Cough That Won't Stop in Lagos?
Find the Cause: Treat It Properly.
A cough lasting more than 3 weeks needs a proper diagnosis. In Lagos, the causes range from the common (upper respiratory infection, post-nasal drip, acid reflux) to the serious (tuberculosis, asthma, cardiac). At Mascot Healthcare, Akoka, we assess the cause and treat correctly. See prices.
Understanding Your Cough
| Duration | Common causes in Lagos | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Acute (<3 weeks) | URTI (common cold), acute bronchitis, pneumonia, whooping cough | Consultation: symptom-guided treatment |
| Subacute (3–8 weeks) | Post-infectious cough, whooping cough (pertussis), sinusitis | Consultation: chest exam, sputum if productive |
| Chronic (>8 weeks) | Asthma, GERD (acid reflux), post-nasal drip, TB, ACE inhibitor medication | Structured assessment: chest X-ray, spirometry referral, TB screen |
Tuberculosis in Lagos: When to Suspect It
Nigeria has one of the highest TB burdens in the world, ranked 6th globally. Lagos, as the most densely populated city, has a disproportionate TB burden. TB should be on the differential for any chronic cough in Lagos, particularly in patients who are immunocompromised (HIV-positive), malnourished, living in crowded conditions, or have had contact with a known TB case.
Classic TB presentation: chronic cough (often productive, sometimes blood-stained), night sweats, unintentional weight loss, low-grade evening fever, and fatigue. However, TB can present atypically, as a persistent dry cough, or initially without systemic symptoms.
At Mascot Healthcare, we refer patients with chronic cough and TB risk factors for sputum AFB testing and chest X-ray. TB treatment in Nigeria is available free through the DOTS programme at designated NTBLCP facilities.
Our Cough Assessment
We take chronic cough seriously: systematically excluding important causes.
- Full history: duration, character (dry/productive), sputum colour, haemoptysis, associated symptoms
- Chest auscultation: wheeze (asthma), crackles (pneumonia/heart failure), pleural rub
- Sputum specimen where productive cough with fever or chronic cough
- TB screening referral if risk factors present
- Chest X-ray referral if clinical features warrant
- Peak flow measurement for suspected asthma
- ACE inhibitor medication review (a common overlooked cause of dry cough)
- Appropriate treatment: antibiotic if bacterial, bronchodilator if obstructive, antacid if GERD-related
Cough FAQs
When does a cough need antibiotics?
I've had a dry cough for months with no other symptoms. Could it be serious?
Get Your Cough Properly Assessed Today.
Consultations by appointment at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka. See prices.
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Last updated 16 October 2026.