Overview
A cough is your body's response to something that bothers your throat or airways. Many things can cause a cough. You might cough because of a cold or influenza (flu), bronchitis, or asthma. Smoking, post-nasal drip, allergies, and stomach acid that backs up into your throat also can cause coughs.
A cough is a symptom, not a disease. Most coughs stop when the cause, such as a cold, goes away. You can take a few steps at home to cough less and feel better.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter D279 in the search box to learn more about "Cough: Care Instructions".