🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 110 (from laksa177)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa110.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321597\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321597\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/321597","crawl_time":1775081759,"first_indexed_time":1581757670,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,medicalnewstoday!www,\/articles\/321597 s443","src_root_hash":"5853625527623639710","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Chronic cough: Causes, symptoms, and treatment","meta_descriptions":["A chronic cough is one that lasts for 8 weeks in adults or 4 weeks in children. It may produce mucus or be dry and tickle the throat. Common causes of a persistent cough include asthma and bronchitis. Less commonly, it can indicate lung cancer or heart problems. Learn more about causes, symptoms, and treatments here."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Common causes of a chronic cough include postnasal drip, asthma, and acid reflux due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A post-infectious cough can also be chronic after an infection goes away.\nA chronic, or peristent, cough is when a cough\nlasts longer\nthan 8 weeks in adults or 4 weeks in children. Common causes include\nasthma\n, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (\nGERD\n), or\nbronchitis\n. Less commonly, it can be a sign of a more severe condition, such as heart or lung disease.\nIn this article, we take a close look at the causes and symptoms of a chronic cough, ways to treat it, and when to see a doctor.\nA variety of factors can cause a chronic cough. Sometimes, more than one factor may be responsible.\nCommon causes\nShare on Pinterest\nWhen an adult has a cough that persists for more than 8 weeks, it is considered a chronic cough.\nSome of the more common causes of chronic cough include:\nAsthma\n. Asthma occurs when a person’s upper airways are especially sensitive to cold air, irritants in the air, or exercise. One type of asthma, known as cough-variant asthma, specifically causes a cough.\nBronchitis\n.\nChronic bronchitis\ncauses long-term\ninflammation\nof the airways that can cause a cough. This can be a part of an airway disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that typically occurs as a side effect of smoking.\nGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)\n. GERD occurs when acid comes back up from a person’s stomach and into their throat. The result can be chronic irritation in the throat that leads to a cough.\nLingering after-effects of infection\n. If a person has had a severe infection, such as\npneumonia\nor the\nflu\n, they might still experience lingering effects that include a chronic cough. Even though most of their symptoms have gone away, the airways may still remain inflamed for some time.\nPostnasal drip\n. Also known as upper airway cough syndrome, a postnasal drip is the result of mucus dripping down the back of the throat. This irritates the throat and triggers a cough reflex.\nBlood pressure-lowering medications\n. Medications known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors can cause a chronic cough in some people. These medications end in -pril and include benazepril, captopril, and ramipril.\nLess-common causes\nSome less common causes of a chronic cough include:\nAspiration\n. Aspiration is the medical term for when food or saliva goes down the airway instead of the food pipe. The excess fluid can collect bacteria or viruses and may lead to irritation of the airway. Sometimes aspiration can lead to pneumonia.\nBronchiectasis\n. Excess mucus production can cause the airways to become larger than normal.\nBronchiolitis\n. Bronchiolitis is a common condition that affects children. It is caused by a virus that causes inflammation of the bronchioles, which are small airways in the lungs.\nCystic fibrosis\n.\nCystic fibrosis\ncauses excess mucus in the lungs and airways, which can cause a chronic cough.\nHeart disease\n. Sometimes coughing and shortness of breath can be symptoms of\nheart disease\nor\nheart failure\n. This is called a heart cough. A person with this condition may notice their cough worsens when they are lying completely flat.\nLung cancer\n. While rare, persistent coughing can be a sign of\nlung cancer\n. A person with this disease may also experience chest pain as well as blood in their sputum.\nSarcoidosis\n. This is an inflammatory disorder that causes small growths to develop in the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, and skin.\nA cough is typically the result of something that is irritating the airways causing the muscles in the chest and stomach to contract. The irritation also causes the glottis that covers the airways to open quickly, causing air to rush out. The result is a cough.\nA cough can be ‘dry’ or ‘wet’. A\ndry cough\nis a non-productive one, meaning the cough does not produce mucus. People who smoke cigarettes and those who take ACE inhibitors tend to have a dry cough. A wet cough is one that produces mucus or sputum. This is the case when, for example, a person has postnasal drip or cystic fibrosis.\nShare on Pinterest\nA doctor will listen to a person’s lungs to help determine the cause of a chronic cough.\nA chronic cough can become a medical emergency. If a person experiences the following symptoms along with a chronic cough they should seek emergency treatment:\na\nfever\ngreater than 103°F\ncoughing up blood\nchest pain\nshortness of breath or difficulty catching their breath\nIf a chronic cough interferes with a person’s everyday activities, it often warrants further examination by a doctor. Other symptoms that may mean a person needs to see their doctor include:\nappetite loss\ncoughing up a lot of mucus\nfatigue\nnight sweats\nunexplained weight loss\nOptum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission.\nLearn more.\nTo make a diagnosis, a doctor will begin by asking the person when their symptom first appeared, what makes the symptoms better, and what makes them worse. They will ask about the person’s medical history and lifestyle habits, such as whether they smoke. A doctor will likely also listen to the person’s lungs using a stethoscope.\nSometimes a doctor will require further testing to help with diagnosis. Tests may include:\ntaking a sputum sample and evaluating it for the presence of blood or cancerous cells\nimaging scans, such as X-rays or computed tomography scans to determine if there are signs of lung disease or inflammation\na bronchoscopy, where a doctor views the lungs for signs of irritation or disease\nEach of these tests, as well as a variety of other tests, can help a doctor identify the underlying causes of a chronic cough.\nTreatments for a chronic cough depend upon the underlying cause. If a doctor cannot determine the exact cause straight away, they might decide to treat the most common contributing factors for a chronic cough.\nPostnasal drip is a common cause, so a doctor may recommend the person takes decongestants or antihistamines. These medications can help to dry up secretions and reduce inflammation that can lead to postnasal drip. Decongestant or nasal steroid sprays may also help.\nOther treatments may be more specific to a particular underlying medical condition. For example, a person may be able to control their GERD through making lifestyle changes and taking medications that reduce the effects of acid on the stomach. Examples of these changes can include:\neating several small meals a day\navoiding foods known to cause GERD, such as caffeine, citrus fruits, tomato-based foods, high-fat foods, chocolate, or peppermint\nrefraining from lying down until two hours after eating\nsleeping with the head of the bed raised or using extra pillows to elevate the head\ntaking medications, such as cimetidine (Tagamet) or famotidine (Pepcid)\nThose who have a cough related to ACE inhibitors may wish to talk to their doctor. There are some medications that may be able to reduce\nhigh blood pressure\nwithout causing a cough.\nUnless side effects are serious, a person should not stop taking medication without first speaking to their doctor.\nSmoking cigarettes can increase the risk of developing a chronic cough. Exposure to second-hand smoke can also increase a person’s risk. The smoke can irritate the airways and lead to a chronic cough as well as lung damage.\nExposure to chemicals in the air, such as from working in a factory or laboratory, can also lead to long-term coughing.\nTaking ACE inhibitors is a significant risk factor for coughing. According to the\nNew England Journal of Medicine\n, an estimated 20 percent of people who take ACE inhibitors develop a cough.