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[Over the Counter](https://www.health.com/over-the-counter-products-8651366) - [Skincare](https://www.health.com/skincare-products-6951522) - [View All](https://www.health.com/what-to-buy-6951517) [About Us](https://www.health.com/about-us-8415145) - [Editorial Process](https://www.health.com/health-com-s-editorial-process-5224046) - [Medical Expert Board](https://www.health.com/health-com-s-medical-expert-board-5224047) - [Testing and Vetting Products](https://www.health.com/how-health-com-test-products-5224057) # Signs a Cough Is Getting Better—And When To See a Doctor By [Amanda Gardner](https://www.health.com/author/amanda-gardner) ![mandy gardner]() :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/mandy-gardner-2000-42eb6dd20df541de8f5ccaa22b3646e5.jpg) [Amanda Gardner](https://www.health.com/author/amanda-gardner) Amanda Gardner is a health reporter whose stories have appeared in cnn.com, health.com, cnn.com, WebMD, HealthDay, Self Magazine, the New York Daily News, Teachers & Writers Magazine, the Foreign Service Journal, AmeriQuests (Vanderbilt University), and others. [health's editorial guidelines](https://www.health.com/health-com-s-editorial-process-5224046) Updated on October 24, 2025 Medically reviewed by [Kashif J. Piracha, MD](https://www.health.com/author/kashif-j-piracha-md) ![Kashif J. Piracha]() :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Kashif-JPiracha-1000-ee93f3e24a26420d924b773aa0c6a6ea-a1f7edff3b994f9897fd5aaecff4dfe7.jpg) Medically reviewed by [Kashif J. Piracha, MD](https://www.health.com/author/kashif-j-piracha-md) Kashif J. Piracha, MD, FACP, FASN, FNKF, is a practicing physician at Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. [learn more](https://www.health.com/health-com-s-medical-expert-board-5224047) Close - A cough lasting more than three weeks may indicate an underlying health issue. - Your cough may be getting better if you notice it gradually going away and if it is not accompanied by fever, chills, chest pains, or other symptoms. - Consult a doctor if you cough up blood or have colored phlegm. Signs that a cough is getting better are when you notice the cough becomes less frequent and severe. Consult a doctor if symptoms like a fever arise. ![Woman working chronic cough hoarse voice cancer]() :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/gettyimages-664470444-11bb7a4ea97c488ba19d5b8ec98be38a.jpg) South\_agency/Getty Images ## How Long Does a Cough Last? How long your cough lasts depends on the underlying cause. For example, coughs with an infection like a cold or the flu typically resolve within three weeks. A cough that lasts longer than three weeks may indicate an underlying health condition like asthma or allergies. ### Acute Cough An acute cough resolves within two to three weeks. Some of the most common causes of an acute cough are upper respiratory infections like a cold or sinus infection. Other causes include acute bronchitis and the flu. Bronchitis happens if your bronchial tubes, which bring air to your lungs, become inflamed. An acute case of bronchitis typically goes away within a few days. ### Chronic Cough A chronic cough lasts eight weeks or longer. People with a chronic cough typically have an underlying health condition. Some of the most common causes of a chronic cough are: - Allergies - [Asthma](https://www.health.com/asthma-overview-7152430) - Certain medicines (e.g., calcium channel blockers, which treat high blood pressure) - Chronic bronchitis - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or a lung disease that makes breathing hard - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which causes your stomach acid to travel backward and into your esophagus - Smoking - Throat disorders A chronic cough does not always require treatment, but it may impact your quality of life. You might feel light-headed and tired or develop chest or stomach pain. Some people with a chronic cough develop chest or stomach pain or have a leaking bladder. A cough that interferes with your quality of life is a reason to consult a healthcare provider. Some evidence suggests that a chronic cough can seriously affect your emotional and mental health. ## How To Know if Your Chronic Cough Is Better You can tell whether your chronic cough is getting better by looking at the intensity and frequency of your coughing. Less severe and recurring coughing fits might be signs of improvement. Another sign might be if your cough impacts your quality of life, such as your sleep, less than before. ### Signs of Improvement One of the most evident signs a cough is getting better is that it gradually goes away as time passes. Most coughs go away on their own within three weeks, as with colds and the flu. Your cough may be improving during that time if you do not develop symptoms like: - Fever and