Health Tip: Treating a Chronic Cough

(HealthDay News) -- If you've had a cough that's lasted at least eight weeks, you may have a chronic cough. The best way to treat that cough depends on its cause.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says possible causes of a chronic cough include:

• Being a smoker.

• Having allergies, including seasonal allergies or allergies to pets, plants, fumes, smoke or dust.

• Taking a medication that triggers coughing.

• Having asthma that isn't well-controlled by medication.

• Having heartburn.