Cough: causes, types and when to consult a doctor

I'm Dr. Aurélia Nha-Huyen Nguyen Gouez, a family physician and medical director of French origin. After practicing in France, I moved to Quebec, where I worked in CLSCs before turning to private practice. My goal with Allodocteur.ca is to offer accessible, fast and humane medical consultations, especially in home visits.

A cough is a common symptom that can be benign or reveal an underlying health problem. It can be acute (less than 3 weeks) or chronic (more than 8 weeks). But when should you be concerned and consult a doctor?

Why do we cough?

Coughing is a natural reflex designed to protect the respiratory tract. It can be triggered by :

-A viral or bacterial infection: cold, flu, COVID-19, bronchitis, pneumonia.

-Allergies or irritants: pollen, smoke, dry air, pollution.

-Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): acid reflux irritating the throat.

-Asthma or chronic respiratory disease.

-Certain drugs, such as antihypertensives in the ACEI class.

If your cough persists or becomes bothersome, it's best to identify the cause with a healthcare professional.

Signs to consult

Although coughs are often benign, certain signs should raise a red flag:

✅ Cough lasting more than 3 weeks without improvement.

✅ Persistent fever (over 38.5°C) and severe fatigue.

✅ S hortness of breath, chest pain or wheezing.

✅ Colored sputum (green, dark yellow) or presence of blood.

✅ Cough that worsens at night or disturbs sleep.

In these cases, it's best not to wait and consult a doctor.

At Allodocteur.ca, we offer in-home medical consultations to save you travel and long waits in clinics.

📅 Need medical advice? Book an appointment easily on Allodocteur.ca.

How to relieve a cough

While waiting for your consultation, a few gestures can help:

💧 Keep well hydrated to thin secretions.

🌿 Honey and herbal teas to soothe the throat.

🌬️ Steam inhalations to clear bronchial tubes.

🚫 A void irritants such as cigarette smoke and dry air.

However, some treatments require a special prescription.

If your cough persists or worsens, a doctor can advise you and prescribe the right treatment.

Why choose Allodocteur.ca?

✔ A doctor comes to you: no need to wait in a clinic.

✔ Fast availability: often same-day or next-day.

✔ Effective, personalized care.

📅 Book an appointment now on Allodocteur.ca for an at-home consultation.

In a nutshell

If your cough persists, is accompanied by fever or shortness of breath, it's best to consult a doctor.

With Allodocteur.ca, a doctor can come to you quickly to assess your condition and suggest a suitable course of treatment.

💡 A ny doubt? A doctor can see you quickly.

📅 Book an appointment on Allodocteur.ca.