\nCoughing can be problematic if it interferes with a person’s daily life. A chronic cough can have the following additional effects:\naffecting a person’s ability to sleep well if coughing keeps them up at night\ndaytime fatigue\ndifficulty concentrating at work and school\nheadaches\ndizziness\nAlthough rare, very severe coughing can cause the following complications:\nfainting\nurinary incontinence\nbroken ribs\nMost cases of a chronic cough can be treated, typically with over-the-counter treatments. However, sometimes a chronic cough can indicate a more serious cause that a doctor should evaluate.","attrs_markdown":"- Health Conditions\n  Health Conditions\n  \n  - [Alzheimer's & Dementia](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/alzheimers-and-dementia)\n  - [Anxiety](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/anxiety)\n  - [Asthma & Allergies](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/asthma-and-allergies)\n  - [Atopic Dermatitis](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/program\/investigating-atopic-dermatitis)\n  - [Breast Cancer](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/breast-cancer)\n  - [Cancer](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/cancer)\n  - [Cardiovascular Health](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/cardiovascular-health)\n  - [COVID-19](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/coronavirus?correlationId=2b137d5a-dcfb-464e-9ea6-72c5a54b4e92)\n  - [Diabetes](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/diabetes)\n  - [Endometriosis](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/endometriosis)\n  - [Environment & Sustainability](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/environment-and-sustainability)\n  - 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A post-infectious cough can also be chronic after an infection goes away.\n\nA chronic, or peristent, cough is when a cough [lasts longer](https:\/\/www.aafp.org\/afp\/2017\/1101\/p575.html) than 8 weeks in adults or 4 weeks in children. Common causes include [asthma](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/info\/asthma\/ \"What is Asthma?\"), allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease ([GERD](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/14085.php \"Everything you need to know about GERD\")), or [bronchitis](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/8888.php \"Symptoms and treatment of bronchitis\"). Less commonly, it can be a sign of a more severe condition, such as heart or lung disease.\n\nIn this article, we take a close look at the causes and symptoms of a chronic cough, ways to treat it, and when to see a doctor.\n\n## [What causes a chronic cough?]()\nA variety of factors can cause a chronic cough. Sometimes, more than one factor may be responsible.\n\n### Common causes\n![young woman coughing](https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com\/content\/images\/articles\/321\/321597\/young-woman-coughing.jpg?w=1155&h=1541)\n\n[Share on Pinterest](https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F321597&media=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F321%2F321597%2Fyoung-woman-coughing.jpg&description=Chronic%20cough%3A%20Causes%2C%20symptoms%2C%20and%20treatment \"Share on Pinterest\")\n\nWhen an adult has a cough that persists for more than 8 weeks, it is considered a chronic cough.\n\nSome of the more common causes of chronic cough include:\n\n- **Asthma**. Asthma occurs when a person’s upper airways are especially sensitive to cold air, irritants in the air, or exercise. One type of asthma, known as cough-variant asthma, specifically causes a cough.\n- **Bronchitis**. [Chronic bronchitis](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/copd-chronic-bronchitis) causes long-term [inflammation](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/248423.php \"Everything you need to know about inflammation\") of the airways that can cause a cough. This can be a part of an airway disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that typically occurs as a side effect of smoking.\n- **Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)**. GERD occurs when acid comes back up from a person’s stomach and into their throat. The result can be chronic irritation in the throat that leads to a cough.\n- **Lingering after-effects of infection**. If a person has had a severe infection, such as [pneumonia](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/151632.php \"What you should know about pneumonia\") or the [flu](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/15107.php \"All you need to know about flu\"), they might still experience lingering effects that include a chronic cough. Even though most of their symptoms have gone away, the airways may still remain inflamed for some time.\n- **Postnasal drip**. Also known as upper airway cough syndrome, a postnasal drip is the result of mucus dripping down the back of the throat. This irritates the throat and triggers a cough reflex.\n- **Blood pressure-lowering medications**. Medications known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors can cause a chronic cough in some people. These medications end in -pril and include benazepril, captopril, and ramipril.\n### Less-common causes\nSome less common causes of a chronic cough include:\n\n- **Aspiration**. Aspiration is the medical term for when food or saliva goes down the airway instead of the food pipe. The excess fluid can collect bacteria or viruses and may lead to irritation of the airway. Sometimes aspiration can lead to pneumonia.\n- **Bronchiectasis**. Excess mucus production can cause the airways to become larger than normal.\n- **Bronchiolitis**. Bronchiolitis is a common condition that affects children. It is caused by a virus that causes inflammation of the bronchioles, which are small airways in the lungs.\n- **Cystic fibrosis**. [Cystic fibrosis](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/147960.php \"Everything you need to know about cystic fibrosis\") causes excess mucus in the lungs and airways, which can cause a chronic cough.\n- **Heart disease**. Sometimes coughing and shortness of breath can be symptoms of [heart disease](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/237191.php \"Everything you need to know about heart disease\") or [heart failure](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/156849.php \"Congestive heart failure: What you need to know\"). This is called a heart cough. A person with this condition may notice their cough worsens when they are lying completely flat.\n- **Lung cancer**. While rare, persistent coughing can be a sign of [lung cancer](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/323701 \"What is Lung Cancer?\"). A person with this disease may also experience chest pain as well as blood in their sputum.\n- **Sarcoidosis**. This is an inflammatory disorder that causes small growths to develop in the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, and skin.\n\n## [Symptoms]()\nA cough is typically the result of something that is irritating the airways causing the muscles in the chest and stomach to contract. The irritation also causes the glottis that covers the airways to open quickly, causing air to rush out. The result is a cough.\n\nA cough can be ‘dry’ or ‘wet’. A [dry cough](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/best-medication-for-dry-cough) is a non-productive one, meaning the cough does not produce mucus. People who smoke cigarettes and those who take ACE inhibitors tend to have a dry cough. A wet cough is one that produces mucus or sputum. This is the case when, for example, a person has postnasal drip or cystic fibrosis.\n\n## [When to see a doctor]()\n[Share on Pinterest](https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F321597&media=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F321%2F321597%2Fdoctor-listening-to-patients-lungs.jpg&description=Chronic%20cough%3A%20Causes%2C%20symptoms%2C%20and%20treatment \"Share on Pinterest\")\n\nA doctor will listen to a person’s lungs to help determine the cause of a chronic cough.\n\nA chronic cough can become a medical emergency. If a person experiences the following symptoms along with a chronic cough they should seek emergency treatment:\n\n- a [fever](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/168266.php \"Fever: What you need to know\") greater than 103°F\n- coughing up blood\n- chest pain\n- shortness of breath or difficulty catching their breath\n\nIf a chronic cough interferes with a person’s everyday activities, it often warrants further examination by a doctor. Other symptoms that may mean a person needs to see their doctor include:\n\n- appetite loss\n- coughing up a lot of mucus\n- [fatigue](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/248002.php \"Fatigue: Why am I so tired and what can I do about it?\")\n- night sweats\n- unexplained weight loss\n\n**»Online Care:**[For \\$29, get personalized, expert care and prescriptions for COVID-19 in minutes. Available 24\/7 on Optum Perks.](https:\/\/perks.optum.com\/online-care\/covid-19?utm_source=mnt&utm_medium=organic-onlinecare-on&utm_content=linkto-oc-on-uri&utm_campaign=mnt-article-oc-on-backlink&correlationId=null)\n\nOptum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. [Learn more.](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/about\/brand-and-product-vetting)\n\n## [Diagnosis]()\nTo make a diagnosis, a doctor will begin by asking the person when their symptom first appeared, what makes the symptoms better, and what makes them worse. They will ask about the person’s medical history and lifestyle habits, such as whether they smoke. A doctor will likely also listen to the person’s lungs using a stethoscope.\n\nSometimes a doctor will require further testing to help with diagnosis. Tests may include:\n\n- taking a sputum sample and evaluating it for the presence of blood or cancerous cells\n- imaging scans, such as X-rays or computed tomography scans to determine if there are signs of lung disease or inflammation\n- a bronchoscopy, where a doctor views the lungs for signs of irritation or disease\n\nEach of these tests, as well as a variety of other tests, can help a doctor identify the underlying causes of a chronic cough.