Cough

A cough is the body's way of clearing the throat and airways. Most coughs come with a cold and fade within 3 weeks. A cough that lasts longer, or comes with trouble breathing or blood, needs a check.

When to get care

If you think it's an emergency, call 911 now. Don't wait to read this page.

When should I get care for a cough?

Find the first group that matches. Each one is a MySymptom care level, from most to least urgent.

  1. Call 911 now

    • Severe trouble breathing, or blue or gray lips

  2. Go to the ER now

    • Coughing up a lot of blood
    • Cough with chest pain and sudden shortness of breath after surgery or a long trip

  3. Get seen today

    • Coughing up a small amount of blood
    • Cough with wheezing or shortness of breath

  4. Call your doctor today

    • High fever with chills and a cough that brings up mucus

  5. Book a visit

    • A cough lasting more than 3 weeks, or that keeps coming back
    • Cough with night sweats or weight loss you can't explain
    • A cough that disrupts your sleep night after night

  6. Care for it at home

    • A cough with a cold that is slowly getting better, with no trouble breathing

What does a cough feel like?

A cough can be a tickle in the throat, a deep rattle in the chest, a barking sound, or a wheezy effort. It may worsen at night, after meals, with exercise, or in cold air. Some people feel chest soreness from coughing repeatedly, others notice a metallic or salty taste from mucus.

What causes a cough?

Coughing is a protective reflex, it's how the airways clear out mucus, dust, smoke, and irritants. A short-lived cough during a cold or after breathing in something irritating is normal and usually resolves quickly. A cough that lingers for weeks, however, is one of the most common reasons people visit primary care, and it can have many possible causes.

The character of the cough often points to the cause. Dry coughs frequently come from viral infections, allergies, asthma, or acid reflux. Productive (mucus-producing) coughs are more typical of bronchitis or sinus drainage. Chronic coughs lasting longer than eight weeks deserve a careful look, especially in smokers or anyone with shortness of breath or weight loss.

  • Common cold or flu

    Viral infections cause throat irritation and mucus that triggers coughing, usually for one to three weeks.

  • Allergies

    Pollen, dust, pet dander, and mold can cause a chronic dry cough along with sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.

  • Postnasal drip

    Mucus dripping from the back of the nose into the throat is a very common cause of chronic cough, often worse at night when lying down.

  • Asthma

    Asthma can cause cough, wheezing, and chest tightness, especially with exercise, cold air, or at night.

  • Acid reflux

    Stomach acid reaching the throat irritates the airway and is a frequent hidden cause of chronic cough, even without obvious heartburn.

  • Bronchitis or pneumonia

    Lower airway infections produce productive coughs, often with fever, fatigue, and chest discomfort.

  • Smoking and irritants

    Cigarette smoke, vaping, and air pollution all cause chronic airway inflammation and cough.

How can I ease a cough at home?

These steps are for mild symptoms with none of the warning signs above. Ask a pharmacist before taking any medicine.

  • Stay hydrated

    Warm fluids like tea with honey or broth thin mucus and soothe the throat.

  • Honey for adults and older children

    A teaspoon of honey has been shown to ease nighttime cough in studies. Do not give honey to children under one year old.

  • Humidified air

    A cool-mist humidifier or breathing in steam from a hot shower can ease dry, irritated airways.

  • Elevate your head at night

    Sleeping with extra pillows can reduce postnasal drip and reflux-related coughing.

  • Avoid known triggers

    Stay away from smoke, strong cleaning products, and known allergens while your airways recover.

  • Lozenges and cough drops

    Throat lozenges add moisture and may temporarily quiet a tickly cough.

Common questions about a cough

How long should a cough last after a cold?

It's normal for a post-viral cough to linger for two to three weeks even after other symptoms resolve. Beyond eight weeks, it's considered chronic and warrants evaluation.

Why is my cough worse at night?

Lying down increases postnasal drip and acid reflux, both common cough triggers. Asthma also tends to be worse at night. Elevating the head and treating these underlying causes usually helps.

Is a dry cough or wet cough more concerning?

Neither is automatically more serious. The pattern, duration, and accompanying symptoms matter more. A productive cough with discolored mucus, fever, and chest pain may signal infection; a dry cough with weight loss and night sweats deserves prompt evaluation.

Do over-the-counter cough syrups actually work?

Evidence for OTC cough suppressants is mixed. Honey, hydration, and treating the underlying cause (allergies, reflux, asthma) are usually more effective than syrup alone.

Sources

Written by Arhaan Delawalla from the public guidance above. Not reviewed by a clinician. Updated .

MySymptom gives general health information. It is not medical advice and can't tell you for sure what is causing your symptoms. If you are worried, contact a clinician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number. How answers work