Diseases & Conditions
When to worry about a cough
Q. Doctors always say to get checked out if you have a persistent cough. But how long would a cough have to last before I should see a doctor?
A. Medically speaking, a persistent (or chronic) cough is one that lasts more than three to four weeks. The most common reason for a new cough is an upper respiratory infection from the common cold, which is usually caused by a virus. A cough from an upper respiratory infection could persist for up to two months. In the case of pertussis, or whooping cough, the cough could last for up to three months.
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