That tickle in your throat is no laughing matter Whether it interrupts an important meeting or a good night's sleep, coughing can be an irritating problem. But it can also signal a more serious health issue, especially if it lasts a while.
Doctors classify coughs into two categories based on how long they last.
An acute cough generally lasts no more than three weeks and is often due to a cold. However a chronic cough lasts three to eight weeks, perhaps longer and has a number of possible causes. In some cases, a combination of causes creates a chronic cough. Other signs and symptoms often accompanying a chronic cough give doctors clues to the cause. For example, swallowing a certain amount of mucus each day is normal and helpful in protecting your lungs from dust and air particles.