Can’t stop coughing? Six common causes and when to see a doctor

Not all coughs are created equal. And because so many factors — like infections, allergies and chronic conditions — can make you cough, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause. 

“A cough can vary in sound, duration, and accompanying symptoms, depending on its cause,” says Alex Gusler, M.D., a family medicine specialist at Ocean University Medical Center. 

Here, Dr. Gusler explains the typical types of coughs and their causes to help you understand when to seek treatment. 

Cold and Flu

• Duration: A cough from a cold or flu can linger for a few days to a month.
• Sounds like: Flu coughs are often dry and severe, while cold coughs are typically hacking.
• Other symptoms: Fever, sore throat, aches, chills and a stuffy nose.
• Treatment options: Rapid tests can help distinguish between colds and the flu. 

If you’re experiencing cold and flu symptoms, make an appointment with a doctor to discuss your treatment options. 

Asthma

• Duration: Chronic for some people; others may experience coughing when their asthma is poorly controlled.
• Sounds like: A whistling or wheezing cough.
• Other symptoms: Shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheezing.
• Treatment options:
• If you take medication for asthma, using albuterol may provide temporary relief. Persistent symptoms could indicate the need to update your asthma maintenance therapy.
• If albuterol doesn’t help, the cough may have a different cause.

If you’re living with asthma, it’s important to stay on top of your treatment. Schedule an appointment with an allergist-immunologist to make sure you’re staying on track. 

Allergies

• Duration: Symptoms appear almost immediately after exposure to allergens and may last for hours.
• Sounds like: Dry coughs.
• Other symptoms: Itchy, watery eyes; runny nose; sneezing; and an itchy throat.
• Treatment options:
• Limit allergen exposure (e.g., keep windows closed, shower after being outdoors, use an air purifier).
• Over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays can help. Your allergist-immunologist may suggest prescription medications or allergy shots.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

• Duration: Worsens at night and can last for several months.
• Sounds like: Dry coughs.
• Other symptoms: Burning chest sensation after eating, trouble swallowing, abdominal pain, or food regurgitation.
• Treatment options:
• Identify and avoid dietary triggers like spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, and acidic foods (e.g., tomatoes, citrus).
• Work with a gastroenterologist to create a personalized treatment plan.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

• Duration: Mild cases last 1–2 weeks, but severe cases can last longer.
• Sounds like: A wheezing, wet, forceful cough.
• Other symptoms: Stuffy/runny nose, decreased appetite, sneezing, fever, and difficulty breathing.
• Treatment options:
• For mild cases: Use over-the-counter pain relievers, vaporizers, nasal drops, and rest.
• For severe cases: Hospital treatments like oxygen support or antiviral medication may be required.

If left untreated, RSV can become a serious illness. Talk to a doctor in person or through telemedicine if you’re experiencing symptoms. 

Croup

• Duration: Usually clears up in a few days to a week.
• Sounds like: A barking cough, similar to the sound of a seal.
• Other symptoms: Fever, hoarse voice, and loud or difficult breathing. Croup typically affects babies and young children. 
• Treatment options:
• At-home care: Over-the-counter pain relievers and comforting your child.
• If symptoms persist, a pediatrician may consider breathing treatments or steroid medication.

Is it time to see a doctor about your cough? 

If you’re dealing with a cough, Dr. Gusler recommends taking the following steps for at-home management:

• Stay hydrated with water and clear liquids to thin mucus.
• Use over-the-counter medications like Mucinex or Robitussin.
• Try a homeopathic remedy, such as a teaspoon of honey, to loosen the cough.

However, you should call your doctor if:

• Your cough lasts longer than a week or worsens over time.
• You experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or fever that doesn’t respond to Tylenol.
• You have a serious condition like COPD or asthma, or you’re undergoing treatment for cancer.

“If you have symptoms that are concerning or persistent, it’s important to reach out to your doctor for evaluation,” says Dr. Gusler. Call 800-822-8905 or visit our online scheduling portal to find a doctor and make an appointment today.

The material provided is for general information only and should not replace your doctor’s advice. Always consult your physician for personalized care.