What are the symptoms of chronic cough?

The cough may be dry or bring up mucus, and it can be worse at night, after meals, with exercise, or when lying down. Repeated coughing may leave the throat sore, make the voice hoarse, disturb sleep, or cause aching chest muscles. A sensation of mucus dripping from the nose into the throat can point toward postnasal drip. A sour taste or burning behind the breastbone may occur with acid reflux, although reflux can also occur without obvious heartburn. Wheeze, breathlessness, fever, weight change or coughing blood need medical assessment rather than watchful waiting.

Arrange a GP consultation if the cough persists, keeps returning, disrupts sleep, or affects speaking and activity. Record triggers, mucus colour, medicines, smoking or vaping exposure, and associated symptoms. Depending on your history, a clinician may consider a chest X-ray, spirometry, reflux management, or treatment for nasal irritation. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice.

Get urgent help for coughing blood, severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, sudden chest pain, confusion, or a rapidly worsening cough. Seek prompt review for fever that persists, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, recurrent chest infections, or breathlessness with ordinary activity.

Ask what causes fit your symptom pattern, whether you need spirometry or a chest X-ray, and which changes should prompt urgent reassessment.