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Why coughs and congestion happen
- Most common cause
- A viral chest cold
- Usually lasts
- Less than 3 weeks
- Antibiotics
- Not needed for chest colds
- Check it if
- It lasts longer than 3 weeks
Coughing is how your body clears mucus and irritants from the airways. After a cold or flu, the airways in the chest can stay inflamed, a condition called acute bronchitis or a chest cold, and produce mucus for a while.
Chest colds are almost always viral and usually last less than three weeks. A cough that lasts longer has a different list of causes, such as postnasal drip, asthma, acid reflux or certain medications, and is worth getting checked.
Cough and congestion symptoms
With a chest cold you may notice:
- A cough, dry or with mucus
- Chest soreness from coughing
- Feeling tired or run down
- Mild headache or body aches
- Sore throat or stuffy nose
See a provider if you have
These can mean something more than a chest cold:
- A cough lasting more than 3 weeks
- A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher that lasts
- Mucus with blood in it
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
Common causes of a lingering cough
- Viral infections
- Colds, flu and COVID-19 can leave a cough for weeks.
- Postnasal drip
- Mucus dripping down the throat from allergies or sinus problems.
- Asthma
- Coughing, especially at night or with exercise, can be a sign of asthma.
- Acid reflux
- Stomach acid irritating the throat can cause a chronic cough.
- Medications
- ACE inhibitors for blood pressure can cause a dry cough.
- Smoking
- Smoke irritates and damages the airways.
Treatment and relief
For a chest cold, antibiotics don't help and can cause side effects. Treatment focuses on comfort while the airways heal. A cough from another cause, such as asthma or reflux, is treated by addressing that cause.
What helps
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids to thin mucus
- Honey in warm water or tea, for adults and children over 1
- A cool-mist humidifier or steamy shower
- Cough drops or lozenges for adults and older children
- Over-the-counter cough medicines can help some adults. Check with a provider before giving them to children.
- Avoid smoke and other irritants
Is an online visit right for you?
Online care is often a good fit if you:
- Have a cough after a cold or flu
- Want advice on relief and how long it should last
- Have a lingering cough and want to discuss possible causes
Get in-person care if you:
- Are short of breath or wheezing badly
- Are coughing up blood
- Have chest pain, or a high fever that won't come down
How PulseCareMD can help
A PulseCareMD visit lets a licensed provider review your cough and health history from home and recommend the right next step. Your visit fee covers the consultation.
Describe your cough
Tell us how long you've had it, what it sounds like and what else you're feeling.
A provider reviews it
A licensed provider sorts out the likely cause of your cough. Many visits are reviewed within 2–3 hours.
Get a clear plan
Relief advice, a prescription if appropriate, or guidance on further testing.
Frequently asked questions
When to get emergency care
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- Severe shortness of breath or trouble speaking
- Chest pain or pressure
- Coughing up a lot of blood
- Bluish lips or face