\n\n## [Treatment]()\n[Share on Pinterest](https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F321597&media=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F321%2F321597%2Fmiddle-aged-man-asleep-in-bed.jpg&description=Chronic%20cough%3A%20Causes%2C%20symptoms%2C%20and%20treatment \"Share on Pinterest\")\n\nRaising the head with extra pillows may help GERD-related coughs.\n\nTreatments for a chronic cough depend upon the underlying cause. If a doctor cannot determine the exact cause straight away, they might decide to treat the most common contributing factors for a chronic cough.\n\nPostnasal drip is a common cause, so a doctor may recommend the person takes decongestants or antihistamines. These medications can help to dry up secretions and reduce inflammation that can lead to postnasal drip. Decongestant or nasal steroid sprays may also help.\n\nOther treatments may be more specific to a particular underlying medical condition. For example, a person may be able to control their GERD through making lifestyle changes and taking medications that reduce the effects of acid on the stomach. Examples of these changes can include:\n\n- eating several small meals a day\n- avoiding foods known to cause GERD, such as caffeine, citrus fruits, tomato-based foods, high-fat foods, chocolate, or peppermint\n- refraining from lying down until two hours after eating\n- sleeping with the head of the bed raised or using extra pillows to elevate the head\n- taking medications, such as cimetidine (Tagamet) or famotidine (Pepcid)\n\nThose who have a cough related to ACE inhibitors may wish to talk to their doctor. There are some medications that may be able to reduce [high blood pressure](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/159283.php \"What's to know about high blood pressure?\") without causing a cough.\n\nUnless side effects are serious, a person should not stop taking medication without first speaking to their doctor.\n\n## [Risk factors]()\nSmoking cigarettes can increase the risk of developing a chronic cough. Exposure to second-hand smoke can also increase a person’s risk. The smoke can irritate the airways and lead to a chronic cough as well as lung damage.\n\nExposure to chemicals in the air, such as from working in a factory or laboratory, can also lead to long-term coughing.\n\nTaking ACE inhibitors is a significant risk factor for coughing. According to the [*New England Journal of Medicine*](http:\/\/www.drkney.com\/pdfs\/cough_102016_NEJM.pdf), an estimated 20 percent of people who take ACE inhibitors develop a cough.\n\n## [Complications]()\nCoughing can be problematic if it interferes with a person’s daily life. A chronic cough can have the following additional effects:\n\n- affecting a person’s ability to sleep well if coughing keeps them up at night\n- daytime fatigue\n- difficulty concentrating at work and school\n- [headaches](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/73936.php \"What is causing this headache?\")\n- dizziness\n\nAlthough rare, very severe coughing can cause the following complications:\n\n- fainting\n- [urinary incontinence](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/165408.php \"Urinary Incontinence: What you need to know\")\n- broken ribs\n\n## [Outlook]()\nMost cases of a chronic cough can be treated, typically with over-the-counter treatments. However, sometimes a chronic cough can indicate a more serious cause that a doctor should evaluate.\n\n- [Pulmonary System](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/categories\/pulmonary-system)\n- [Respiratory](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/categories\/respiratory)\n- [Flu \/ Cold \/ SARS](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/categories\/flu-sars)\n- [Infectious Diseases \/ Bacteria \/ Viruses](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/categories\/infectious_diseases)\n\n### How we reviewed this article:\nSources\n\nMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/process).\n\n- Chronic cough. (2018)  \n  <https:\/\/www.aaaai.org\/conditions-and-treatments\/conditions-dictionary\/chronic-cough>\n- Chronic cough & chronic throat clearing. (n.d.)  \n  <https:\/\/ukhealthcare.uky.edu\/services\/otolaryngology-head-neck-surgery\/cough>\n- How doctors crack the code for your chronic cough. (2017, August 17)  \n  <https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/how-doctors-are-cracking-the-code-for-your-chronic-cough\/>\n- Michaudet, C., & Malaty, J. (2017, November 1). Chronic cough: Evaluation and management. *American Family Physician*, *96*(9), 575–580.  \n  <https:\/\/www.aafp.org\/afp\/2017\/1101\/p575.html>\n- Smith, J. A., & Woodcock, A. (2016, October 20). Chronic cough. *New England Journal of Medicine*, *375*(16), 1544–1551  \n  <http:\/\/www.drkney.com\/pdfs\/cough_102016_NEJM.pdf>\n\nShare this article\n\n![](https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/post.medicalnewstoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/12\/alana-biggers-1.png?w=105&h=105)\n\n[Medically reviewed]() by [Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH]() — Written by [Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA]() —  [Updated on November 29, 2023]()\n\n## Latest news\n- [Could probiotics, dietary changes help protect brain health as we age?](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/could-probiotics-dietary-changes-help-protect-brain-health-as-we-age)\n- [9 steps to improve heart health, per new dietary guidance from AHA](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/9-steps-improve-heart-health-diet-guidance-aha)\n- [AI model can accurately predict liver cancer risk, study suggests](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/ai-model-accurately-predict-liver-cancer-risk)\n- [AI-powered stroke tool linked to improved patient outcomes in large clinical trial](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/ai-powered-stroke-tool-linked-improved-patient-outcomes-large-clinical-trial)\n- [Eating same meals on repeat, and more at weekends may help you lose more weight](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/eating-same-meals-repeat-more-weekends-may-help-lose-more-weight)\n\n### Related Coverage\n- [What is the link between lung cancer and a cough?](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/319449?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [In this article, learn about the link between coughing and lung cancer, including when to contact a doctor about a cough and signs that it might be…](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/319449?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/319449?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Why do I cough after I eat?](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/321189?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  Medically reviewed by [Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/reviewers)\n  \n  [People may find they cough after eating food, and this may have many different causes. Learn more about the role of allergies and when to see a doctor…](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/321189?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/321189?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Jascayd: Side effects and how to manage them](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/drug-jascayd-side-effects?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [Jascayd is an oral tablet prescribed to treat certain lung problems in adults. Learn about Jascayd's more common, mild, and serious side effects and…](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/drug-jascayd-side-effects?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/drug-jascayd-side-effects?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [6 European countries lose measles elimination status: What this means](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/uk-european-nations-lose-measles-elimination-status?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [The WHO has announced that the U.K. and five other European countries have lost their measles elimination status. Find out what this means.](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/uk-european-nations-lose-measles-elimination-status?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/uk-european-nations-lose-measles-elimination-status?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Benzonatate (Tessalon) price, savings, and coupon](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/drugs-benzonatate-coupon?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [Benzonatate is prescribed to help relieve coughing. Find coupon and up to 80% savings options to help lower the cost of this medication.](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/drugs-benzonatate-coupon?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/drugs-benzonatate-coupon?utm_source=ReadNext)\n\n© 2026 Healthline Media UK Ltd, London, UK. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. [See additional information](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/about\/additional-information).\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/about)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/about\/contact-us)\n- [Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/about\/terms-of-use)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/about\/privacy-policy)\n- Privacy Settings\n- [Advertising Policy](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/ad-policy)\n\n- [Health Topics](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/directory\/a-b)\n- [Health Hubs](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/content-hubs)\n- [Medical Affairs](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/about\/reviewers)\n- [Content Integrity](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/about\/content-integrity)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/newsletter)\n- © 2026 Healthline Media UK Ltd, London, UK. