Cough may be caused by lung disease, abnormalities of the throat and nose, or heart problems.

Some of the more common causes of cough include:
- acute and chronic bronchitis
- asthma
- reflux
- postnasal drip
- medications (especially ACE inhibitor drugs used for hypertension)

Serious disease may present with cough. Such persons may have:
- lung cancer
- heart failure
- infection
- other problems

Since a prolonged cough may be a sign of serious disease, it should be taken seriously. Testing such as chest x-ray, pulmonary function test, heart disease testing or even bronchoscopy may be required for diagnosis.

Patients who have a cough for more than a few days should visit their primary care physician. For those individuals affected by chronic cough, consultation with a pulmonologist may be helpful.