Persistent Cough: What It Really Means When It Won't Go

When Cough Becomes Chronic

A cough is one of the most common reasons Nigerians visit a doctor. Most acute coughs resolve within 2–3 weeks. A cough that persists beyond 3 weeks is chronic and requires investigation — not repeated symptomatic treatment. In Lagos, chronic cough has a spectrum of causes, some highly treatable and some requiring urgent specialist referral.

The Most Important Diagnosis Not to Miss: Tuberculosis

FXMed tip: If any of this sounds familiar, our Immune Support Programme may be exactly what you need. Book a free assessment to find out where your health stands today.

Nigeria has one of the highest tuberculosis burdens in the world. TB must be considered and excluded in every patient with chronic cough in Nigeria — particularly those with: cough lasting more than 2–3 weeks, blood-stained sputum, night sweats, unintentional weight loss (see our guide to weight and metabolism), or close contact with a known TB case. Sputum AFB and GeneXpert testing should be arranged without delay.

Other Common Causes of Chronic Cough

• Post-nasal drip — allergic rhinitis and sinusitis causing constant throat irritation; most common overall cause of chronic cough
• Asthma — cough-variant asthma presents with dry cough rather than wheeze; dramatically underdiagnosed
• GERD — acid reflux reaching the larynx triggers chronic cough, often without heartburn
• ACE inhibitor medication — extremely common cause; a dry tickling cough develops in up to 15% of users and resolves when medication is changed
• Heart failure — pulmonary oedema causes a wet cough that is worse lying down
• Lung cancer — change in a smoker's existing cough pattern warrants urgent investigation

FXMed's Systematic Approach

We take a structured history, arrange TB testing where indicated, assess for reflux and allergic causes, review medications, and facilitate chest X-ray and spirometry. A systematic approach finds the cause in the vast majority of cases. Book a chronic cough assessment with FXMed today — virtual or home visit (see our what concierge medicine is) available throughout Lagos.