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. [See additional information](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/about\/additional-information).\n\n© 2026 Healthline Media UK Ltd, London, UK. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. [See additional information](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/about\/additional-information).\n\n[About](https:\/\/www.healthlinemedia.com\/?utm_source=medicalnewstoday.com&utm_medium=site&utm_campaign=footer&utm_content=about)[Careers](https:\/\/rvohealth.com\/careers)[Advertise with us](https:\/\/www.healthlinemedia.com\/advertise?utm_source=medicalnewstoday.com&utm_medium=site&utm_campaign=footer&utm_content=advertise)\n\nOUR BRANDS\n\n[Healthline](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/)[Medical News Today](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/)[Greatist](https:\/\/greatist.com\/)[Psych Central](https:\/\/psychcentral.com\/)[Bezzy](https:\/\/bezzy.com\/)\n\n![](http:\/\/b.scorecardresearch.com\/p?c1=2&c2=38584006&cv=3.9&cj=1&comscorekw=main)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Common causes of a chronic cough include postnasal drip, asthma, and acid reflux due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A post-infectious cough can also be chronic after an infection goes away.\n\nA chronic, or peristent, cough is when a cough [lasts longer](https:\/\/www.aafp.org\/afp\/2017\/1101\/p575.html) than 8 weeks in adults or 4 weeks in children. Common causes include [asthma](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/info\/asthma\/ \"What is Asthma?\"), allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease ([GERD](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/14085.php \"Everything you need to know about GERD\")), or [bronchitis](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/8888.php \"Symptoms and treatment of bronchitis\"). Less commonly, it can be a sign of a more severe condition, such as heart or lung disease.\n\nIn this article, we take a close look at the causes and symptoms of a chronic cough, ways to treat it, and when to see a doctor.\n\nA variety of factors can cause a chronic cough. Sometimes, more than one factor may be responsible.\n\nCommon causes\n\n![young woman coughing](https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com\/content\/images\/articles\/321\/321597\/young-woman-coughing.jpg?w=1155&h=1541)\n\n[Share on Pinterest](https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F321597&media=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F321%2F321597%2Fyoung-woman-coughing.jpg&description=Chronic%20cough%3A%20Causes%2C%20symptoms%2C%20and%20treatment \"Share on Pinterest\")\n\nWhen an adult has a cough that persists for more than 8 weeks, it is considered a chronic cough.\n\nSome of the more common causes of chronic cough include:\n\n- **Asthma**. Asthma occurs when a person’s upper airways are especially sensitive to cold air, irritants in the air, or exercise. One type of asthma, known as cough-variant asthma, specifically causes a cough.\n- **Bronchitis**. [Chronic bronchitis](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/copd-chronic-bronchitis) causes long-term [inflammation](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/248423.php \"Everything you need to know about inflammation\") of the airways that can cause a cough. This can be a part of an airway disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that typically occurs as a side effect of smoking.\n- **Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)**. GERD occurs when acid comes back up from a person’s stomach and into their throat. The result can be chronic irritation in the throat that leads to a cough.\n- **Lingering after-effects of infection**. If a person has had a severe infection, such as [pneumonia](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/151632.php \"What you should know about pneumonia\") or the [flu](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/15107.php \"All you need to know about flu\"), they might still experience lingering effects that include a chronic cough. Even though most of their symptoms have gone away, the airways may still remain inflamed for some time.\n- **Postnasal drip**. Also known as upper airway cough syndrome, a postnasal drip is the result of mucus dripping down the back of the throat. This irritates the throat and triggers a cough reflex.\n- **Blood pressure-lowering medications**. Medications known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors can cause a chronic cough in some people. These medications end in -pril and include benazepril, captopril, and ramipril.\n\nLess-common causes\n\nSome less common causes of a chronic cough include:\n\n- **Aspiration**. Aspiration is the medical term for when food or saliva goes down the airway instead of the food pipe. The excess fluid can collect bacteria or viruses and may lead to irritation of the airway. Sometimes aspiration can lead to pneumonia.\n- **Bronchiectasis**. Excess mucus production can cause the airways to become larger than normal.\n- **Bronchiolitis**. Bronchiolitis is a common condition that affects children. It is caused by a virus that causes inflammation of the bronchioles, which are small airways in the lungs.\n- **Cystic fibrosis**. [Cystic fibrosis](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/147960.php \"Everything you need to know about cystic fibrosis\") causes excess mucus in the lungs and airways, which can cause a chronic cough.\n- **Heart disease**. Sometimes coughing and shortness of breath can be symptoms of [heart disease](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/237191.php \"Everything you need to know about heart disease\") or [heart failure](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/156849.php \"Congestive heart failure: What you need to know\"). This is called a heart cough. A person with this condition may notice their cough worsens when they are lying completely flat.\n- **Lung cancer**. While rare, persistent coughing can be a sign of [lung cancer](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/323701 \"What is Lung Cancer?\"). A person with this disease may also experience chest pain as well as blood in their sputum.\n- **Sarcoidosis**. This is an inflammatory disorder that causes small growths to develop in the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, and skin.\n\nA cough is typically the result of something that is irritating the airways causing the muscles in the chest and stomach to contract. The irritation also causes the glottis that covers the airways to open quickly, causing air to rush out. The result is a cough.\n\nA cough can be ‘dry’ or ‘wet’. A [dry cough](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/best-medication-for-dry-cough) is a non-productive one, meaning the cough does not produce mucus. People who smoke cigarettes and those who take ACE inhibitors tend to have a dry cough. A wet cough is one that produces mucus or sputum. This is the case when, for example, a person has postnasal drip or cystic fibrosis.\n\n[Share on Pinterest](https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F321597&media=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F321%2F321597%2Fdoctor-listening-to-patients-lungs.jpg&description=Chronic%20cough%3A%20Causes%2C%20symptoms%2C%20and%20treatment \"Share on Pinterest\") A doctor will listen to a person’s lungs to help determine the cause of a chronic cough.\n\nA chronic cough can become a medical emergency. If a person experiences the following symptoms along with a chronic cough they should seek emergency treatment:\n\n- a [fever](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/168266.php \"Fever: What you need to know\") greater than 103°F\n- coughing up blood\n- chest pain\n- shortness of breath or difficulty catching their breath\n\nIf a chronic cough interferes with a person’s everyday activities, it often warrants further examination by a doctor. Other symptoms that may mean a person needs to see their doctor include:\n\n- appetite loss\n- coughing up a lot of mucus\n- [fatigue](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/248002.php \"Fatigue: Why am I so tired and what can I do about it?\")\n- night sweats\n- unexplained weight loss\n\nOptum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. [Learn more.](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/about\/brand-and-product-vetting)\n\nTo make a diagnosis, a doctor will begin by asking the person when their symptom first appeared, what makes the symptoms better, and what makes them worse. They will ask about the person’s medical history and lifestyle habits, such as whether they smoke. A doctor will likely also listen to the person’s lungs using a stethoscope.\n\nSometimes a doctor will require further testing to help with diagnosis. Tests may include:\n\n- taking a sputum sample and evaluating it for the presence of blood or cancerous cells\n- imaging scans, such as X-rays or computed tomography scans to determine if there are signs of lung disease or inflammation\n- a bronchoscopy, where a doctor views the lungs for signs of irritation or disease\n\nEach of these tests, as well as a variety of other tests, can help a doctor identify the underlying causes of a chronic cough.