Not to mention that persistent coughs can be a pain in your throatandyourcore muscles.

Having a lingering cough can be inconvenient, but having a persistent cough can be especially worrisome.

So how do you know the difference?

cough

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And how do you know when to see a doctor for a cough?

What actually counts as a persistent cough?

The thing is: Eight weeks is alongtime.

So it’s completely within reason to get checked out before then if you’re concerned.

Coughing up blood, on the other hand, always warrants a trip to the doctor.

So does weeks of coughing up sputum (a mix of mucus and saliva).

Here are the common causes of a persistent cough.

Pneumonia can be life-threatening, so head to the doctor if you experience these symptoms.

Unfortunately, this contagious infection is still around.

So its worth having a general awareness of the symptoms that come along with whooping cough.

The only symptom is chronic coughing, theACAAIsays.

This is sometimes called postnasal drip, and unsurprisingly, it might trigger you to cough.

That doesnt really help if youre constantly swallowing mucus, though.

See a doctor who can venture to find and treat the cause of your excessive mucus production.

It can also cause your airways to narrow and swell, making it tough to breathe, he says.

Acute bronchitis typically gets better in 10 or fewer days.

Unfortunately, the cough can stick around for weeks, according to theMayo Clinic.

Chronic bronchitis is notorious for causing a chronic cough, Dr. Hoyte says.

Then theresemphysema, which also occurs most frequently among people who smoke.

COPD sounds really scary, but with adequate treatment, the disease is manageable.

If you think you have COPD, see a doctor for help.

In an awful cycle, the persistent coughing can make your GERD even worse, theMayo Clinicsays.

The good news, however, is that treating the condition can help tame your cough.

ACE inhibitors work by blocking the enzyme that produces angiotensin II, which causes the blood vessels to narrow.

(In this case, the cough is usually dry.)

You and your doc can chat about possible alternatives if necessary.

With that said, there are far more common cough culprits, like the ones listed above.

If you have a chronic cough, dont sit on it.

But long-term coughing can lead to complications likefractured ribsor evenfainting, so you really dont want to risk it.