Most of the time, a short-lasting cough is caused by benign reasons, but
it could be also a sign of a medical condition. Diagnosis depends on the quality of the cough (wet or dry, throaty or deep), timing (acute or chronic); accompanying symptoms (wheezing, fever,weight loss, blood in sputum or mucus); and characteristics of the patient (age, medical history, exposure to smoke, medications, or sick contacts, allergens)
Common causes of cough include acute viral upper respiratory infections, influenza, bacterial pneumonia and bronchitis, asthma and allergies, choking on food, eating spicy food, air pollution (breathing in dusty environments, obnoxious fumes or cigarette smoke), medication side effects — especially from the blood pressure medications known as ACE inhibitors (Lisinopril, Accupril, Monopril and others), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (“COPD”), gastroesophageal reflux (“GERD”), congestive heart failure, Pertussis, lung cancer, chronic sinus infections, chronic runny nose, or chronic postnasal drip.