A cough that will not settle: what to do next
How long a cough usually lasts, what a clinician will ask, and when a cough needs to be seen.
When to get emergency care
- Call 112 if you cannot speak in full sentences, your lips turn blue or you cough up a lot of blood.
Get emergency help or call 112.
Guide
Most coughs come from a viral illness. They can last three weeks. Note how long yours has lasted. Note if you bring up phlegm or blood. Note if you smoke. A cough with weight loss or a cough lasting more than three weeks should be checked.