Have a Cough that Just Won’t Go Away? What You Should Know About Chronic Cough and Its Causes

Updated October 2026

By Aliaksandr Ramaniuk, D.O. & Brandon T. Rapier, M.D.

Chronic cough is sometimes a symptom, but sometimes it can also be its own disease - a distinct clinical entity that requires careful diagnosis and close attention. Chronic cough is a common problem, affecting nearly 10 percent of the population. There are geographical, genetic and environmental factors which may contribute to a patient having chronic cough. 

Here at Summa Health, a team of professionals is prepared to help you with advanced tools, tests and novel therapy options. It is important for you and your doctor to identify: 

• the type of cough you're having
• the potential triggers of the cough
• its impact on any underlying lung problems.  

Unfortunately, the burden of this disease is significant, ranging from sleep deprivation, incontinence, headaches, hernias and even syncopal episodes. There are psychological effects as well, including frustration, fear, embarrassment and avoidance of public outings. Prolonged periods without a proper diagnosis can also cause the medical costs associated with this condition to add up quickly.  

Chronic cough is defined as a cough persisting longer than 8 weeks. Many cases are caused by upper airway cough syndrome also known as postnasal drip, asthma, GERD and a condition known as non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis. More than one of these may be contributing to a cough simultaneously. Other conditions may also result in a chronic cough outside these common diseases.

At an appointment, your doctor may ask about associated triggers. The time of day or circumstances where your cough is worse can be helpful to differentiate causes. Changes in occupation, home, illnesses, or new exposures to pets, medications or other environmental factors prior to onset of symptoms may provide additional clues. Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) before starting or continuing any over-the-counter cough and congestion medications.  

Finalizing a diagnosis may require a need for pulmonary function testing, an in-office FeNO test and blood allergy testing (evaluating for responses to dusts, molds, pet dander, trees and pollens). You may be prescribed a trial of an inhaler, allergy or antacid medication to see if there is a response. Sometimes a medication you are taking can contribute to your symptoms such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or ACE inhibitors; if this is discovered, it may be recommended that you switch medications. An X-ray or CT scan of your lungs may be needed to help aid a diagnosis. In some cases, a procedure called a bronchoscopy, which is an endoscopic procedure using a flexible camera to directly visualize the vocal cords, trachea and bronchial tree can be done by a Pulmonary specialist. 

Summa Health uses an interdisciplinary approach with multiple doctors and nurses to evaluate the causes of breathing problems and cough. For example, if it seems there is a significant GERD component, or you have a hiatal hernia, you may be referred to a gastrointestinal specialist. Or if it appears you may have a problem arising from the sinuses, you may be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. Using this team approach, we can help to diagnose and treat the cause of your chronic cough.  

To learn more, find a doctor or request an appointment, visit summahealth.org/lung.