A persistent cough can be a troubling and exhausting symptom that disrupts your daily life and may indicate underlying respiratory or systemic conditions requiring medical attention. While coughing is a natural reflex to clear the airways, a cough that lasts for weeks or becomes progressively worse can signal serious underlying issues such as respiratory infections, asthma, pneumonia, or other pulmonary conditions. Persistent coughing that interferes with sleep, work, or daily activities, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, warrants urgent medical evaluation.