Colds, sinus congestion or infection, and allergies can cause a cough, as can the flu. In some cases, a cough can be a symptom of a more serious condition like pneumonia or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Some medicines—including those that treat kidney or heart disease or high blood pressure—lung disease, smoking, and allergies can also cause a cough.
This article covers the symptoms, types, and causes of a cough; diagnosis and treatment of a cough; and when to get help for a cough.
Causes of a Cough
A cough can be categorized as acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).
The most common causes of acute cough are:
Cold, flu, or acute bronchitis (also known as a chest cold) Allergy or hay fever A flareup of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lung disease that makes breathing difficult Dust or smoke Upper respiratory infection (URI)
Some causes of chronic cough include:
Chronic bronchitis Asthma Allergies Smoking Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Postnasal drip (when mucus from the nose reaches the back of the throat) Medications, including some that treat heart disease and high blood pressure Tuberculosis
What Medications Can Cause a Cough?
Medications known for causing a cough include:
ACE inhibitors: ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors are medicines that lower blood pressure. They are also prescribed for heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes. People on ACE inhibitors could experience dry cough as a side effect. Opioids: Opioids are pain relievers prescribed for surgery, major injury, or chronic pain. About 30% to 66% of people who take prescription opioids could experience chronic cough. Statins: Statins lower cholesterol, and coughing is a well-known side effect.
There are rare reports of coughing as a side effect of:
Omeprazole, a medication for acid reflux disease Arava (leflunomide, an arthritis treatment Interferon (IFN) and ribavirin (under brand names Rebetol and Virazole), which are medications for Hepatitis C Januvia (sitagliptin), a type 2 diabetes treatment
How to Treat a Cough
Short-term coughs usually go away on their own, but there are ways to manage them. To treat a cough, it might help to do the following:
Drink plenty of fluids Rest Add lemon and honey to a warm beverage Avoid carbonated drinks Ingest a mixture of lemon and honey Sit in a steamy bathroom or run a humidifier (for dry cough) Take over-the-counter painkillers like Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen) Take over-the-counter cough medicines or cough drops Avoid allergens and smoke Stop smoking
Chronic, long-term coughs require medical attention, and treatments might include:
A bronchodilator or steroid inhaler for asthma Antihistamines for allergies Antibiotics if the cough is a result of a bacterial infection like pneumonia Antacids or proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for GERD Bronchodilators for COPD
Complications and Risk Factors Associated With a Cough
In some cases, a cough could mean a life-threatening condition, such as:
Acute (short-term) cough: An acute cough lasts up to three weeks and does not require medical attention, unless there are other symptoms, like chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, drowsiness, or headache. Chronic (persistent or long-term) cough: These coughs last longer than three weeks and can be a sign of a chronic condition, including asthma and allergy, or more serious conditions like lung disease.
There are different kinds of acute and chronic coughs, including:
Productive cough: A cough with phlegm or mucusDry (unproductive) cough: A cough without mucus
Pulmonary embolism: When a blood clot travels to the lungs. Symptoms include a dry cough with shortness of breath. Collapsed lung: When the lung is deflated. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and dry cough. Heart failure: Symptoms of heart failure can include swelling in the legs (edema), shortness of breath, and cough.
Tests to Diagnose the Cause of a Cough
To determine the cause of a cough, a healthcare provider might ask about other symptoms like:
FeverChest painShortness of breathCoughing up bloodHeadachesDrowsinessConfusion
A medical professional might also ask questions about the cough’s history and the patient’s medical history. This might include inquiring about:
Mucus colorAllergiesMedical conditionsMedicationsSmoking
One or more of the following medical tests could pinpoint the reason behind a cough:
Blood tests to diagnose infections like pneumonia Mucus (sputum) tests for a bacterial infection or lung cancer Chest X-ray CT scan, which can capture images of the heart, lungs, and other organs Spirometry, which measures lung function Methacholine challenge tests, which measure lung reactions and help with diagnosing asthma
When to See a Healthcare Provider
When a cough lasts longer than three weeks or is accompanied by the following symptoms, it is advised to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible:
Shortness of breathCoughing up bloodSpasmsTurning blueFor children, a fever for longer than two daysLumps in the throat
Summary
A cough is a spontaneous reflex that keeps the body safe from dust, bacteria, and other pathogens. The most common reasons behind an acute cough include the common cold, flu, allergies, dust or smoke, or a flare-up of a chronic condition like asthma. Medications that can cause a cough include ACE inhibitors, which reduce blood pressure and are prescribed for heart and kidney disease.
See a healthcare provider immediately if you’re experiencing shortness of breath, a bloody cough, spasms, lumps in the throat, or turning blue with a cough.
A Word From Verywell
A cough can be uncomfortable and disruptive. But the good news is that most short-term coughs disappear in under three weeks. In the meantime, getting rest, keeping hydrated, and taking medications if you desire (or are able) can help with the discomfort.
If you’ve had a cough for longer than three weeks, it’s important to see a healthcare practitioner to check for chronic conditions like allergies, asthma, lung disorders, and medication complications. Monitoring when your cough starts up or gets worse, other symptoms, and lifestyle changes can also be helpful.
