A cough lasting more than a few days is common, especially after a cold. But when a cough persists for weeks, disrupts sleep, causes chest soreness, or affects day-to-day life, it may signal an underlying lung or airway condition. Understanding when to seek care can help you get relief faster — and ensure your lungs stay healthy.
At Lung & Sleep Specialists, we diagnose and treat chronic cough using comprehensive evaluation and targeted treatment plans designed to address the root cause, not just the symptoms.
What Counts as a “Chronic” Cough?
A cough is considered chronic if it lasts:
- More than 8 weeks in adults
- More than 4 weeks in children
Chronic cough is not normal, even if it seems mild.
Common Causes of Chronic Cough
Chronic cough often results from underlying conditions such as:
- Asthma
- Postnasal drip (sinus or allergy-related)
- Acid reflux (GERD)
- Chronic bronchitis
- COPD
- Environmental irritants
- Medication side effects (such as ACE inhibitors)
- Infections that linger after illness
Because symptoms overlap, proper evaluation is key.
Signs It’s Time to See a Lung Specialist
Schedule an evaluation if your cough:
- Lasts longer than 8 weeks
- Is accompanied by shortness of breath or wheezing
- Produces blood or colored mucus
- Worsens when lying down
- Interrupts sleep
- Causes chest pain or fatigue
- Is linked to weight loss or fevers
A chronic cough is your body communicating something.
How We Diagnose Chronic Cough
Your provider may recommend:
- Pulmonary function testing
- Chest X-ray or CT scan
- Allergy testing
- Sleep apnea assessment
- Medication review
- Lifestyle and environmental assessment
This helps us determine the exact cause and develop the right treatment plan.
Q&A
Q: Can allergies cause a chronic cough?
Yes — postnasal drip from allergies is one of the most common causes.
Q: What if my cough started after COVID-19?
Post-viral airway inflammation is common. Specialized treatment can help reduce symptoms.
Q: Is chronic cough serious?
Not always — but ignoring symptoms can allow underlying conditions to progress.
We’re Here to Help
If you’ve had a persistent cough, don’t wait.
Schedule an appointment: lungandsleepspecialists.com/appointments/
Visit: https://lungandsleepspecialists.com