What is a persistent cough?

Coughing is a common respiratory symptom. Dr Beckles sees a large number of patients who are concerned by their cough. Indeed, there has recently been a Government campaign encouraging patients to seek medical attention if they have a cough that lasts for longer than three weeks as this could be considered as a persistent cough.

Cough is classified as either acute, sub-acute or chronic. Common causes of a cough include post-nasal drip, asthma, indigestion, viral infections, drugs and interstitial lung disease. Serious causes of cough include malignancy.

Dr Beckles will endeavour to take a full history, to include details regarding your smoking history, exposure to pets, history of allergy, the nature of your occupation, and possible exposure to industrial materials.