Cough

About Cough

Cough is a protective reflex that clears the airways, but persistent cough is one of the most common reasons people seek care. Acute cough (under three weeks) usually follows a viral infection. Subacute cough often reflects post-infectious airway inflammation. Chronic cough lasting more than eight weeks is most often caused by upper airway cough syndrome (post-nasal drip), asthma, GERD, ACE-inhibitor use, or — in smokers — chronic bronchitis. Evaluation focuses on red flags such as blood, weight loss, or fever, and targets the underlying cause rather than suppressing the cough itself.