By: Dr. Daniel Pepe, Family Physician

March 23rd, 2019

Arguably one of the most common questions we are asked in the office from October until about April. 

During that period of time many patients are afflicted with the dreaded virus. A cough is a symptom most commonly associated with a cold. 

"Colds" go by many aliases - viruses, URTIs (doctor-speak for upper respiratory tract infection). Despite these labels - all colds behave in a similar manner. Common symptoms of colds include a runny nose, a congested nose, fever, headache, and...a cough. 

Of all these symptoms, cough usually lingers the longest. In one study, the authors found that the average cough related to a cold was 17.8 days (1) . Yes, almost 18 days! A good general rule of thumb is that if you have had a cough for more than a month it is important to make an appointment to see your doctor as it could be a sign of a different cause of your cough. 

Three of the most common causes of a cough that lasts more than 8 weeks are: 

1. Acid Reflux also commonly called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux) - where acid from your stomach travels up your swallowing tube and lands on your vocal cords
2. Post-nasal drip - mucous from your nose drips into the back of your throat and lands on your vocal cords. 
3. What we were just talking about, also known as a "Post-Viral Cough" - meaning a cough that happens after you have a virus. 

References:

1. Ann Fam Med. 2013 Jan-Feb;11(1):5-13. doi: 10.1370/afm.1430.