\n\nTreatments for a chronic cough depend upon the underlying cause. If a doctor cannot determine the exact cause straight away, they might decide to treat the most common contributing factors for a chronic cough.\n\nPostnasal drip is a common cause, so a doctor may recommend the person takes decongestants or antihistamines. These medications can help to dry up secretions and reduce inflammation that can lead to postnasal drip. Decongestant or nasal steroid sprays may also help.\n\nOther treatments may be more specific to a particular underlying medical condition. For example, a person may be able to control their GERD through making lifestyle changes and taking medications that reduce the effects of acid on the stomach. Examples of these changes can include:\n\n- eating several small meals a day\n- avoiding foods known to cause GERD, such as caffeine, citrus fruits, tomato-based foods, high-fat foods, chocolate, or peppermint\n- refraining from lying down until two hours after eating\n- sleeping with the head of the bed raised or using extra pillows to elevate the head\n- taking medications, such as cimetidine (Tagamet) or famotidine (Pepcid)\n\nThose who have a cough related to ACE inhibitors may wish to talk to their doctor. There are some medications that may be able to reduce [high blood pressure](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/159283.php \"What's to know about high blood pressure?\") without causing a cough.\n\nUnless side effects are serious, a person should not stop taking medication without first speaking to their doctor.\n\nSmoking cigarettes can increase the risk of developing a chronic cough. Exposure to second-hand smoke can also increase a person’s risk. The smoke can irritate the airways and lead to a chronic cough as well as lung damage.\n\nExposure to chemicals in the air, such as from working in a factory or laboratory, can also lead to long-term coughing.\n\nTaking ACE inhibitors is a significant risk factor for coughing. According to the [*New England Journal of Medicine*](http:\/\/www.drkney.com\/pdfs\/cough_102016_NEJM.pdf), an estimated 20 percent of people who take ACE inhibitors develop a cough.\n\nCoughing can be problematic if it interferes with a person’s daily life. A chronic cough can have the following additional effects:\n\n- affecting a person’s ability to sleep well if coughing keeps them up at night\n- daytime fatigue\n- difficulty concentrating at work and school\n- [headaches](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/73936.php \"What is causing this headache?\")\n- dizziness\n\nAlthough rare, very severe coughing can cause the following complications:\n\n- fainting\n- [urinary incontinence](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/165408.php \"Urinary Incontinence: What you need to know\")\n- broken ribs\n\nMost cases of a chronic cough can be treated, typically with over-the-counter treatments. However, sometimes a chronic cough can indicate a more serious cause that a doctor should evaluate.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	Chronic cough: Causes, symptoms, and treatment
Meta Description	A chronic cough is one that lasts for 8 weeks in adults or 4 weeks in children. It may produce mucus or be dry and tickle the throat. Common causes of a persistent cough include asthma and bronchitis. Less commonly, it can indicate lung cancer or heart problems. Learn more about causes, symptoms, and treatments here.
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Boilerpipe Text	Common causes of a chronic cough include postnasal drip, asthma, and acid reflux due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A post-infectious cough can also be chronic after an infection goes away. A chronic, or peristent, cough is when a cough lasts longer than 8 weeks in adults or 4 weeks in children. Common causes include asthma , allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD ), or bronchitis . Less commonly, it can be a sign of a more severe condition, such as heart or lung disease. In this article, we take a close look at the causes and symptoms of a chronic cough, ways to treat it, and when to see a doctor. A variety of factors can cause a chronic cough. Sometimes, more than one factor may be responsible. Common causes Share on Pinterest When an adult has a cough that persists for more than 8 weeks, it is considered a chronic cough. Some of the more common causes of chronic cough include: Asthma . Asthma occurs when a person’s upper airways are especially sensitive to cold air, irritants in the air, or exercise. One type of asthma, known as cough-variant asthma, specifically causes a cough. Bronchitis . Chronic bronchitis causes long-term inflammation of the airways that can cause a cough. This can be a part of an airway disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that typically occurs as a side effect of smoking. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) . GERD occurs when acid comes back up from a person’s stomach and into their throat. The result can be chronic irritation in the throat that leads to a cough. Lingering after-effects of infection . If a person has had a severe infection, such as pneumonia or the flu , they might still experience lingering effects that include a chronic cough. Even though most of their symptoms have gone away, the airways may still remain inflamed for some time. Postnasal drip . Also known as upper airway cough syndrome, a postnasal drip is the result of mucus dripping down the back of the throat. This irritates the throat and triggers a cough reflex. Blood pressure-lowering medications . Medications known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors can cause a chronic cough in some people. These medications end in -pril and include benazepril, captopril, and ramipril. Less-common causes Some less common causes of a chronic cough include: Aspiration . Aspiration is the medical term for when food or saliva goes down the airway instead of the food pipe. The excess fluid can collect bacteria or viruses and may lead to irritation of the airway. Sometimes aspiration can lead to pneumonia. Bronchiectasis . Excess mucus production can cause the airways to become larger than normal. Bronchiolitis . Bronchiolitis is a common condition that affects children. It is caused by a virus that causes inflammation of the bronchioles, which are small airways in the lungs. Cystic fibrosis . Cystic fibrosis causes excess mucus in the lungs and airways, which can cause a chronic cough. Heart disease . Sometimes coughing and shortness of breath can be symptoms of heart disease or heart failure . This is called a heart cough. A person with this condition may notice their cough worsens when they are lying completely flat. Lung cancer . While rare, persistent coughing can be a sign of lung cancer . A person with this disease may also experience chest pain as well as blood in their sputum. Sarcoidosis . This is an inflammatory disorder that causes small growths to develop in the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, and skin. A cough is typically the result of something that is irritating the airways causing the muscles in the chest and stomach to contract. The irritation also causes the glottis that covers the airways to open quickly, causing air to rush out. The result is a cough. A cough can be ‘dry’ or ‘wet’. A dry cough is a non-productive one, meaning the cough does not produce mucus. People who smoke cigarettes and those who take ACE inhibitors tend to have a dry cough. A wet cough is one that produces mucus or sputum. This is the case when, for example, a person has postnasal drip or cystic fibrosis. Share on Pinterest A doctor will listen to a person’s lungs to help determine the cause of a chronic cough. A chronic cough can become a medical emergency. If a person experiences the following symptoms along with a chronic cough they should seek emergency treatment: a fever greater than 103°F coughing up blood chest pain shortness of breath or difficulty catching their breath If a chronic cough interferes with a person’s everyday activities, it often warrants further examination by a doctor. Other symptoms that may mean a person needs to see their doctor include: appetite loss coughing up a lot of mucus fatigue night sweats unexplained weight loss Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more. To make a diagnosis, a doctor will begin by asking the person when their symptom first appeared, what makes the symptoms better, and what makes them worse. They will ask about the person’s medical history and lifestyle habits, such as whether they smoke. A doctor will likely also listen to the person’s lungs using a stethoscope. Sometimes a doctor will require further testing to help with diagnosis. Tests may include: taking a sputum sample and evaluating it for the presence of blood or cancerous cells imaging scans, such as X-rays or computed tomography scans to determine if there are signs of lung disease or inflammation a bronchoscopy, where a doctor views the lungs for signs of irritation or disease Each of these tests, as well as a variety of other tests, can help a doctor identify the underlying causes of a chronic cough. Treatments for a chronic cough depend upon the underlying cause. If a doctor cannot determine the exact cause straight away, they might decide to treat the most common contributing factors for a chronic cough. Postnasal drip is a common cause, so a doctor may recommend the person takes decongestants or antihistamines. These medications can help to dry up secretions and reduce inflammation that can lead to postnasal