ðŸ«
Cough
Types, causes, warning signs, and when to see a doctor in India
âš ï¸ This page is for general information only. Always consult a qualified doctor for medical advice.
Common Causes of Cough
- •Viral respiratory infection — cold, flu, COVID-19
- •Allergies or post-nasal drip
- •Asthma — dry cough, often triggered by cold air or exercise
- •GERD (acid reflux) — chronic dry cough, worse at night
- •Pneumonia or bronchitis — wet/productive cough with fever
- •Tuberculosis (TB) — common in India, persistent cough with night sweats
âš ï¸ Seek Immediate Medical Attention If
- •Coughing up blood or blood-stained sputum
- •Cough persisting for more than 3 weeks without improvement
- •Severe difficulty breathing or wheezing at rest
- •Cough with high fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss
- •Cough in a smoker that changes character or worsens
- •Child with severe whooping or barking cough
Which Specialist Should You See?
General Physician
For most acute coughs lasting under 2 weeks
Pulmonologist
For chronic cough, asthma, TB, or COPD
ENT Specialist
For cough linked to post-nasal drip or allergies
Gastroenterologist
If acid reflux is suspected as the cause
Not sure about your cough?
Describe your symptoms to our AI for free, private specialist recommendations — no login needed.
Check Symptoms with AI →