Duration of cough in acute upper respiratory tract infections

Abstract

Objective: To determine the duration of cough in patients without pre-existing respiratory problems presenting to general practitioners with acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs).

Method: Patients without chronic chest problems who presented to two general practices with an URTI during the winter of 1999 were surveyed to assess the duration of cough.

Results: One hundred and seventy-nine patients were recruited, of whom 131 could be followed until their cough ceased. Of these, 93% developed a cough, 78% coughed for at least one week, 58% for at least two weeks, 35% for three weeks, and one continued into the tenth week.

Conclusion: The acute cough associated with an URTI often continues for several weeks. There may be benefits from educating the community and medical profession about this natural history.