A cough is a reflex action to clear your airways of mucus and irritants such as dust or smoke. Most coughs clear up within three weeks and don’t require any treatment. However, coughing can be a symptom of an underlying condition. Here are some common causes of coughing:

• Acute respiratory infections: Colds, flu, sinus infections, and pneumonia are common causes of acute coughs that last less than two months.

• Allergies and asthma: Inhaling a trigger like mold can cause your lungs to overreact, leading to coughing.

• Irritants: Even if youre not allergic, things like cold air, cigarette smoke, or strong perfumes can set off a hacking spell.

• Postnasal drip: When youre congested, mucus drips down from your nose into your throat and makes you cough. You can get postnasal drip from colds, flu, sinus infections, allergies, and other problems.

• Chronic respiratory conditions: Chronic bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other lung conditions can cause chronic coughs.

• Heart failure: A weak or diseased heart can cause buildup of fluid in the lung, causing cough and worsening shortness of breath.

• Medications: Certain medications, like the blood pressure medications known as ACE inhibitors, can cause coughing.

• Other causes: Many other problems, such as lung inflammation, sleep apnea, and drug side effects, can be triggers.

If you have a cough that wont go away, its important to get it checked out to make sure you don’t have a separate problem. Your healthcare provider will take a medical history, give you a physical exam, and may order some tests to diagnose the underlying cause of your cough.