Cough
Types, causes, warning signs, and when to see a doctor in India
⚠️ 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
⚠️ 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
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About this page: This is AI-generated health education content. It has not been reviewed by a medical professional and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor about your own health. In an emergency, call 108 or 112 immediately.