How long should I wait before getting a cough investigated?

Three weeks is the standard cutoff. Sooner if there's blood, weight loss, breathlessness, or a known TB contact.

Could it be Delhi pollution?

Often, yes — Delhi's PM2.5 directly triggers airway inflammation and asthma. A clear plan usually combines an inhaler, indoor air management, and trigger avoidance.

Symptom guide · South Delhi

Cough that lasts more than 3 weeks — causes and next steps

A cough lingering past three weeks is no longer 'just a cold'. The right question is which of several common causes is driving it — and ruling out the few serious ones early.

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When persistent cough needs a doctor — soon

·Coughing up blood, even a small streak
·Unexplained weight loss with cough
·Night sweats or low-grade evening fevers
·Breathlessness at rest or on minimal exertion
·Cough with chest pain or persistent hoarseness

This is general guidance, not a diagnosis. If you have any of the above, book a same-day consult or seek urgent care.

Common causes a physician will look for

·Post-viral airway hyperreactivity (very common after Delhi winter)
·Acid reflux (GERD) — cough often worse at night or after meals
·Post-nasal drip from chronic sinusitis or allergy
·Asthma, sometimes triggered by Delhi pollution
·Less common but important: tuberculosis, ACE-inhibitor side effect, lung pathology

What to expect at the consult

Examination plus targeted tests — chest X-ray, spirometry if asthma is suspected, sputum testing where appropriate, and a trial of focused treatment based on the most likely cause. The aim is to avoid endless cough syrups and arrive at a clear plan.

Frequently asked

How long should I wait before getting a cough investigated?: Three weeks is the standard cutoff. Sooner if there's blood, weight loss, breathlessness, or a known TB contact.
Could it be Delhi pollution?: Often, yes — Delhi's PM2.5 directly triggers airway inflammation and asthma. A clear plan usually combines an inhaler, indoor air management, and trigger avoidance.