drip. Decongestant or nasal steroid sprays may also help. Other treatments may be more specific to a particular underlying medical condition. For example, a person may be able to control their GERD through making lifestyle changes and taking medications that reduce the effects of acid on the stomach. Examples of these changes can include: eating several small meals a day avoiding foods known to cause GERD, such as caffeine, citrus fruits, tomato-based foods, high-fat foods, chocolate, or peppermint refraining from lying down until two hours after eating sleeping with the head of the bed raised or using extra pillows to elevate the head taking medications, such as cimetidine (Tagamet) or famotidine (Pepcid) Those who have a cough related to ACE inhibitors may wish to talk to their doctor. There are some medications that may be able to reduce high blood pressure without causing a cough. Unless side effects are serious, a person should not stop taking medication without first speaking to their doctor. Smoking cigarettes can increase the risk of developing a chronic cough. Exposure to second-hand smoke can also increase a person’s risk. The smoke can irritate the airways and lead to a chronic cough as well as lung damage. Exposure to chemicals in the air, such as from working in a factory or laboratory, can also lead to long-term coughing. Taking ACE inhibitors is a significant risk factor for coughing. According to the New England Journal of Medicine , an estimated 20 percent of people who take ACE inhibitors develop a cough. Coughing can be problematic if it interferes with a person’s daily life. A chronic cough can have the following additional effects: affecting a person’s ability to sleep well if coughing keeps them up at night daytime fatigue difficulty concentrating at work and school headaches dizziness Although rare, very severe coughing can cause the following complications: fainting urinary incontinence broken ribs Most cases of a chronic cough can be treated, typically with over-the-counter treatments. However, sometimes a chronic cough can indicate a more serious cause that a doctor should evaluate.
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[When to see a doctor](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321597#when-to-see-a-doctor) - [Diagnosis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321597#diagnosis) - [Treatment](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321597#treatment) - [Risk factors](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321597#risk-factors) - [Complications](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321597#complications) - [Outlook](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321597#outlook) Common causes of a chronic cough include postnasal drip, asthma, and acid reflux due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A post-infectious cough can also be chronic after an infection goes away. A chronic, or peristent, cough is when a cough [lasts longer](https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1101/p575.html) than 8 weeks in adults or 4 weeks in children. Common causes include [asthma](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/asthma/ "What is Asthma?"), allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease ([GERD](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14085.php "Everything you need to know about GERD")), or [bronchitis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8888.php "Symptoms and treatment of bronchitis"). Less commonly, it can be a sign of a more severe condition, such as heart or lung disease. In this article, we take a close look at the causes and symptoms of a chronic cough, ways to treat it, and when to see a doctor. ## [What causes a chronic cough?]() A variety of factors can cause a chronic cough. Sometimes, more than one factor may be responsible. ### Common causes ![young woman coughing](https://i0.wp.com/cdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com/content/images/articles/321/321597/young-woman-coughing.jpg?w=1155&h=1541) [Share on Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F321597&media=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F321%2F321597%2Fyoung-woman-coughing.jpg&description=Chronic%20cough%3A%20Causes%2C%20symptoms%2C%20and%20treatment "Share on Pinterest") When an adult has a cough that persists for more than 8 weeks, it is considered a chronic cough. Some of the more common causes of chronic cough include: - Asthma. Asthma occurs when a person’s upper airways are especially sensitive to cold air, irritants in the air, or exercise. One type of asthma, known as cough-variant asthma, specifically causes a cough. - Bronchitis. [Chronic bronchitis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/copd-chronic-bronchitis) causes long-term [inflammation](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248423.php "Everything you need to know about inflammation") of the airways that can cause a cough. This can be a part of an airway disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that typically occurs as a side effect of smoking. - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when acid comes back up from a person’s stomach and into their throat. The result can be chronic irritation in the throat that leads to a cough. - Lingering after-effects of infection. If a person has had a severe infection, such as [pneumonia](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/151632.php "What you should know about pneumonia") or the [flu](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/15107.php "All you need to know about flu"), they might still experience lingering effects that include a chronic cough. Even though most of their symptoms have gone away, the airways may still remain inflamed for some time. - Postnasal drip. Also known as upper airway cough syndrome, a postnasal drip is the result of mucus dripping down the back of the throat. This irritates the throat and triggers a cough reflex. - Blood pressure-lowering medications. Medications known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors can cause a chronic cough in some people. These medications end in -pril and include benazepril, captopril, and ramipril. ### Less-common causes Some less common causes of a chronic cough include: - Aspiration. Aspiration is the medical term for when food or saliva goes down the airway instead of the food pipe. The excess fluid can collect bacteria or viruses and may lead to irritation of the airway. Sometimes aspiration can lead to pneumonia. - Bronchiectasis. Excess mucus production can cause the airways to become larger than normal. - Bronchiolitis. Bronchiolitis is a common condition that affects children. It is caused by a virus that causes inflammation of the bronchioles, which are small airways in the lungs. - Cystic fibrosis. [Cystic fibrosis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/147960.php "Everything you need to know about cystic fibrosis") causes excess mucus in the lungs and airways, which can cause a chronic cough. - Heart disease. Sometimes coughing and shortness of breath can be symptoms of [heart disease](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/237191.php "Everything you need to know about heart disease") or [heart failure](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156849.php "Congestive heart failure: What you need to know"). This is called a heart cough. A person with this condition may notice their cough worsens when they are lying completely flat. - Lung cancer. While rare, persistent coughing can be a sign of [lung cancer](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323701 "What is Lung Cancer?"). A person with this disease may also experience chest pain as well as blood in their sputum. - Sarcoidosis. This is an inflammatory disorder that causes small growths to develop in the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, and skin. ## [Symptoms]() A cough is typically the result of something that is irritating the airways causing the muscles in the chest and stomach to contract. The irritation also causes the glottis that covers the airways to open quickly, causing air to rush out. The result is a cough. A cough can be ‘dry’ or ‘wet’. A [dry cough](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/best-medication-for-dry-cough) is a non-productive one, meaning the cough does not produce mucus. People who smoke cigarettes and those who take ACE inhibitors tend to have a dry cough. A wet cough is one that produces mucus or sputum. This is the case when, for example, a person has postnasal drip or cystic fibrosis. ## [When to see a doctor]() [Share on Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F321597&media=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F321%2F321597%2Fdoctor-listening-to-patients-lungs.jpg&description=Chronic%20cough%3A%20Causes%2C%20symptoms%2C%20and%20treatment "Share on Pinterest") A doctor will listen to a person’s lungs to help determine the cause of a chronic cough. A chronic cough can become a medical emergency. If a person experiences the following symptoms along with a chronic cough they should seek emergency treatment: - a [fever](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/168266.php "Fever: What you need to know") greater than 103°F - coughing up blood - chest pain - shortness of breath or difficulty catching their breath If a chronic cough interferes with a person’s everyday activities, it often warrants further examination by a doctor. Other symptoms that may mean a person needs to see their doctor include: - appetite loss - coughing