Types of chronic coughs
In adults
If you have a cough that lasts longer than 8 weeks it is a good idea to talk with your GP to make sure it isn’t the sign of something else going on. Your GP will perform some initial tests and ask questions to understand more about your chronic cough.
In children
If your child has a cough that lasts longer than 4 weeks it is a good idea to talk with their GP. At the appointment discuss your child’s medical history, what their cough sounds like and any other related symptoms. Many children may have a chronic cough without other signs or symptoms.
If your child has a wet cough it may be a sign they have excess mucus in their airways. A dry cough is usually because there is irritation or inflammation in the airways.
Chronic wet cough in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Chronic wet cough disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. If left untreated, a chronic wet cough can lead to chronic lung sickness. It is important to take your child to the clinic if they have had a cough for more than four weeks to see if they have a lung infection, and if they need antibiotics.
For health professionals
Chronic cough is one of the most common symptoms for people seeking medical care. It’s important to investigate a chronic cough and make sure it isn’t a symptom of an underlying condition.
View our clinical algorithms for diagnosis of adults and children.
Accredited training
Learn more about lung health in First Nations children to support health professionals working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. This free, accredited training course focuses on:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pediatric lung health
- Skills required to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
- Ways of providing culturally secure care to address the respiratory health of children
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