Cough, Adult

Coughing is a reflex that clears your throat and airways (respiratory system). It helps heal and protect your lungs. It is normal to cough from time to time. A cough that happens with other symptoms or that lasts a long time may be a sign of a condition that needs treatment. A short-term (acute) cough may only last 2–3 weeks. A long-term (chronic) cough may last 8 or more weeks.

• Diseases, such as:
  • An infection of the respiratory system.
  • Asthma or other heart or lung diseases.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux. This is when acid comes back up from the stomach.
• Breathing in things that irritate your lungs.
• Allergies.
• Postnasal drip. This is when mucus runs down the back of your throat.
• Smoking.
• Some medicines.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Talk with your provider before you take cough medicine (cough suppressants).

Eating and drinking

• Do not drink alcohol.
• Avoid caffeine.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your pee (urine) pale yellow.

Lifestyle

• Avoid cigarette smoke.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your provider.
• Avoid things that make you cough. These may include perfumes, candles, cleaning products, or campfire smoke.

General instructions

• Watch for any changes to your cough. Tell your provider about them.
• Always cover your mouth when you cough.
• If the air is dry in your bedroom or home, use a cool mist vaporizer or humidifier.
• If your cough is worse at night, try to sleep in a semi-upright position.
• Rest as needed.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have new symptoms, or your symptoms get worse.
• You cough up pus.
• You have a fever that does not go away or a cough that does not get better after 2–3 weeks.
• You cannot control your cough with medicine, and you are losing sleep.
• You have pain that gets worse or is not helped with medicine.
• You lose weight for no clear reason.
• You have night sweats.

Get help right away if:

• You cough up blood.
• You have trouble breathing.
• Your heart is beating very fast.

• Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away.
• Do not drive yourself to the hospital.