Cough: duration, causes, and warning signs
Cough commonly follows a viral illness but may also involve asthma, reflux, or pneumonia.
Common possible causes
- Viral infection or post-nasal drip
- Allergy or asthma
- Acid reflux
- Pneumonia or another lung condition
What you can do now
- Drink fluids and humidify the air
- Avoid smoking and irritants
- Monitor temperature and breathing
- Do not give honey to children under 1 year
When not to wait
- Breathlessness, blue colour, or inability to speak full sentences
- Coughing blood
- Severe chest pain or confusion
- Rapid worsening in a child, older person, or chronically ill patient
When to contact a clinician
Contact a clinician if symptoms worsen, last longer than expected, or you have a high-risk condition or uncertainty. Seek immediate help for warning signs.
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