chills - Difficulty breathing - Chest pain - Changes in phlegm color or consistency - Changes in appetite or energy Those may be signs of a moderate-to-severe bacterial or viral infection, like bronchitis or pneumonia. Consult a healthcare provider right away if you develop those symptoms. ### Duration of Cough See a healthcare provider if a cough with no obvious cause lasts longer than four weeks. Your cough may be nothing serious. At the very least, a healthcare provider can relieve some of your discomforts. "In general, we don't \[worry\] about a chronic cough until it has been present for about four weeks," [Norman Edelman, MD](https://publichealth.stonybrookmedicine.edu/faculty/NormanEdelman), a professor of preventive medicine, internal medicine, and physiology and biophysics at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, told *Health*. "If you've had a really bad cold, sometimes it takes six to eight weeks for a cough to go away. I wouldn't worry about it if there's a clear-cut, obvious cause." ### Coughing Up Blood or Mucus Common colds usually produce clear or white phlegm. Green or yellow phlegm may suggest a severe infection or other underlying cause. "If you are raising colored sputum, you should see a \[healthcare provider\]," said Dr. Edelman. Pay particular attention if you notice changes in your phlegm, like if the color changes or it becomes thicker or more watery than before. Coughing up blood is another reason for concern, [Joshua Septimus, MD](https://www.houstonmethodist.org/doctor/joshua-septimus/), an internist with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group, told *Health.* Possible reasons for coughing up blood include: - A blood clot in the lung - An autoimmune disease (e.g., lupus, which causes your body to mistakenly attack its healthy tissues) - Bronchitis - [Lung cancer](https://www.health.com/condition/lung-cancer-overview) - Pneumonia, or an infection of the lungs - Tuberculosis, or a bacterial infection that affects the lungs "If you're coughing up blood, you need a chest X-ray," noted Dr. Septimus. Seek immediate medical attention if you cough up more than a few teaspoons of blood. Consult a healthcare provider right away if you have other symptoms, like chest pain, dizziness, or severe shortness of breath. ### Other Symptoms An acute cough is typically a sign of an infection like a cold or the flu, especially if you have a runny nose or sore throat. You might have a more severe infection if you have worse symptoms than that. Symptoms that might indicate a severe infection include: - A fever or cough that does not improve or returns - Chest or abdominal pain - Confusion - Difficulty breathing - Feeling dizzy or unsteady - Muscle aches and pains - Seizures - Trouble urinating - Underlying health conditions that get worse - Weakness "In the context of a cough, this is very important because it can indicate a number of different things," said Dr. Septimus. For example, bronchitis, pneumonia, and [whooping cough](https://www.health.com/whooping-cough-symptoms-8659997) might cause a cough and fever. ## Home Remedies for a Cough You can typically treat acute coughs at home. A healthcare provider might prescribe medications if you have a chronic cough due to allergies or asthma. At-home treatments might also alleviate a chronic cough. Here are some home remedies to help treat a cough: - **Avoid allergens and irritants:** Limit how often you go outside if seasonal allergies are the cause of your cough. Staying away from pets that trigger allergies and using dust mite covers on your mattress and pillows might also help. - **Breathe in steam:** Keep your airways moist by taking a hot shower or using a vaporizer. - **Stay hydrated:** Drinking plenty of water thins out mucus in your throat, which helps you cough it up. - **Suck on cough drops:** These might suppress a cough. Do not give cough drops or hard candies to children younger than 3 to avoid choking. - **Try using medicines:** Decongestants get rid of a runny nose and postnasal drip, which irritates your throat and causes you to cough. Mucinex (guaifenesin) thins out mucus. Talk to a healthcare provider before using those medicines, especially if you have high blood pressure. - **Use a humidifier:** This helps keep the air in your home moist. Make sure that you regularly clean and disinfect your humidifier to avoid bacteria and mold growth. ## When To See a Healthcare Provider Coughs are usually nothing to worry about and go away on their own or with home remedies. Still, some people may develop worsening symptoms and need to visit a healthcare provider. Always see a healthcare provider if you have an infant younger than 3 months who has a cough. Talk to a healthcare provider right away if you have: - A cough that lasts 10–14 days or longer - A fever - A sudden, severe cough - Contact with someone with tuberculosis - Coughing up blood - Heart disease - High-pitched sounds when you breathe in - Signs of heart failure (e.g., a cough that worsens when you lay down and swollen legs) - Thick yellow-green phlegm that smells - Unexplained weight loss Seek immediate medical attention if you have shortness of breath or trouble breathing. Call 911 if you have a cough with hives, difficulty swallowing, and a swollen face or throat. Those are signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction. ## Frequently Asked Questions - Why did my cough get worse after it got better? You might have a post-infectious cough if your cough returns after getting better. A post-infectious cough typically happens if you have postnasal drip and inflammation from an infection, such as a cold or the flu. Postnasal drip happens when mucus drains down your throat. As a result, that mucus irritates your throat and causes inflammation, causing a cough. Your cough might get worse after getting better if an infection triggers asthma. Research has found that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a viral infection, is one of the most common causes of asthma. Bacterial and fungal infections might also cause a lingering cough and wheeze. - Does coughing up phlegm mean you’re getting better? Coughing up phlegm, known as a productive cough, is common with bronchitis and pneumonia. A productive cough helps clear your body of microbes that make you sick and might be a sign that you are getting better. Read more: - [Health Conditions A-Z](https://www.health.com/diseases-conditions) - [Lung Disorders](https://www.health.com/conditon/lung-conditions) - [Bronchitis](https://www.health.com/bronchitis-5248846) Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback\! Tell us why\! Other 18 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https://www.health.com/health-com-s-editorial-process-5224046) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. 1. Nguyen AM, Schelfhout J, Muccino D, et al. [Leicester Cough Questionnaire validation and clinically important thresholds for change in refractory or unexplained chronic cough](https://doi.org/10.1177/17534666221099737). *Ther Adv Respir Dis*. 2022;16:17534666221099737. doi:10.1177/17534666221099737 2. Sharma S, Hashmi MF, Alhajjaj MS. [Cough](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493221/). In: *StatPearls*. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. 3. MedlinePlus. [Cough](https://medlineplus.gov/cough.html). 4. MedlinePlus. [Acute bronchitis](https://medlineplus.gov/acutebronchitis.html). 5. Shim JS, Song WJ, Morice AH. [Drug-induced cough](https://doi.org/10.33549/physiolres.934406). *Physiol Res*. 2020;69(Suppl 1):S81-S92. doi:10.33549/physiolres.934406 6. MedlinePlus. [Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000091.htm). 7. MedlinePlus. [Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000265.htm). 8. Jacobs SS. [Complications of chronic cough: Another call for treatment strategies](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2020.08.005). *Chest*. 2020;158(5):1818-1819. doi:10.1016/j.chest.2020.08.005 9. Zeiger RS, Schatz M, Hong B, et al. [Patient-reported burden of chronic cough in a managed care organization](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2020.11.018). *J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract*. 2021;9(4):1624-1637.e10. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2020.11.018 10. NIH News in Health. [Cough culprits](https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2017/05/cough-culprits). 11. American Lung Association. [Chronic cough symptoms and diagnosis](https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/chronic-cough/symptoms-diagnosis). 12. MedlinePlus. [Sputum culture](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/sputum-culture/). 13. MedlinePlus. [Coughing up blood](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003073.htm). 14. MedlinePlus. [Lupus](https://medlineplus.gov/lupus.html). 15. MedlinePlus. [Pneumonia](https://medlineplus.gov/pneumonia.html). 16. MedlinePlus. [Tuberculosis](https://medlineplus.gov/tuberculosis.html). 17. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Flu symptoms & complications](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm). 18. Darveaux JI, Lemanske RF Jr. [Infection-related asthma](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2014.09.011). *J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract*. 2014;2(6):658-663. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2014.09.011 ## Related Articles [![older woman coughing with nurse listening to back with stethoscope]() :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-2156064458-cd1d6a85698447bfa1902c4a2487ca0b.jpg) What To Know About Asthmatic Bronchitis](https://www.health.com/condition/asthma/asthmatic-bronchitis) [![Woman coughing into a tissue at home.]