Published: November 13, 2025
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
It’s been weeks since you got over that cold or other upper respiratory infection, but why? Are you still dealing with a cough?
There’s no need to worry yet. Even after you feel like you’ve gotten over the initial infection and treatments like steroids or antibiotics for a bacterial infection are finished, a cough can last for up to four to six weeks. Residual inflammation can trigger your cough reflex, leading to a lingering cough.
Once the irritation subsides, so will your cough. But if it lasts longer than six weeks, wheezing, or having trouble getting around your house because of getting winded, it’s time to talk to your medical provider. In children, a cough lasting four weeks warrants medical attention.
“Your airways may have been inflamed for weeks during an infection, and it doesn’t get better overnight — think of it like a sprained ankle that starts to feel better but still twinges for a while,” said Monalisa M. Tailor, M.D., internal medicine physician with Norton Community Medical Associates.
“If your cough is gradually improving, even if slowly, that’s reassuring. If it’s been more than six weeks, has stayed the same or is worsening, I tell my patients it’s time to get medical care,” Dr. Tailor said. “Another good marker for me is when people who live with the patient are getting annoyed with their cough — like a spouse being told to sleep in a different room because of their coughing.”
The most common causes of a lingering cough include postnasal drip, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as GERD), or medications for high blood pressure, such as lisinopril. Your provider can help you figure out which one is the main culprit.
Far less often, underlying medical conditions such as lung cancer can be the cause. It’s important to seek medical attention for a chronic cough, especially if you smoke now or have smoked in the past.
Be aware, that if you experience wheezing, breathlessness or fever, or if blood is present in the mucus, seek medical attention promptly.
If your cough has just started, there are several home remedies and over-the-counter medicines that can provide relief A nasal spray like azelastine, used in moderation, can alleviate postnasal drip. Prescriptions for albuterol inhalers also can help.
Home remedies include drinking plenty of fluids to thin the mucus. Honey with warm water and some herbal teas with ginger or peppermint also can ease symptoms. Dr. Tailor suggested Vicks VapoRub on the chest as well, an older remedy that helps open the sinus passages before bed.