Cough
Most short-term coughs are due to viral infections and settle within 2–3 weeks. A cough lasting more than 3 weeks, a cough with blood, or a cough with breathlessness, chest pain, fever or unexplained weight loss needs prompt medical assessment. A GP can decide which tests are appropriate and treat the cause.
Key information
- Symptom
- Cough
- Category
- Breathing & lungs
- Common possible causes
- Viral upper respiratory infection, Post-viral cough, Acute bronchitis, Asthma
- Tests that may be considered
- Full blood count, CRP, D-dimer where PE suspected (hospital)
- Clinic assessment
- Available same day
- Home doctor visit
- Available across Dubai
- Home blood test
- Available across Dubai
- Date reviewed
- 2026-07-01
What this symptom means
Cough is a protective reflex clearing the airways. Acute cough is <3 weeks, sub-acute 3–8 weeks and chronic >8 weeks.
Common possible causes
- · Viral upper respiratory infection
- · Post-viral cough
- · Acute bronchitis
- · Asthma
- · Allergic rhinitis and postnasal drip
- · Acid reflux
- · Air-conditioning and dust exposure
- · Smoking or vaping
Less common possible causes
- · Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- · ACE-inhibitor blood-pressure medication
- · Bronchiectasis
- · Whooping cough (pertussis)
Serious causes that must not be missed
- · Pneumonia
- · Pulmonary embolism
- · Tuberculosis
- · Lung cancer
- · Heart failure
- · Coughing up blood
- · Breathlessness at rest or on mild exertion
- · Chest pain
- · High fever with cough
- · Unexplained weight loss or night sweats
- · Cough lasting more than 3 weeks
- · Cough with leg swelling and pain
Call 998 (UAE ambulance) or attend the nearest emergency department for any of the above.
When a same-day GP is appropriate
- · Cough with breathlessness or chest pain
- · Cough with high fever
- · Cough in a person with asthma or COPD that is not settling
When a routine GP appointment is fine
- · Persistent cough more than 3 weeks without red flags
- · Suspected reflux or postnasal drip cough
- · Assessment for suspected asthma
Questions a doctor may ask
- · How long has the cough lasted?
- · Is it dry or productive — what colour is the sputum?
- · Any breathlessness, wheeze or chest pain?
- · Any blood in sputum?
- · Any fever, night sweats or weight loss?
- · Do you smoke or vape, and what is your work/dust exposure?
- · Any known asthma, allergies or reflux?
History factors that may matter
- · Smoking or vaping
- · Asthma, COPD or bronchiectasis
- · Recent travel or TB exposure
- · ACE-inhibitor medication
- · Occupational dust or fumes
Medicines that may contribute
- · ACE inhibitors (e.g. lisinopril, ramipril)
Never stop a prescribed medication without discussing it with a clinician.
What may happen during the examination
- · Temperature, pulse, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate
- · Chest examination
- · ENT examination if postnasal drip suspected
Tests that may be considered
Blood tests
- · Full blood count
- · CRP
- · D-dimer where PE suspected (hospital)
Other tests
- · Chest X-ray for prolonged or red-flag cough
- · Spirometry for suspected asthma or COPD
- · Peak flow diary
- · Sputum culture where indicated
When a specialist referral may be considered
- · Respiratory referral for chronic cough, suspected TB, bronchiectasis or lung cancer
Possible treatment approaches
- · Treat the underlying cause
- · Inhalers for asthma or COPD
- · Antibiotics only for confirmed bacterial infection
- · Antihistamines and nasal steroid for allergic causes
- · Acid-suppressing medication for reflux cough
Safe self-care
- · Hydration and steam inhalation
- · Honey and lemon for irritant cough (over age 1)
- · Avoid smoke and vaping
- · Reduce indoor dust and air-conditioning drying effects
Best avoided
- · Repeated courses of antibiotics without confirmed bacterial infection
- · Over-the-counter cough suppressants for productive cough
- · Ignoring haemoptysis (blood in sputum)
How Aafiyah can help
- · Same-day GP assessment in clinic or at home
- · Bedside oxygen saturation and chest examination
- · Chest X-ray referral where indicated
- · Asthma review and spirometry
Related tests
Related conditions
Related symptoms
Frequently asked questions
How long should a cough last before I see a doctor?+
A viral cough often lasts up to 2–3 weeks. See a doctor sooner if you have breathlessness, chest pain, fever, blood in sputum, night sweats or weight loss, or if you have asthma or COPD that is not settling.
Why do I keep coughing at night in Dubai?+
Common reasons include air-conditioning drying the airways, dust and allergens, postnasal drip, acid reflux and poorly controlled asthma. A GP can identify the pattern and treat it.
Do I need a chest X-ray for my cough?+
Not usually — but chest X-ray is recommended for cough lasting more than 3 weeks, blood in sputum, or suspected pneumonia, TB or lung cancer.
Medical references
- · NICE CKS — Cough — cks.nice.org.uk
- · NHS — Cough — nhs.uk
Medically reviewed by: Dr Shahbaz Afzal — British-trained Family Medicine Consultant, DHA-licensed
Written: 2026-07-01 · Reviewed: 2026-07-01 · Next review: 2027-01-01
This page provides general medical information for people in Dubai and the UAE. It does not replace personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified clinician about any medical concern.
Concerned about cough?
Book a same-day British-trained GP — in clinic, at home or online.
Catch issues early in Dubai — doctor-led screening, bloods & longevity baseline.
Same-day appointments across Dubai and neighbouring communities. Home or clinic visits. WhatsApp us — the message is pre-filled with your area so our team can route you to the closest available slot.
Flagship clinic: Unit G09, Churchill Executive Towers, Business Bay · Home visits 24/7.
Start where you're comfortable.
Read first, talk to a doctor, or book in — whichever stage you're at, there's a no-pressure way in.
Free Primary Care Guide
What proper primary care should look like — a short, honest PDF written by our British-trained team. Read it before you decide on a clinic.
Free 15-Minute Doctor Call
Not sure if we're the right fit? Book a free discovery call with one of our GPs. No commitment, no sales — just a clinician answering your questions.
20% Off Your First GP Consultation
First-time patients save 20% on their first GP consultation with one of our British-trained doctors. GP consultations only — blood tests, IV drips, physio, home-visit fees and other services are excluded. Mention this offer when you enquire.