() :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Health-GettyImages-1148806265-ad9193bd79a64df1b77e6793ab0fc17c.jpg) Is Your Cough a Sign of Pneumonia?](https://www.health.com/pneumonia-cough-11704832) [![Young person using nebulizer during inhaling therapy.]() :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Health-GettyImages-1454862261-d55344aad1354a7589453aa939b50876.jpg) What To Know About Bronchitis](https://www.health.com/conditon/lung-conditions/bronchitis) [![Overview Illustration - COPD]() :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Health-copd-overview-7108708-v2-025b76d138f043dc96e666e0604d9e71.jpg) An Overview of COPD Symptoms, Causes, and How It's Treated](https://www.health.com/copd-overview-7108708) [![a mother giving boy cough syrup at home]() :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Cough-Reasons-pexels-cottonbro-5858842-2000-56d995a875934b32ba9c617c981df604.jpg) 8 Causes of a Chronic Cough](https://www.health.com/condition/copd/8-causes-of-chronic-cough-and-what-to-do-about-it) [![person coughing into their elbow]() :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-1333957402-49693276c7bc47b7a05133e3d60bc2cf.jpg) Why Do Some People Die From Pneumonia?](https://www.health.com/conditon/lung-conditions/can-you-die-from-pneumonia) [![Pneumonia Symptoms]() :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Health-Pneumonia-Symptoms-no-text-9b0f89e7d4e84bd795d2d9e5e624530f.jpg) What Does Pneumonia Feel Like?](https://www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/pneumonia-symptoms) [![A healthcare provider listening to an older man's breathing as he coughs.]() :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-1362338827-ab7bfd375f47467e9ce66a122a3937bc.jpg) Recognizing the Symptoms of COPD and When To Seek Help](https://www.health.com/copd-symptoms-7094071) [![Health Photo Composite - 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Signs that a cough is getting better are when you notice the cough becomes less frequent and severe. Consult a doctor if symptoms like a fever arise. South\_agency/Getty Images How long your cough lasts depends on the underlying cause. For example, coughs with an infection like a cold or the flu typically resolve within three weeks. A cough that lasts longer than three weeks may indicate an underlying health condition like asthma or allergies. ### Acute Cough An acute cough resolves within two to three weeks. Some of the most common causes of an acute cough are upper respiratory infections like a cold or sinus infection. Other causes include acute bronchitis and the flu. Bronchitis happens if your bronchial tubes, which bring air to your lungs, become inflamed. An acute case of bronchitis typically goes away within a few days. ### Chronic Cough A chronic cough lasts eight weeks or longer. People with a chronic cough typically have an underlying health condition. Some of the most common causes of a chronic cough are: - Allergies - [Asthma](https://www.health.com/asthma-overview-7152430) - Certain medicines (e.g., calcium channel blockers, which treat high blood pressure) - Chronic bronchitis - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or a lung disease that makes breathing hard - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which causes your stomach acid to travel backward and into your esophagus - Smoking - Throat disorders A chronic cough does not always require treatment, but it may impact your quality of life. You might feel light-headed and tired or develop chest or stomach pain. Some people with a chronic cough develop chest or stomach pain or have a leaking bladder. A cough that interferes with your quality of life is a reason to consult a healthcare provider. Some evidence suggests that a chronic cough can seriously affect your emotional and mental health. You can tell whether your chronic cough is getting better by looking at the intensity and frequency of your coughing. Less severe and recurring coughing fits might be signs of improvement. Another sign might be if your cough impacts your quality of life, such as your sleep, less than before. ### Signs of Improvement One of the most evident signs a cough is getting better is that it gradually goes away as time passes. Most coughs go away on their own within three weeks, as with colds and the flu. Your cough may be improving during that time if you do not develop symptoms like: - Fever and chills - Difficulty breathing - Chest pain - Changes in phlegm color or consistency - Changes in appetite or energy Those may be signs of a moderate-to-severe bacterial or viral infection, like bronchitis or pneumonia. Consult a healthcare provider right away if you develop those symptoms. ### Duration of Cough See a healthcare provider if a cough with no obvious cause lasts longer than four weeks. Your cough may be nothing