Pulmonary Medicine

Cough in Adults: What It Means

Coughing is a reflex that clears your throat and airways (respiratory system). It helps heal and protect your lungs. It's normal to cough from time to time.

A cough that happens with other symptoms or that lasts a long time may be a sign of a problem that needs treatment. A short-term (acute) cough may only last 2–3 weeks. A long-term (chronic) cough may last 8 or more weeks.

Coughing is often caused by:

Diseases, such as:
- An infection in the nose, throat, windpipe and lungs (respiratory system).
- Asthma or other heart or lung diseases.
- Gastric reflux. This is when acid comes back up from the stomach.
Breathing in things that irritate your lungs.
Allergies.
Postnasal drip. This is when thick mucus (phlegm) runs down the back of your throat.
Smoking.
Some medicines.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

Take your medicines only as told.
Talk with your provider before you take cough medicine (cough suppressants).

Eating and drinking

Do not drink alcohol if your provider tells you not to drink, you're pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.
Avoid caffeine.
Drink more fluids as told.

Lifestyle

Avoid cigarette smoke.
Do not smoke, vape, or use nicotine or tobacco.
Avoid things that make you cough, such as perfumes, candles, cleaning products, or campfire smoke.

General instructions

Watch for any changes to your cough. Tell your provider about them.
Always cover your mouth when you cough.
If the air is dry in your bedroom or home, use a cool mist vaporizer or humidifier to add moisture to the air.
If your cough is worse at night, try to sleep in a semi-upright position.
Rest as needed.

Contact a health care provider if:

You have new symptoms, or your symptoms get worse.
You cough up pus.
You have a fever that doesn't go away or a cough that doesn't get better after 2–3 weeks.
You can't control your cough with medicine, and you're losing sleep.
You have pain that gets worse or isn't helped with medicine.
You lose weight for no clear reason.
You have night sweats.

Get help right away if:

You cough up blood.
You have trouble breathing.
Your heart is beating very fast.

These symptoms may be an emergency. Call 911 right away.

Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away.
Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.

Document Revised: 06/03/2026 Document Reviewed: 06/03/2026