Constant Cough? Why Your Lungs May Be "Smoldering" — and What to Do Next

A cough that won't go away can feel like your lungs are constantly irritated — almost as if something is "smoldering" inside your chest. While many coughs are harmless and clear up on their own, a persistent cough (lasting more than three weeks) is your body's signal that something deeper may be happening.

Sometimes the cause is mild and temporary. Other times, it may point to a more serious infection such as tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, or another lung condition that needs medical care.

Let's break down what a constant cough can mean — and what your next steps should be.

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What Counts as a "Constant" Cough?

Doctors typically classify coughs as:

• Acute cough: Lasts less than 3 weeks
• Subacute cough: Lasts 3–8 weeks
• Chronic cough: Lasts longer than 8 weeks

If your cough has lasted more than a few weeks — especially if it's worsening or accompanied by other symptoms — it deserves attention.

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Why Your Lungs May Feel Like They're "Smoldering"

The sensation of burning, tightness, or ongoing irritation often comes from inflammation inside the airways. Inflammation is your immune system's response to irritation or infection. It can be triggered by:

• Viral infections (like the common cold or flu)
• Bacterial infections
• Environmental irritants (smoke, pollution)
• Allergies
• Chronic lung diseases
• Serious infections such as tuberculosis

When inflammation lingers, your airways become sensitive and overreactive — leading to repeated coughing.

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Common Causes of a Constant Cough

1. Acute or Chronic Bronchitis

Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs.

• Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus and improves within a few weeks.
• Chronic bronchitis (a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD) causes long-term inflammation and mucus production.

Symptoms may include:

• Persistent cough
• Mucus (clear, yellow, or green)
• Chest tightness
• Fatigue

If you're experiencing these symptoms and want to understand what might be causing your persistent cough, try Ubie's free AI-powered Acute / Chronic Tracheitis / Bronchitis symptom checker to get personalized insights in just a few minutes.

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2. Tuberculosis (TB)

One serious but often overlooked cause of chronic cough is tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs, though it can spread to other parts of the body. TB spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, speaks, or sneezes.

Common symptoms of active tuberculosis include:

• Cough lasting more than 3 weeks
• Coughing up blood or sputum
• Chest pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Night sweats
• Fever
• Fatigue

Not everyone exposed to tuberculosis becomes sick. Some people develop latent TB infection, meaning the bacteria are in the body but inactive and not contagious. However, latent TB can become active, especially if the immune system weakens.

Tuberculosis is treatable with antibiotics, but it requires months of consistent medication. Early diagnosis is critical — not only for your health but to prevent spread to others.

If you have risk factors for TB — such as close contact with someone diagnosed, weakened immunity, recent travel to high-prevalence areas, or living in crowded settings — a persistent cough should be evaluated promptly.

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3. Asthma

Asthma can cause chronic coughing, especially at night or after exercise. In some people, cough is the main symptom, even without wheezing.

Other signs include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Symptoms triggered by cold air, allergens, or exercise

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4. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Acid reflux can irritate the throat and lungs, triggering a dry, chronic cough — often worse when lying down.

You may notice:

• Heartburn
• Sour taste in the mouth
• Hoarseness
• Throat clearing

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5. Post-Infectious Cough

After a viral infection, the airways can remain inflamed for weeks. Even though the infection has cleared, coughing continues because the airways are hypersensitive.

This type of cough usually improves gradually but may last up to 8 weeks.

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When a Constant Cough Is Serious

You should speak to a doctor promptly if your cough is accompanied by:

• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• High fever
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Symptoms lasting longer than 3 weeks
• Known exposure to tuberculosis

These symptoms could indicate a serious infection such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, or another lung disease.

Do not ignore these warning signs.

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How Doctors Evaluate a Persistent Cough

A medical evaluation may include:

• A detailed symptom history
• Physical examination
• Chest X-ray
• Sputum testing (especially if tuberculosis is suspected)
• TB skin or blood test
• Pulmonary function tests (for asthma or COPD)
• CT scan in certain cases

If tuberculosis is suspected, doctors will test sputum samples to look for TB bacteria. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin quickly and reduces spread.

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Treatment Depends on the Cause

There is no single treatment for a constant cough. Management depends entirely on the underlying problem.

• Viral bronchitis: Rest, fluids, and symptom control
• Bacterial infections: Antibiotics (when appropriate)
• Tuberculosis: Multiple antibiotics for 6–9 months or longer
• Asthma: Inhalers to reduce airway inflammation
• GERD: Acid-reducing medications and lifestyle changes
• Chronic bronchitis: Smoking cessation, inhalers, pulmonary rehab

If tuberculosis is diagnosed, it is essential to complete the entire course of medication — even if you feel better. Stopping early can lead to drug-resistant TB, which is much harder to treat.

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What You Can Do Now

If you're dealing with a cough that won't go away:

• Track how long it's been present
• Note any additional symptoms
• Avoid smoking or secondhand smoke
• Stay hydrated
• Seek medical evaluation if it persists beyond 3 weeks

Before your doctor's visit, you can use Ubie's Chronic Tracheitis / Bronchitis symptom checker to help identify potential causes and prepare informed questions for your healthcare provider.

However, online tools are not a substitute for medical care.

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The Bottom Line

A constant cough is not something to ignore. While many causes are mild and temporary, others — including tuberculosis — require prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Your lungs are not meant to stay inflamed. Persistent irritation is a signal, not a nuisance.

If your cough lasts more than three weeks, worsens, or comes with symptoms like weight loss, fever, night sweats, or coughing up blood, speak to a doctor immediately. Early evaluation can protect both your health and the health of those around you.

When it comes to your lungs, timely action matters.