serious. At the very least, a healthcare provider can relieve some of your discomforts. "In general, we don't \[worry\] about a chronic cough until it has been present for about four weeks," [Norman Edelman, MD](https://publichealth.stonybrookmedicine.edu/faculty/NormanEdelman), a professor of preventive medicine, internal medicine, and physiology and biophysics at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, told *Health*. "If you've had a really bad cold, sometimes it takes six to eight weeks for a cough to go away. I wouldn't worry about it if there's a clear-cut, obvious cause." ### Coughing Up Blood or Mucus Common colds usually produce clear or white phlegm. Green or yellow phlegm may suggest a severe infection or other underlying cause. "If you are raising colored sputum, you should see a \[healthcare provider\]," said Dr. Edelman. Pay particular attention if you notice changes in your phlegm, like if the color changes or it becomes thicker or more watery than before. Coughing up blood is another reason for concern, [Joshua Septimus, MD](https://www.houstonmethodist.org/doctor/joshua-septimus/), an internist with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group, told *Health.* Possible reasons for coughing up blood include: - A blood clot in the lung - An autoimmune disease (e.g., lupus, which causes your body to mistakenly attack its healthy tissues) - Bronchitis - [Lung cancer](https://www.health.com/condition/lung-cancer-overview) - Pneumonia, or an infection of the lungs - Tuberculosis, or a bacterial infection that affects the lungs "If you're coughing up blood, you need a chest X-ray," noted Dr. Septimus. Seek immediate medical attention if you cough up more than a few teaspoons of blood. Consult a healthcare provider right away if you have other symptoms, like chest pain, dizziness, or severe shortness of breath. ### Other Symptoms An acute cough is typically a sign of an infection like a cold or the flu, especially if you have a runny nose or sore throat. You might have a more severe infection if you have worse symptoms than that. Symptoms that might indicate a severe infection include: - A fever or cough that does not improve or returns - Chest or abdominal pain - Confusion - Difficulty breathing - Feeling dizzy or unsteady - Muscle aches and pains - Seizures - Trouble urinating - Underlying health conditions that get worse - Weakness "In the context of a cough, this is very important because it can indicate a number of different things," said Dr. Septimus. For example, bronchitis, pneumonia, and [whooping cough](https://www.health.com/whooping-cough-symptoms-8659997) might cause a cough and fever. You can typically treat acute coughs at home. A healthcare provider might prescribe medications if you have a chronic cough due to allergies or asthma. At-home treatments might also alleviate a chronic cough. Here are some home remedies to help treat a cough: - **Avoid allergens and irritants:** Limit how often you go outside if seasonal allergies are the cause of your cough. Staying away from pets that trigger allergies and using dust mite covers on your mattress and pillows might also help. - **Breathe in steam:** Keep your airways moist by taking a hot shower or using a vaporizer. - **Stay hydrated:** Drinking plenty of water thins out mucus in your throat, which helps you cough it up. - **Suck on cough drops:** These might suppress a cough. Do not give cough drops or hard candies to children younger than 3 to avoid choking. - **Try using medicines:** Decongestants get rid of a runny nose and postnasal drip, which irritates your throat and causes you to cough. Mucinex (guaifenesin) thins out mucus. Talk to a healthcare provider before using those medicines, especially if you have high blood pressure. - **Use a humidifier:** This helps keep the air in your home moist. Make sure that you regularly clean and disinfect your humidifier to avoid bacteria and mold growth. Coughs are usually nothing to worry about and go away on their own or with home remedies. Still, some people may develop worsening symptoms and need to visit a healthcare provider. Always see a healthcare provider if you have an infant younger than 3 months who has a cough. Talk to a healthcare provider right away if you have: - A cough that lasts 10–14 days or longer - A fever - A sudden, severe cough - Contact with someone with tuberculosis - Coughing up blood - Heart disease - High-pitched sounds when you breathe in - Signs of heart failure (e.g., a cough that worsens when you lay down and swollen legs) - Thick yellow-green phlegm that smells - Unexplained weight loss Seek immediate medical attention if you have shortness of breath or trouble breathing. Call 911 if you have a cough with hives, difficulty swallowing, and a swollen face or throat. Those are signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction.