Persistent cough for 3 weeks — when to see a pulmonologist

Most coughs from a viral cold settle within 7–10 days. A cough that hangs on past three weeks is called sub-acute, and one beyond eight weeks is chronic. Both deserve a proper pulmonology review rather than another round of cough syrup.

The most common causes

• Post-infectious cough after a viral illness
• Cough-variant asthma (especially if worse at night or with cold air)
• Acid reflux (silent GERD) — often without classic heartburn
• Post-nasal drip from allergies or sinusitis
• Early COPD in smokers or biomass-exposed adults

Red-flag symptoms — see a pulmonologist this week

• Coughing up blood, even a small streak
• Unintentional weight loss or night sweats
• Breathlessness on stairs or while talking
• Chest pain or a hoarse voice that won't clear
• Smoker over 40 with a new or changing cough

What the workup looks like

A focused history is the most important part — when the cough started, what triggers it, sputum colour, exposures and medications. Most patients then need a chest X-ray and a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT). Selected cases need a CT scan or bronchoscopy.

If your cough has crossed three weeks — especially with any red flag above — book a consultation at Lung Care, RS Puram.