If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

OVERVIEW

What is a chronic cough?

A chronic cough is a cough that lasts for 8 weeks or more. It’s usually caused by an underlying condition, such as allergies or heartburn, and usually goes away after the underlying condition is treated.

SYMPTOMS

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

The following are some questions to help you decide whether you should see your healthcare provider about your cough:

• Are you coughing up phlegm?
• Are you wheezing (making a whistling sound when you breathe in)?
• Are you running a temperature higher than 38.3°C (101°F)?
• Are you losing weight without trying?
• Are you having drenching sweats in bed at night (the sheets and your pajamas get soaking wet)?
• Are you coughing up blood?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, contact your healthcare provider. They will want to find out if you have an illness that is causing the cough. If you answered “no” to all of these questions, something else may be causing your cough.

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

What can cause chronic cough?

Smoking

Smoking can cause a cough that doesn’t go away.

Allergies

Post-nasal drip caused by allergies can make you cough. Post-nasal drip is mucus that runs down your throat from the back of your nose.

Medicines

Certain medicines, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors for high blood pressure, can cause chronic cough. If you are taking medicines, ask your healthcare provider if any of the medicines you use could cause you to cough.

Asthma

Coughing can be a sign of asthma. In some people who have mild asthma, a cough may be the only symptom. Your healthcare provider may perform breathing tests to find out if you have asthma. They may also ask you to try taking some asthma medicine to see if your cough goes away.

Heartburn

Acid from your stomach may back up into your throat. This is called “acid reflux.” It can cause heartburn or a cough. Acid reflux is more common when you’re lying down.

TREATMENT

Smoking

If you smoke, you should stop. Contact your healthcare provider about using a nicotine replacement product, a prescription medicine or another method to help you stop smoking.

Allergies

If you have post-nasal drip from allergies, try to avoid the things you are allergic to (allergens). Common allergens include the following:

• Dust
• Smoke
• Pollen, mould and freshly cut grass
• Pets
• Certain plants
• Cleaning agents and room deodorizers
• Chemical fumes

An over-the-counter (OTC) medicine may help relieve your allergy symptoms, including a cough. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to help you choose one.

Medicines

If you are taking a medicine that can cause you to cough, your healthcare provider might be able to prescribe another medicine for you. Don’t stop taking a prescribed medicine unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

Asthma

If you have asthma, your healthcare provider will help you decide on the right treatment for your symptoms.

Heartburn

If you have acid reflux, try raising the head of your bed about 4 inches (10 cm). It might also help to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before you lie down. Ask your healthcare provider about OTC or prescription medicines that can help relieve the symptoms of acid reflux by reducing or neutralizing the acid in your stomach.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

• What is the most likely cause of my cough?
• How much longer can I expect my cough to last?
• Is my cough contagious?
• What over-the-counter medicines might help relieve my cough?
• Are there any health risks to having along-lasting cough?