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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffAn occasional cough is normal — it helps clear foreign substances and secretions from your lungs and prevents infection. But a cough that persists for long periods of time may signal an underlying problem. Some causes of coughs include:
- Acute sinusitis
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Bronchiectasis
- Bronchiolitis (especially in young children)
- Bronchitis
- Childhood asthma
- Chronic sinusitis
- Common cold
- COPD
- Croup (especially in young children)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Emphysema
- GERD
- Hay fever
- Influenza (flu)
- Laryngitis
- Lung cancer
- Medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Pleurisy
- Pneumonia
- Postnasal drip
- Respiratory syncytial virus (especially in young children)
- Respiratory tract infection
- Tuberculosis
- Whooping cough
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
