Cough in Adults: Key Points from ATS Patient Education Series

Types of Coughs

• Acute Cough: Lasts less than 3 weeks, often due to upper respiratory infections or common cold.
• Sub-acute Cough: Lasts 3 to 8 weeks, commonly follows a respiratory infection.
• Chronic Cough: Lasts more than 8 weeks and does not let up, caused by various factors including allergies, asthma, lung infections, smoking, and gastrointestinal reflux.

Causes of Cough

• Infection: Colds, flu, COVID-19, and tuberculosis.
• Irritants: Pollens, strong fumes, dust, smoke, or cold air.
• Medications: ACE inhibitors for blood pressure or heart failure.
• Other Conditions: Asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, sinusitis, and gastro-esophageal reflux.

Preventing Infection Spread

• Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Dispose of used tissues properly.
• Avoid spitting.
• Wear a facemask if coughing or with cold symptoms.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.

When to Contact Healthcare Provider

• Coughing up blood.
• Chest pain or trouble breathing.
• Cough causing vomiting.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Cough after contact with someone with whooping cough.
• Cough lasting more than 8 weeks.
• Cough worsening after improvement.

Specialist Care

• Referral to pulmonologist or cough specialist if primary care provider can't find the cause or treatment.
• Multi-specialty cough centers for further investigation and management.

Action Steps

• Pay attention to cough pattern and symptoms.
• Get recommended immunizations.
• Practice good hygiene.
• Avoid smoking, vaping, and exposure to irritants.

Resources

• American Thoracic Society (ATS)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• National Institutes of Health

Note: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice.