Lasts Greater Than 8 Weeks
It's important to keep in mind that a chronic cough lasts eight weeks or longer because this threshold makes it less likely that the cough is caused by a respiratory infection or common cold. The most important issue is that it has become annoying, frustrating, at times embarrassing and impacting daily quality of life.
May Be Symptom of Another Disease
Alternatively, a chronic cough could be a symptom of a lung disease that hasn't yet been diagnosed by your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will work with you to take a thorough history and physical exam to attempt to identify the cause of your chronic cough. Understand more about what causes chronic coughs.
It is important to understand that a chronic cough can also be a sign of a disease not related to the lung at all. A cough is an important reflex , but should not be ongoing. Your healthcare provider may have you evaluated by other specialists besides a lung doctor. This could include an allergist, an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT), heart doctor (cardiologist) or an esophagus/stomach specialist.
When to see your healthcare provider
A cough that lasts less than eight weeks is usually caused by a respiratory infection and will go away on its own.
If you have developed a cough of any kind that goes on for longer than eight weeks, you should see your healthcare provider for a thorough exam to determine what is causing it. Hear a doctor’s perspective on chronic cough.
How Is Chronic Cough Diagnosed?
To identify the cause of your chronic cough, the doctor will ask questions about your medical history, do a physical exam and run some tests. Learn more about diagnosing a chronic cough .
Medical history
Your healthcare provider will most likely ask you several questions about your cough, overall health and activities:
Physical exam
At the doctor's office, they will take your vital signs including your temperature. They may check the oxygen level in your blood by attaching a small painless clip to your finger. Your doctor will look at the back of your throat and ears when necessary. They will listen to your lungs and heart with a stethoscope and may also look at your legs and skin.
Diagnostic tests
Your healthcare provider may decide to order tests. Some diagnostic tests may need to be completed by a specialist besides your primary health care provider. The tests ordered may include:
- Chest X-ray: Quick and easy chest picture
- Blood sample: To see if your body is fighting an infection or if there are signs of allergies
- CT scan of the chest: A better-quality picture of the chest
- Throat swab: Usually done with a long cotton swab
- Phlegm or sputum sample: Collected after a deep cough
- Spirometry: You will be asked to breathe out hard and fast into a small plastic device to measure how well you breathe out air
- Methacholine challenge test: A breathing test often used to diagnose or rule out asthma
Reviewed and approved by the American Lung Association Scientific and Medical Editorial Review Panel.
Page last updated: October 29, 2024
