A Cough That Will Not Go Away: When to Get It Checked

Know when to book a review

The NHS recommends medical review for a cough lasting more than three weeks. Seek advice sooner if you feel very unwell, the cough is getting worse or you have another reason to be concerned. Unexplained weight loss is also a reason to speak with a doctor.

Persistent cough can have different causes, including infections, allergies, acid reflux or smoking-related disease. COPD can cause a long-term cough, phlegm and breathlessness, but these symptoms do not confirm COPD by themselves. Your clinician may recommend a breathing test if it is appropriate.

Bring the details that help

• When the cough started and whether it happens at night or with activity.
• Whether you bring up phlegm, have fever or notice breathing difficulty.
• Any tobacco use or exposure to smoke, cooking fumes, workplace dust or chemicals.
• Your current medicines and previous prescriptions, scans or breathing-test reports.

Avoid treating every cough the same way

Smoking and air pollution are important contributors to COPD. Reducing exposure to tobacco smoke and other harmful fumes supports lung health; ask for help with quitting if you need it. Treatment for a persistent cough depends on its cause, rather than a single remedy that works for everyone.

Tell your doctor what you have already tried. Do not repeatedly use leftover medicines instead of arranging an assessment. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether an over-the-counter product is suitable for you.