Dry cough for two weeks: what should you know?

A cough may continue after a common cold or acute bronchitis because airway nerves remain sensitive while inflammation settles. Allergic rhinitis can keep irritating the throat through nasal drainage. Acid reflux may cause a dry cough after meals or at night. Asthma can cause cough with exercise, cold air, or wheeze, and chronic cough refers to a cough that continues beyond the expected recovery period. The duration alone does not identify the cause.

Drink regularly, avoid tobacco smoke and dusty or strongly scented spaces, and use warm fluids to soothe irritation. Notice whether the cough changes with meals, lying down, exercise, indoor dust, or outdoor allergens. A pharmacist can help with symptom relief, but repeated use of combination cold products may expose you to ingredients you do not need. Arrange a primary-care review if the cough is not improving or keeps returning.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing blood, confusion, blue lips, or sudden deterioration. Seek prompt clinical advice for fever that persists, wheezing, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or reduced ability to function. People with asthma, significant lung disease, or a weakened immune system should use a lower threshold for assessment.

What features point to post-infectious cough, reflux, allergy, or asthma? Do I need a chest examination or breathing test? Which symptom treatment is appropriate for me?