Beyond The Weather: What Your Persistent Cough Could Actually Mean

Last Updated:August 08, 2025, 18:30 IST

Persistent cough that lasts beyond two weeks should not be ignored. It can be signs of chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, interstitial lung disease, or even early-stage lung cancer.

Persistent cough beyond two weeks needs medical attention.

A cough that lingers beyond a few days is often brushed off as a harmless side effect of seasonal changes, allergies, or a passing viral infection. But experts warn that this casual dismissal can sometimes have serious consequences.

“Persistent cough can mean much more than just a usual seasonal phenomenon due to weather change,” says Dr Praveen Kumar B S, Consultant–Pulmonology, Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru. While many cases are benign, some may signal underlying respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, interstitial lung disease, or even early-stage lung cancer.

Dr John Muchahary, Consultant–Interventional Pulmonology, Manipal Hospital, Goa, adds, “A cough persisting for more than eight weeks in adults is considered chronic and should not be ignored, as it could be an early signal of more insidious pathology, including lung malignancy or interstitial lung disease.”

Understanding when a cough is “just the weather” and when it’s a red flag could make the difference between early intervention and delayed diagnosis.

When A Cough Needs Medical Attention

According to Dr Muchahary, any cough that lasts beyond two weeks, particularly when paired with fatigue, weight loss, breathlessness, chest discomfort, or hoarseness, warrants a doctor’s evaluation. “Self-diagnosis and delayed consultation are common in regions where cough is typically attributed to pollution or infections,” he says, stressing that timely testing – such as a chest X-ray or spirometry – can reveal hidden issues before they progress.

The Link Between Smoking and Persistent Cough

For chronic smokers, prolonged coughing can be an important warning sign. “A cough that persists for more than three weeks in a chronic smoker needs evaluation for lung cancer,” says Dr Praveen Kumar. Warning signs include changes in the nature of the cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, hoarseness, weight loss, or loss of appetite.

Screening Saves Lives

The most reliable way to detect lung cancer early is through low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). “During an LDCT scan, you lie on a table, and an X-ray machine uses a low dose of radiation to make detailed images of your lungs,” explains Dr Praveen Kumar. The scan takes only a few minutes and is painless. Screening is generally recommended for people aged 50–80 who have a smoking history of 20 pack-years or more and currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years.

A cough is your body’s way of telling you something – and when it lingers, it’s a sign you shouldn’t ignore. While seasonal changes, allergies, and pollution can often be the culprits, persistent symptoms may point to more serious conditions that need timely medical intervention. Early detection, especially in high-risk groups like smokers, can be lifesaving.

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