I have a persistent cough. what could it be?

Persistent cough: The cough may be due to a variety of conditions, like an infection such as pneumonia or pertussis, or post infectious after the flu, asthma or even medication please see your doctor so he can help you.

Could be anything: From allergy to tuberculosis to lung cancer. It is best to see a doctor if your cough persists for more than a week or so.

Get your doctor to g: Your doctor should guide you. It is quite common to have cough for 2-3 weeks following about of cold or flu. If it is dry cough, a cough suppressant medication can be useful to control it. If there is serious bronchitis or pneumonia(requires a chest x-ray to confirm it), then antibiotics will help. Any cough lasting more than 3-4 weeks requires detailed medical evaluation by your doctor.

Find why: Causes range from cough-variant asthma to being on medications (famous ace inhibitors) to GI reflux when you're asleep. Don't ignore it.

First find cause: Chronic cough has many causes, allergies environmental, pollen, dust, mold. Medications, like ace inhibitors, . Infections, and finally underlying lung disease or reflux esophagitis. First the cause should be identified , so accordingly the treatment. To begin with see a doctor, be listened and examined . Get a chest x ray.