up a lot of mucus - [fatigue](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002.php "Fatigue: Why am I so tired and what can I do about it?") - night sweats - unexplained weight loss »Online Care:[For \$29, get personalized, expert care and prescriptions for COVID-19 in minutes. Available 24/7 on Optum Perks.](https://perks.optum.com/online-care/covid-19?utm_source=mnt&utm_medium=organic-onlinecare-on&utm_content=linkto-oc-on-uri&utm_campaign=mnt-article-oc-on-backlink&correlationId=null) Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. [Learn more.](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about/brand-and-product-vetting) ## [Diagnosis]() To make a diagnosis, a doctor will begin by asking the person when their symptom first appeared, what makes the symptoms better, and what makes them worse. They will ask about the person’s medical history and lifestyle habits, such as whether they smoke. A doctor will likely also listen to the person’s lungs using a stethoscope. Sometimes a doctor will require further testing to help with diagnosis. Tests may include: - taking a sputum sample and evaluating it for the presence of blood or cancerous cells - imaging scans, such as X-rays or computed tomography scans to determine if there are signs of lung disease or inflammation - a bronchoscopy, where a doctor views the lungs for signs of irritation or disease Each of these tests, as well as a variety of other tests, can help a doctor identify the underlying causes of a chronic cough. ## [Treatment]() [Share on Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F321597&media=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F321%2F321597%2Fmiddle-aged-man-asleep-in-bed.jpg&description=Chronic%20cough%3A%20Causes%2C%20symptoms%2C%20and%20treatment "Share on Pinterest") Raising the head with extra pillows may help GERD-related coughs. Treatments for a chronic cough depend upon the underlying cause. If a doctor cannot determine the exact cause straight away, they might decide to treat the most common contributing factors for a chronic cough. Postnasal drip is a common cause, so a doctor may recommend the person takes decongestants or antihistamines. These medications can help to dry up secretions and reduce inflammation that can lead to postnasal drip. Decongestant or nasal steroid sprays may also help. Other treatments may be more specific to a particular underlying medical condition. For example, a person may be able to control their GERD through making lifestyle changes and taking medications that reduce the effects of acid on the stomach. Examples of these changes can include: - eating several small meals a day - avoiding foods known to cause GERD, such as caffeine, citrus fruits, tomato-based foods, high-fat foods, chocolate, or peppermint - refraining from lying down until two hours after eating - sleeping with the head of the bed raised or using extra pillows to elevate the head - taking medications, such as cimetidine (Tagamet) or famotidine (Pepcid) Those who have a cough related to ACE inhibitors may wish to talk to their doctor. There are some medications that may be able to reduce [high blood pressure](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159283.php "What's to know about high blood pressure?") without causing a cough. Unless side effects are serious, a person should not stop taking medication without first speaking to their doctor. ## [Risk factors]() Smoking cigarettes can increase the risk of developing a chronic cough. Exposure to second-hand smoke can also increase a person’s risk. The smoke can irritate the airways and lead to a chronic cough as well as lung damage. Exposure to chemicals in the air, such as from working in a factory or laboratory, can also lead to long-term coughing. Taking ACE inhibitors is a significant risk factor for coughing. According to the [New England Journal of Medicine](http://www.drkney.com/pdfs/cough_102016_NEJM.pdf), an estimated 20 percent of people who take ACE inhibitors develop a cough. ## [Complications]() Coughing can be problematic if it interferes with a person’s daily life. A chronic cough can have the following additional effects: - affecting a person’s ability to sleep well if coughing keeps them up at night - daytime fatigue - difficulty concentrating at work and school - [headaches](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/73936.php "What is causing this headache?") - dizziness Although rare, very severe coughing can cause the following complications: - fainting - [urinary incontinence](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165408.php "Urinary Incontinence: What you need to know") - broken ribs ## [Outlook]() Most cases of a chronic cough can be treated, typically with over-the-counter treatments. However, sometimes a chronic cough can indicate a more serious cause that a doctor should evaluate. - [Pulmonary System](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/pulmonary-system) - [Respiratory](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/respiratory) - [Flu / Cold / SARS](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/flu-sars) - [Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/infectious_diseases) ### How we reviewed this article: Sources Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/process). - Chronic cough. (2018) <https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-dictionary/chronic-cough> - Chronic cough & chronic throat clearing. (n.d.) <https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/services/otolaryngology-head-neck-surgery/cough> - How doctors crack the code for your chronic cough. (2017, August 17) <https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-doctors-are-cracking-the-code-for-your-chronic-cough/> - Michaudet, C., & Malaty, J. (2017, November 1). Chronic cough: Evaluation and management. American Family Physician, 96(9), 575–580. <https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1101/p575.html> - Smith, J. A., & Woodcock, A. (2016, October 20). Chronic cough. New England Journal of Medicine, 375(16), 1544–1551 <http://www.drkney.com/pdfs/cough_102016_NEJM.pdf> Share this article ![](https://i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/12/alana-biggers-1.png?w=105&h=105) [Medically reviewed]() by [Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH]() — Written by [Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA]() — [Updated on November 29, 2023]() ## Latest news - [Could probiotics, dietary changes help protect brain health as we age?](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/could-probiotics-dietary-changes-help-protect-brain-health-as-we-age) - [9 steps to improve heart health, per new dietary guidance from AHA](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9-steps-improve-heart-health-diet-guidance-aha) - [AI model can accurately predict liver cancer risk, study suggests](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ai-model-accurately-predict-liver-cancer-risk) - [AI-powered stroke tool linked to improved patient outcomes in large clinical trial](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ai-powered-stroke-tool-linked-improved-patient-outcomes-large-clinical-trial) - [Eating same meals on repeat, and more at weekends may help you lose more weight](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/eating-same-meals-repeat-more-weekends-may-help-lose-more-weight) ### Related Coverage - [What is the link between lung cancer and a cough?](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319449?utm_source=ReadNext) [In this article, learn about the link between coughing and lung cancer, including when to contact a doctor about a cough and signs that it might be…](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319449?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319449?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Why do I cough after I eat?](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321189?utm_source=ReadNext) Medically reviewed by [Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/reviewers) [People may find they cough after eating food, and this may have many different causes. 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Readable Markdown	Common causes of a chronic cough include postnasal drip, asthma, and acid reflux due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A post-infectious cough can also be chronic after an infection goes away. A chronic, or peristent, cough is when a cough [lasts longer](https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1101/p575.html) than 8 weeks in adults or 4 weeks in children. Common causes include [asthma](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/asthma/ "What is Asthma?"), allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease ([GERD](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14085.php "Everything you need to know about GERD")), or [bronchitis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8888.php "Symptoms and treatment of bronchitis"). Less commonly, it can be a sign of a more severe condition, such as heart or lung disease. In this article, we take a close look at the causes and symptoms of a chronic cough, ways to treat it, and when to see a doctor. A variety of factors can cause a chronic cough. Sometimes, more than one factor may be responsible. Common causes ![young woman coughing](https://i0.wp.com/cdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com/content/images/articles/321/321597/young-woman-coughing.jpg?w=1155&h=1541) [Share on Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F321597&media=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F321%2F321597%2Fyoung-woman-coughing.jpg&description=Chronic%20cough%3A%20Causes%2C%20symptoms%2C%20and%20treatment "Share on Pinterest") When an adult has a cough that persists for more than 8 weeks, it is considered a chronic cough. Some of the more common causes of chronic cough include: - Asthma. Asthma occurs when a person’s upper airways are especially sensitive to cold air, irritants in the air, or exercise. One type of asthma, known as cough-variant asthma, specifically causes a cough. - Bronchitis. [Chronic bronchitis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/copd-chronic-bronchitis) causes long-term [inflammation](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248423.php "Everything you need to know about inflammation") of the airways that can cause a cough. This can be a part of an airway disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that typically occurs as a side effect of smoking. - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when acid comes back up from a person’s stomach and into their throat. The result can be chronic irritation in the throat that leads to a cough. - Lingering after-effects of infection. If a person has had a severe infection, such as [pneumonia](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/151632.php "What you should know about pneumonia") or the [flu](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/15107.php "All you need to know about flu"), they might still experience lingering effects that include a chronic cough. Even though most of their symptoms have gone away, the airways may still remain inflamed for some time. - Postnasal drip. Also known as upper airway cough syndrome, a postnasal drip is the result of mucus dripping down the back of the throat. This irritates the throat and triggers a cough reflex. - Blood pressure-lowering medications. Medications known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors can cause a chronic cough in some people. These medications end in -pril and include benazepril, captopril, and ramipril. Less-common causes Some less common causes of a chronic cough include: - Aspiration. Aspiration is the medical term for when food or saliva goes down the airway instead of the food pipe. The excess fluid can collect bacteria or viruses and may lead to irritation of the airway. Sometimes aspiration can lead to pneumonia. - Bronchiectasis. Excess mucus production can cause the airways to become larger than normal. - Bronchiolitis. Bronchiolitis is a common condition that affects children. It is caused by a virus that causes inflammation of the bronchioles, which are small airways in the lungs. - Cystic fibrosis. [Cystic fibrosis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/147960.php "Everything you need to know about cystic fibrosis") causes excess mucus in the lungs and airways, which can cause a chronic cough. - Heart disease. Sometimes coughing and shortness of breath can be symptoms of [heart disease](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/237191.php "Everything you need to know about heart disease") or [heart failure](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156849.php "Congestive heart failure: What you need to know"). This is called a heart cough. A person with this condition may notice their cough worsens when they are lying completely flat. - Lung cancer. While rare, persistent coughing can be a sign of [lung cancer](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323701 "What is Lung Cancer?"). A person with this disease may also experience chest pain as well as blood in their sputum. - Sarcoidosis. This is an inflammatory disorder that causes small growths to develop in the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, and skin. A cough is typically the result of something that is irritating the airways causing the muscles in the chest and stomach to contract. The irritation also causes the glottis that covers the airways to open quickly, causing air to rush out. The result is a cough. A cough can be ‘dry’ or ‘wet’. A [dry cough](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/best-medication-for-dry-cough) is a non-productive one, meaning the cough does not produce mucus. People who smoke cigarettes and those who take ACE inhibitors tend to have a dry cough. A wet cough is one that produces mucus or sputum. This is the case when, for example, a person has postnasal drip or cystic fibrosis. [Share on Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F321597&media=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F321%2F321597%2Fdoctor-listening-to-patients-lungs.jpg&description=Chronic%20cough%3A%20Causes%2C%20symptoms%2C%20and%20treatment "Share on Pinterest") A doctor will listen to a person’s lungs to help determine the cause of a chronic cough. A chronic cough can become a medical emergency. If a person experiences the following symptoms along with a chronic cough they should seek emergency treatment: - a [fever](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/168266.php "Fever: What you need to know") greater than 103°F - coughing up blood - chest pain - shortness of breath or difficulty catching their breath If a chronic cough interferes with a person’s everyday activities, it often warrants further examination by a doctor. Other symptoms that may mean a person needs to see their doctor include: - appetite loss - coughing up a lot of mucus - [fatigue](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002.php "Fatigue: Why am I so tired and what can I do about it?") - night sweats - unexplained weight loss Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. [Learn more.](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about/brand-and-product-vetting) To make a diagnosis, a doctor will begin by asking the person when their symptom first appeared, what makes the symptoms better, and what makes them worse. They will ask about the person’s medical history and lifestyle habits, such as whether they smoke. A doctor will likely also listen to the person’s lungs using a stethoscope. Sometimes a doctor will require further testing to help with diagnosis. Tests may include: - taking a sputum sample and evaluating it for the presence of blood or cancerous cells - imaging scans, such as X-rays or computed tomography scans to determine if there are signs of lung disease or inflammation - a bronchoscopy, where a doctor views the lungs for signs of irritation or disease Each of these tests, as well as a variety of other tests, can help a doctor identify the underlying causes of a chronic cough. Treatments for a chronic cough depend upon the underlying cause. If a doctor cannot determine the exact cause straight away, they might decide to treat the most common contributing factors for a chronic cough. Postnasal drip is a common cause, so a doctor may recommend the person takes decongestants or antihistamines. These medications can help to dry up secretions and reduce inflammation that can lead to postnasal drip. Decongestant or nasal steroid sprays may also help. Other treatments may be more specific to a particular underlying medical condition. For example, a person may be able to control their GERD through making lifestyle changes and taking medications that reduce the effects of acid on the stomach. Examples of these changes can include: - eating several small meals a day - avoiding foods known to cause GERD, such as caffeine, citrus fruits, tomato-based foods, high-fat foods, chocolate, or peppermint - refraining from lying down until two hours after eating - sleeping with the head of the bed raised or using extra pillows to elevate the head - taking medications, such as cimetidine (Tagamet) or famotidine (Pepcid) Those who have a cough related to ACE inhibitors may wish to talk to their doctor. There are some medications that may be able to reduce [high blood pressure](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159283.php "What's to know about high blood pressure?") without causing a cough. Unless side effects are serious, a person should not stop taking medication without first speaking to their doctor. Smoking cigarettes can increase the risk of developing a chronic cough. Exposure to second-hand smoke can also increase a person’s risk. The smoke can irritate the airways and lead to a chronic cough as well as lung damage. Exposure to chemicals in the air, such as from working in a factory or laboratory, can also lead to long-term coughing. Taking ACE inhibitors is a significant risk factor for coughing. According to the [New England Journal of Medicine](http://www.drkney.com/pdfs/cough_102016_NEJM.pdf), an estimated 20 percent of people who take ACE inhibitors develop a cough. Coughing can be problematic if it interferes with a person’s daily life. A chronic cough can have the following additional effects: - affecting a person’s ability to sleep well if coughing keeps them up at night - daytime fatigue - difficulty concentrating at work and school - [headaches](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/73936.php "What is causing this headache?") - dizziness Although rare, very severe coughing can cause the following complications: - fainting - [urinary incontinence](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165408.php "Urinary Incontinence: What you need to know") - broken ribs Most cases of a chronic cough can be treated, typically with over-the-counter treatments. However, sometimes a chronic cough can indicate a more serious cause that a doctor should evaluate.
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