A cough is something most of us tend to ignore. It starts with a tickle in the throat, maybe a little irritation, and we assume it’s just the weather, pollution, or a seasonal cold. A few home remedies, herbal teas, or cough syrups usually follow, and we wait for it to go away on its own.
But what if it doesn’t go away even after doing all of these things? According to Dr. Azmat Karim, Consultant Pulmonology, Fortis Hospital Okhla, a cough that lingers for weeks or keeps coming back could be a warning sign that something more serious is going on.
“A mild cough due to a cold or flu is common and usually harmless,” explains Dr. Karim. “But when a cough persists beyond two to three weeks, it should not be ignored. It could be the body’s way of alerting us to an underlying disease.”
When a cough is more than a cough
Coughing is actually one of the body’s natural defense mechanisms, it helps clear the airways and remove irritants. But when it refuses to settle, it may signal towards a serious problem.
Dr. Karim says, “Conditions like bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, tuberculosis, interstitial lung disease, cardiac ailments, or even lung cancer can first show up as a stubborn cough.”
Many of his patients, he adds, tend to delay medical attention, assuming the cough will pass. “By the time they visit a doctor, the illness has often progressed, and treatment becomes more complicated,” he warns.
Red flag symptoms you shouldn’t ignore
So how do you know when to worry? “If your cough is persistent along with symptoms like blood in the sputum, unexplained weight loss, fever, breathlessness, chest pain, or night sweats, seek medical help immediately,” advises Dr. Karim.
These signs, he explains, could indicate something more serious than a seasonal infection. “Tuberculosis, for instance, often begins with a cough that refuses to go away,” he says. “In some cases, even acid reflux can cause chronic irritation and coughing, while in others, the cough may be the first clue of lung cancer developing silently over months.”
What doctors look for
Determining what’s causing a cough isn’t always simple. “The challenge for doctors,” says Dr. Karim, “is to differentiate between a cough caused by something relatively harmless like allergies or lifestyle factors such as smoking, and one caused by an underlying disease.”
That’s why doctors need a detailed medical history. Everything from where a person lives, to their home environment, can offer important clues.
“We ask about damp walls, carpets, pets, or indoor plants,” Dr. Karim explains. “We also check for occupational exposure, contact with birds like pigeons, and even the region someone belongs to. All of this helps us pinpoint the possible cause.”
Air pollution: The real culprit
In cities across India, air pollution has become a major culprit behind chronic coughs. The toxic particles we breathe every day don’t just irritate the throat, they can travel deep into the lungs and even affect other organs over time.
“Pollution is one of the biggest contributors to persistent cough in urban India,” says Dr. Karim. “Prolonged exposure can damage lung tissue and increase the risk of respiratory diseases.”
He adds that pregnant women are especially vulnerable. “Exposure to polluted air can impact the unborn child’s health and, in some cases, even reduce life expectancy by several years,” he says.
When to see a doctor
While most coughs caused by the flu or common cold improve within a few days, a lingering cough should never be taken lightly.
“If your cough lasts more than a week, worsens despite home remedies, or is accompanied by any red flag symptoms, don’t wait. See a specialist,” shares Dr. Karim. “Early diagnosis can prevent serious complications.”
A simple viral cough can usually be managed with rest, hydration, steam inhalation, and mild medication. But persistent coughing needs proper evaluation — sometimes through tests like chest X-rays or spirometry (a lung function test).
Listen to your body
Dr. Karim says the key is to pay attention. “Cough is one of the most common symptoms in medicine, but it should never be brushed aside,” he says. “Listening to what your body is trying to say can make all the difference between a minor seasonal issue and a life-threatening disease.”
So, the next time your cough overstays its welcome, think twice before dismissing it as “just the weather.” It might be your body’s way of asking for help, and catching the cause early could make all the difference.