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    Chronic Cough

    A cough lasting more than eight weeks deserves a careful, integrated specialist assessment. There is often more than one contributing cause, and most chronic coughs improve with the right diagnosis.

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    Chronic Cough illustration

    What is chronic cough?

    Chronic cough is defined as a cough persisting for more than eight weeks. The most common causes in adults include asthma and cough-variant asthma, post-nasal drip and upper airway conditions, gastro-oesophageal reflux, and medications such as ACE inhibitors. Less common but important causes include bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease and chronic infections.

    Common symptoms

    • Cough lasting more than 8 weeks
    • Cough triggered by cold air, exercise or talking
    • Throat clearing or post-nasal drip
    • Heartburn or acid reflux
    • Cough that disturbs sleep
    • Cough with phlegm production

    When to seek specialist review

    • Cough lasting more than 8 weeks
    • Coughing up blood
    • Unintentional weight loss
    • Significant breathlessness or chest pain
    • History of smoking or occupational exposure
    • Previous chest imaging showing abnormalities

    How RespCAIR assesses this condition

    • Detailed specialist respiratory consultation
    • Lung function testing and bronchodilator response
    • Chest imaging review
    • Assessment for asthma, reflux, sinus disease and bronchiectasis
    • Review of medications and triggers
    • Tailored stepwise treatment trial with structured review

    Treatment and management overview

    Treatment depends on the identified cause or causes. Many patients have more than one contributing factor and benefit from a stepwise, integrated approach. In some cases specialist cough hypersensitivity therapy is considered.

    Practical self-management

    • Stop smoking and avoid vaping and second-hand smoke
    • Identify and avoid known triggers
    • Stay well hydrated
    • Treat reflux with lifestyle measures where relevant
    • Take prescribed medications consistently
    • Keep a brief cough diary to share at appointments

    The RespCAIR difference

    RespCAIR combines specialist respiratory and sleep medicine expertise, modern diagnostics, virtual care and patient education to provide timely, personalised respiratory care across Noosa, the Sunshine Coast and Queensland.

    Comprehensive patient guide

    Two-page A4 patient guide — free to read, no login needed.

    Patient Education Leaflet

    Chronic Cough: When to Seek Specialist Review

    Chronic cough is defined as a cough persisting for more than eight weeks. The most common causes in adults include asthma and cough-variant asthma, post-nasal drip and upper airway conditions, gastro-oesophageal reflux, and medications such as ACE inhibitors. Less common but important causes include bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease and chronic infections.

    Common symptoms

    • Cough lasting more than 8 weeks
    • Cough triggered by cold air, exercise or talking
    • Throat clearing or post-nasal drip
    • Heartburn or acid reflux
    • Cough that disturbs sleep
    • Cough with phlegm production

    When to seek specialist review

    • Cough lasting more than 8 weeks
    • Coughing up blood
    • Unintentional weight loss
    • Significant breathlessness or chest pain
    • History of smoking or occupational exposure
    • Previous chest imaging showing abnormalities
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    Colour illustrated leaflet

    Two-page A4 patient guide — tap a page to enlarge. No login needed.

    Download colour leaflet (PDF)

    Request this guide from the practice

    Online requests are not yet available. Please call or email our team. GPs and specialists can refer via Medical Objects (MO: 2864666A).

    Call 0423 330 786practice@respcair.com

    When to seek urgent care

    Call 000 or attend the nearest emergency department if you experience severe breathlessness, chest pain, blue lips, confusion, collapse, coughing blood, or a severe asthma attack not responding to reliever medication.

    This information is general education only and does not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always follow the advice of your GP, respiratory physician or sleep physician.

    For referrers

    Refer via Medical Objects (MO: 2864666A) or contact the RespCAIR practice team. Sleep study, lung function and pulmonary rehabilitation referrals can be sent through the same pathway.

    Email practice@respcair.comCall 0423 330 786