When a cough sticks around for more than eight weeks, it’s not a simple cold—it’s a chronic cough, a persistent respiratory symptom that signals an underlying condition, not just an infection. Also known as persistent cough, it’s one of the most common reasons people visit doctors, yet it’s often misdiagnosed as just "a lingering bug." Most cases aren’t caused by viruses—they’re driven by three main issues: postnasal drip, mucus dripping down the back of the throat from allergies or sinus issues, GERD, acid reflux that irritates the throat without causing heartburn, or asthma, especially cough-variant asthma, where wheezing is absent but the cough is constant. These aren’t random guesses—they’re the top three causes in over 90% of cases, according to clinical studies.
What makes chronic cough tricky is that it doesn’t always come with obvious signs. You might not have a runny nose, but still have postnasal drip. You might not feel heartburn, but stomach acid is still rising and triggering your cough. Even some medications—like ACE inhibitors for blood pressure—can cause it. And while people often reach for cough syrups, most over-the-counter options do little to nothing for these underlying triggers. The real fix isn’t suppressing the cough—it’s treating what’s causing it. That’s why a one-size-fits-all approach fails. A cough from allergies needs nasal sprays. One from acid reflux needs diet changes and acid blockers. One from asthma needs inhalers. Getting it right means matching the treatment to the root cause, not just the symptom.
What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t a list of home remedies or miracle cures. It’s a practical, evidence-based collection of guides that cut through the noise. You’ll see how chronic cough connects to things like medication side effects, hormonal changes affecting the lungs, and even how antibiotic use can alter your body’s response to irritation. No fluff. No myths. Just clear, real-world insights from people who’ve been there and the doctors who treat it. Whether you’ve tried everything and still can’t shake it, or you’re just starting to wonder why this won’t go away—this is where you find answers that actually stick.
Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition causing daily cough and mucus buildup. Learn how daily airway clearance, smart antibiotic use, and hydration can break the infection cycle and slow lung damage.
