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. From ₦5,000.
| 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 |
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.
We take chronic cough seriously — systematically excluding important causes.
Walk-in consultation at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka. From ₦5,000.