The 100-day cough in adults

The label is informal and does not establish a diagnosis or predict an exact duration. A persistent cough may follow infection, while asthma, nasal drainage, acid reflux, smoking or vaping, certain medicines, and ongoing lung disease can produce similar symptoms.

Whooping cough can present in adults as repeated coughing bouts, gagging or vomiting after coughing, difficulty catching breath, or a cough that lingers after other cold-like symptoms fade. Adults may not make a distinctive whoop, so the sound alone cannot confirm or exclude it.

Asthma often presents with cough plus wheeze, chest tightness, or symptoms triggered by exercise, cold air, or night-time. Acid reflux may present with cough after meals or when lying down, sometimes with heartburn or a sour taste. Allergic rhinitis can produce throat clearing and cough through mucus draining from the nose.

Arrange a medical appointment for a cough that has persisted or keeps returning. Note when it began, whether it comes in bouts, triggers, sputum colour, fever, wheeze, reflux, weight change, and exposure to anyone with a prolonged cough. Bring a list of medicines, including blood-pressure treatment.

Drink enough fluid, avoid smoke and vaping, and use warm drinks or honey for throat comfort if suitable for you. Do not start leftover antibiotics or rely on cough suppressants to delay assessment. If an infectious cough is suspected, limit close contact with babies, pregnant people, and anyone medically vulnerable until a clinician advises you.

Call emergency services if breathing is severely difficult, lips or face turn blue or grey, you collapse, become confused, develop intense chest pain, or cough up more than small streaks of blood. These symptoms require immediate assessment regardless of the suspected cause.

Seek prompt care for increasing breathlessness, persistent fever, dehydration, repeated vomiting after coughing, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, chest pain with breathing, or blood-stained sputum. Earlier review is sensible if you have chronic lung or heart disease or weakened immunity.

Ask whether testing for infection, a chest examination, breathing tests, imaging, or a review of medicines is appropriate. Clarify whether you could be contagious, how to protect household members, what symptom relief is suitable, and when lack of improvement should trigger reassessment.