What are the treatment options for chronic cough?

A cough that persists can result from asthma, reflux, nasal inflammation, infection, smoking, environmental irritants, or a medicine side effect. During a GP consultation, the clinician may ask when the cough occurs, whether it produces phlegm, what triggers it, and whether there is wheezing, heartburn, fever, weight change, or breathlessness. A chest X-ray can look for structural or infectious causes, while spirometry measures how air moves through the lungs and can support assessment for asthma or airflow limitation.

Arrange an assessment rather than repeatedly using cough remedies without knowing the cause. Treatment may involve an inhaler for airway disease, measures for reflux or nasal symptoms, stopping an aggravating medicine under supervision, or addressing smoke and dust exposure. Drink fluids, avoid tobacco smoke, and note patterns such as night-time coughing or symptoms after meals. Bring a list of medicines and any relevant test results to the appointment.

Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, chest pain, coughing blood, confusion, fainting, or sudden worsening. Arrange prompt medical review for persistent fever, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or a cough in someone with significant lung or immune problems.

Ask which causes fit your symptoms, whether a chest X-ray or spirometry is useful, what treatment trial is planned, and when the cough should be reassessed.