This will depend on each individual. However, coughs lasting more than two weeks are considered chronic, and if over-the-counter therapy doesn’t help, seek medical advice to ensure it isn’t something that needs to be evaluated. If you cannot sleep, have trouble breathing due to the cough, cannot exercise or even perform normal daily activities, or the cough interferes in your life, you should seek professional care. This will depend on each individual. However, coughs lasting more than two weeks are considered chronic, and if over-the-counter therapy doesn’t help, seek medical advice to ensure it isn’t something that needs to be evaluated. If you cannot sleep, have trouble breathing due to the cough, cannot exercise or even perform normal daily activities, or the cough interferes in your life, you should seek professional care.