoms appear, follow up. Vaccines help prevent some causes — for example, pertussis boosters and influenza shots.
A persistent cough is frustrating, but many causes are treatable. Note the pattern, avoid triggers, use simple remedies, and see a clinician when red flags or long duration appear. Bring a list of medicines and a short cough diary to your visit; it makes diagnosis faster.
See your doctor if the cough lasts more than eight weeks, causes breathing trouble, or brings blood.
Try steam, honey, saline rinse, and avoid smoke and perfumes.
As someone who has suffered from post-nasal drip and persistent cough, I've recently discovered Bromhexine as a potential solution. This medication works by thinning and loosening mucus, making it easier to expel from the respiratory tract. I've found it to be quite effective in relieving my cough and clearing out any excess mucus. It's important to remember that it's always best to consult a doctor before trying out any new medication. Bromhexine has definitely improved my quality of life and I wanted to share my experience with others who may be struggling with similar issues.