Everyone gets a cough now and then. It’s usually nothing to worry about, a cold, a tickle in the throat, or a dusty afternoon. But what if the cough doesn’t go away? What if it lingers for weeks, or even months?
A persistent cough can be more than just annoying. It might be your body’s way of flagging something deeper, especially if it’s paired with certain symptoms. Here’s how to tell when it’s time to stop brushing it off and speak to a specialist.
What Counts as a Chronic Cough?
A cough that lasts more than 8 weeks in adults (or 4 weeks in children) is considered chronic. It can be dry or wet, constant or on-and-off, but the main concern is its persistence.
You might already be used to coughing during flu season or after a throat infection. But if your cough overstays its welcome and doesn’t respond to usual remedies, it could be time to dig a little deeper.
Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore
Some symptoms are more than just frustrating, they’re warning signs that need medical attention. Watch out for:
- Coughing up blood
Even small traces of blood (in phlegm or on tissue) should never be ignored. It may point to an issue in the lungs, airways, or sinuses. - Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight without trying, especially when paired with a cough, can sometimes signal something more serious, including infections or even cancers. - Ongoing hoarseness or voice changes
If your voice sounds hoarse or strained for weeks, especially without a known cause, it might be more than vocal overuse. - Shortness of breath or chest pain
If coughing leaves you breathless or your chest hurts when you breathe or laugh, it’s important to seek proper evaluation. - Night sweats or low-grade fevers
Waking up drenched in sweat or running frequent mild fevers could mean an underlying infection or inflammation.
What Could Be Behind That Cough?
Chronic cough can be caused by several conditions, some of which may surprise you. Here are a few common ones ENT and respiratory specialists often see:
- Post-nasal drip – Mucus dripping down from the back of your nose can trigger a cough, especially at night.
- Allergies or sinusitis – Ongoing sinus or allergy issues can irritate your throat and airways, causing you to cough more frequently.
- Acid reflux (GERD) – Stomach acid travelling up the oesophagus can irritate the throat and voice box, triggering a chronic dry cough.
- Asthma – Some types of asthma, particularly in adults, may present mainly with coughing rather than wheezing.
- Vocal cord dysfunction – Problems with the vocal cords can cause hoarseness, breathing issues, and a dry cough.
- Chronic infections – Conditions like tuberculosis or chronic bronchitis should be ruled out if other symptoms are present.
When to See a Specialist
If your cough has lingered past the usual viral period, especially with any of the red flags above, it’s time to consider seeing an ENT doctor or pulmonologist.
ENT doctors focus on the upper airways, including the nose, throat, sinuses, and voice box, while pulmonologists specialise in the lungs and deeper respiratory system. Depending on your symptoms, one may refer you to the other for a more complete evaluation.
Breathe Easier with the Right Care
If you’ve been coughing for weeks and are still unsure what’s causing it, don’t wait for it to “just go away.”
At Dr Lynne Lim Ear Nose Throat Head and Neck Surgery Centre, we take a thoughtful, thorough approach to chronic coughs. Dr Lynne Lim, a Senior Consultant Ear Nose Throat – Head & Neck Surgeon, works closely with patients to uncover the root cause, whether it’s nasal, throat-related, or something more complex.
Our clinic offers in-depth assessments, endoscopy, allergy testing, and imaging if needed, all in a comfortable setting where you and your child can feel cared for.
📞 Call today to schedule an appointment.
