Cough

Coughing is a reflex that is meant to protect the airways from foreign material including infectious organisms. When coughing persists for a prolonged period, it may have adverse effects. There are a number of types of cough that may need medical treatment. An acute cough lasts less than three weeks, while a chronic cough generally lasts for more than eight weeks. This distinction is made because there are far fewer serious causes of acute cough, and it is more likely to resolve spontaneously.

Chronic cough may be caused by a number of factors, the most common of which is a respiratory tract infection. Coughs may also be caused by smoking; asthma; and a range of other conditions, including a postnasal drip; a bacterial infection such as pneumonia; and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The treatment best suited for your cough will depend on the underlying cause. It may be necessary to go for an x-ray and lung function tests to determine the cause of your cough. Often more than one cause is identified and needs treating for the cough to resolve. This may take weeks to months