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A reflex that helps clear your airways. Can be dry or productive (with mucus), and acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting weeks).
There are several possible causes. Here are the most common ones:
The most common cause, usually with cold or flu symptoms.
You might suspect this if you have:
Mucus dripping down the back of the throat from sinuses or allergies.
You might suspect this if you have:
Airway inflammation causing cough, often worse at night or with exercise.
You might suspect this if you have:
Stomach acid irritating the airways.
You might suspect this if you have:
Some blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors) cause a dry cough.
You might suspect this if you have:
Important: This information is for general guidance only and should not be used to self-diagnose. A doctor can properly assess your symptoms and provide appropriate advice.
Call 000 or go to Emergency immediately
A cough is the body's protective reflex — it clears the airways of mucus, irritants, and microbes. The clinical approach to cough depends entirely on duration. Acute cough (under 3 weeks) is almost always post-viral and requires no treatment beyond symptomatic relief — it resolves on its own. A cough that persists for 3-8 weeks after a respiratory infection is called a 'post-infectious cough' and is very common — the airways remain irritated and hyperreactive even though the infection has cleared. Chronic cough (over 8 weeks) warrants investigation: the three most common causes are asthma, postnasal drip (upper airway cough syndrome), and gastric reflux — often in combination. The most important red flag is coughing up blood (haemoptysis), which always needs investigation, as does a new persistent cough in a smoker or ex-smoker.
Medical certificate guidance: A cough that disrupts sleep, causes vomiting, or makes it difficult to speak for sustained periods can warrant a certificate. Post-viral cough commonly persists for 2-3 weeks — this duration is normal and does not indicate something serious, but may still affect work capacity.
All clinical decisions are made by AHPRA-registered doctors following our clinical governance framework. We never automate clinical decisions.
Seek medical advice for coughs lasting more than 3 weeks, coughing up blood, significant shortness of breath, or if you have underlying lung conditions.
Yes, particularly if your cough is severe, contagious, or preventing you from working effectively. A doctor can assess if time off is appropriate.
Most coughs are viral and don't need antibiotics. Antibiotics are only helpful if there's a bacterial infection, which your doctor can assess.
Common reasons include post-nasal drip (worse lying down), acid reflux, asthma (often worse at night), and dry air in bedrooms.
If your symptoms are keeping you from work or study, you can request a medical certificate through InstantMed. A doctor will review your symptoms and issue a certificate if clinically appropriate — typically for 1 to 3 days depending on severity. You don't need to be dramatically unwell; feeling genuinely too rough to function is reason enough.
Yes. Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and issue valid medical certificates via telehealth. You fill in a detailed health questionnaire, a doctor reviews it, and if appropriate, your certificate is delivered digitally. No waiting room required.
You complete a structured health questionnaire covering your symptoms, duration, severity, and relevant medical history. The reviewing doctor uses this information — the same clinical reasoning they'd apply in a face-to-face consult — to determine whether a certificate, advice, or referral is appropriate.
A medical certificate covers the period stated on the document. If your symptoms worsen or don't improve as expected, you should see a GP in person or visit your nearest emergency department if it's urgent. Your certificate doesn't replace ongoing care — it's a point-in-time clinical assessment.
In some cases, yes. If a doctor reviewing your request determines that a common, non-restricted treatment is appropriate, they may issue a prescription as part of a consultation. Not all symptoms require or qualify for a prescription — the doctor will advise you on next steps.
Medical certificates are typically issued in under 30 minutes, available 24/7. Other requests are reviewed within 1–2 hours during operating hours (8am–10pm AEST, 7 days). You'll receive an email notification once your request has been reviewed.
If your symptoms suggest something that requires a physical examination, diagnostic tests, or specialist referral, the doctor will let you know and recommend appropriate next steps. Your safety is the priority — telehealth is a great option for many things, but it's not a replacement for hands-on assessment when that's what's needed.
No Medicare card is required for medical certificates. If you're requesting a prescription or consultation, a valid Medicare card is needed. Our service is private and does not attract a Medicare rebate, though any prescriptions issued can still attract PBS subsidies at the pharmacy.
Pain, scratchiness, or irritation in the throat that often worsens when swallowing. One of the most common reasons people seek medical advice.
Difficulty breathing or feeling like you can't get enough air. Can indicate serious conditions.
Chest pain can indicate a heart attack or other serious conditions. Many cases are not life-threatening. Knowing the warning signs helps you decide when to seek emergency care.
Our Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and provide advice, treatment, or medical certificates if needed.
Get your cough assessedThis information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health. Content on this page has been reviewed by AHPRA-registered Australian doctors but does not replace a personalised medical consultation.