Subacute cough in adults

Subacute cough in adults is defined as a cough lasting between 3 and 8 weeksIrwin, 2018.

The most common causes of subacute cough in adults are postviral infection and pertussis (cough usually lasts for 2 to 6 weeks, or longer); see Common or important causes of chronic cough in adults  for more information on these causes.

Patients presenting with subacute cough may go on to develop chronic cough, so causes and treatment of chronic cough in adults should be considered.