A cough usually accompanies an uncomplicated respiratory tract infection and improves on its own. However, it can last two to three, and not infrequently up to four, weeks. If it worsens, if there is shortness of breath, or if there is no improvement after three to four weeks, it should be medically assessed.
Possible causes
01
Cold / Bronchitis
Viral, often with runny nose, usually self-limiting.
02
Dry irritating cough
Dry, may persist for longer after an infection.
03
Asthma / Allergy
Episodic, sometimes dependent on exertion or triggers.
Typical steps at the doctor's office
- 1The doctor listens to your lungs and assesses based on duration and accompanying symptoms.
- 2If necessary, further examinations follow (e.g. lung function tests, X-ray).
- 3Treatment depends on the cause; antibiotics are not needed for viral cough.
Next step
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