A chronic cough lasts eight weeks or longer because this threshold makes it less likely that the cough is caused by a respiratory infection or common cold. You may also experience cough spasms which are sometimes called “spells,” “fits” or “bouts.” These are sudden, often intense and uncontrollable coughing episodes that may last several minutes. These coughing spells may cause physical symptoms such as chest pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing or bladder leakage.
May Be a Symptom of Another Disease
Alternatively, a chronic cough could be a symptom of a lung disease that hasn't yet been diagnosed by your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will work with you to take a thorough history and physical exam to attempt to identify the cause of your chronic cough.
It is important to understand that a chronic cough can also be a sign of a disease not related to the lung at all. Your healthcare provider may have you evaluated by other specialists besides a lung doctor. This could include an allergist, an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT), heart doctor (cardiologist) or an esophagus/stomach specialist.
When to see your healthcare provider
A cough that lasts less than eight weeks is usually caused by a respiratory infection and will go away on its own.
If you have developed a cough of any kind that goes on for longer than eight weeks, you should see your healthcare provider for a thorough exam to determine what is causing it.
How Is Chronic Cough Diagnosed?
To identify the cause of your chronic cough, your healthcare provider will ask questions about your medical history, do a physical exam and run some tests. Learn more about diagnosing a chronic cough.
Medical history
Your healthcare provider will most likely ask you several questions about your cough, overall health and activities:
Diagnostic tests
Your healthcare provider may order tests. Some diagnostic tests may need to be completed by a specialist besides your primary health care provider. The tests ordered may include:
- Chest X-ray: Quick and easy chest picture
- Blood sample: To see if your body is fighting an infection or if there are signs of allergies
- CT scan of the chest: A better-quality picture of the chest
- Throat swab: Usually done with a long cotton swab
- Phlegm or sputum sample: Collected after a deep cough
- Lung function tests: Are a series of tests that can tell how well your lungs are working. The most common lung function test is spirometry.
- Methacholine challenge test: A breathing test often used to diagnose or rule out asthma
Reviewed and approved by the American Lung Association Scientific and Medical Editorial Review Panel.
Page last updated: February 2, 2026
