When will my wet cough disappear?

I am sorry to hear that you have been unwell. Unfortunately, I cannot give you a definitive answer as there are many factors at play here.

Typically, if your wet cough (which might also be referred to as chesty cough or mucus cough) has come about as a result of a viral infection we call the common cold or flu, it should resolve well within 10 or 14 days of the infection starting. If this is not the case, then you might have a bacterial infection and antibiotics might be needed to treat it.

Other causes of a wet cough are chronic lung infections (such as TB) or lung conditions such as emphysema. People suffering these health problems will more tham likely be aware of their presence as a diagnosis will probably have already been made. However, this might not always be the case.

So, if your cough has lingered for more than 2 weeks and remains unexplained, seek help from your doctor. This is particularly important if you notice blood in your sputum, or if you feel unwell or short of breath.

Dr. Jen Tan