Internal Medicine, by video or in person
Cough That Won't Go Away
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Cough That Won't Go Away
- A cough that has lasted more than three weeks
- A cough that is worse at night or when lying down
- Coughing up phlegm, or blood-stained phlegm
- Weight loss, night sweats or fever with the cough
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
Most coughs come with a cold or flu and settle within three weeks. A cough that goes on longer than that is called a persistent cough, and it should be seen by a doctor rather than treated with one cough syrup after another. The usual causes are catarrh dripping down the back of the throat, acid reflux, asthma, smoking, and a cough that lingers after an infection. Some blood pressure medicines can cause a dry cough. In Nigeria, tuberculosis must always be considered when a cough lasts three weeks or more, especially with weight loss, night sweats or fever, because it is common, it spreads to family, and it is curable with treatment. Cough syrups, including those with codeine, do not treat the cause. A doctor's history, an examination, and often a chest X-ray and a sputum test find it.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- A cough that has lasted more than three weeks
- A cough that is worse at night or when lying down
- Coughing up phlegm, or blood-stained phlegm
- Weight loss, night sweats or fever with the cough
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Heartburn or a sour taste with the cough
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital or emergency department now if you are struggling to breathe, have chest pain, are coughing up more than a little blood, your lips look blue or grey, or you are confused or very unwell. See a doctor within days if your cough has lasted more than three weeks, you are losing weight, sweating at night, coughing up blood-stained phlegm, have diabetes, HIV or another condition that weakens your immunity, or someone in your home has tuberculosis.
Treatment options
- A history and examination by a doctor to find the cause
- A chest X-ray, and a sputum test for tuberculosis when it is suspected
- Inhalers for asthma
- Treatment for acid reflux or catarrh when either is the cause
- Stopping smoking, and a review of blood pressure medicines that cause a dry cough
- A full course of TB treatment, free at public treatment centres, when TB is confirmed
- Antibiotics only when a bacterial infection is found
Common Questions
How long is too long for a cough?
Three weeks. Most coughs from a cold or flu are gone by then. A cough that lasts longer should be seen by a doctor, sooner if you are losing weight, sweating at night or coughing up blood.
Is a cough that won't go away always TB?
No. Catarrh, acid reflux, asthma and a cough after an infection are more common. But TB is common in Nigeria and curable, so a cough of three weeks or more should be tested for it rather than guessed at.
Will antibiotics or cough syrup stop it?
Usually not. Most persistent coughs are not caused by bacteria, and cough syrups only quiet the cough. Codeine syrups are not recommended and can be addictive. Treating the cause is what stops it.
Can a doctor help by video?
Yes. A doctor can take the history by video, which is most of the diagnosis, order a chest X-ray and blood tests near you, and tell you when an examination in person is needed.
Need Help?
A doctor on a video call, who advises on the right test and treatment, and tells you if you need to be seen in person.
See a doctor by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified internal medicine specialist near you.
Internal Medicine in Lagos →Internal Medicine in Abuja →Internal Medicine in Port Harcourt →Internal Medicine in Jos →Internal Medicine in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Cough. NHS. Patient information.
- Tuberculosis (TB). NHS. Patient information.
- Tuberculosis. World Health Organization. Fact sheet.
- Cough (acute): antimicrobial prescribing (NG120). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
Links last checked 5 November 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.