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Cough
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Symptoms

Cough

Coughing is a protective reflex that can be categorized as acute or chronic, with management strategies ranging from hydration to addressing underlying medical conditions.

Overview

Coughing is a reflex that keeps your throat and airways clear. Although it can be annoying, coughing helps your body heal or protect itself. Coughs can be either acute or chronic.

Types of Coughs

  • Acute coughs begin suddenly and usually last no more than 2 to 3 weeks. These are the kind you most often get with a cold, flu, or acute bronchitis.
  • Chronic coughs last longer than 2 to 3 weeks.

Causes of Chronic Cough

  • Chronic bronchitis
  • Asthma
  • Allergies
  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
  • Smoking
  • Throat disorders, such as croup in young children
  • Some medicines

Management

Water can help ease your cough - whether you drink it or add it to the air with a steamy shower or vaporizer. If you have a cold or the flu, antihistamines may work better than non-prescription cough medicines. Children under four should not have cough medicine. For children over four, use caution and read labels carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

For children over 4, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce fever and discomfort, and honey (1 teaspoon) can soothe a dry cough. Avoid decongestants, antihistamines, and cough suppressants unless a pediatrician specifically recommends them, as many OTC cough medicines are not labeled for children under 12 and can cause adverse effects.
persistent cough beyond 3 weeks warrants a medical evaluation because it may signal chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, GERD, or an underlying infection. Seek care if you notice blood or thick sputum, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, or weight loss. Early diagnosis can prevent complications and guide appropriate treatment.
GERD cough often worsens after meals, when lying down, or in the morning, and may be accompanied by heartburn or sour taste. Respiratory infections usually present with fever, congestion, or a runny nose. If your cough is dry, nighttime, and improves with antacids or elevating your head, GERD is likely; if it’s productive, feverish, or linked to upper‑respiratory symptoms, infection is more probable.
Fill a basin with hot water, place a towel over your head, and breathe the steam for 10–15 minutes, or use a cool‑mist humidifier in the bedroom. Keep the room temperature comfortable, change the filter regularly, and ensure the device is clean to prevent mold growth, which can worsen coughing.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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