Coughs are extremely common and vary in duration and degree of severity. Coughs of any duration are a frequent reason for seeking medical advice and unresolved coughs lasting beyond eight weeks are a cause of patient anxiety and reduced quality of life. Chronic coughs are those lasting for more than eight weeks. There are many causes, some more common than others. This article hopes to give nurses and non-medical prescribers who are approached by patients asking for advice some insight into diagnosing and resolving the problem, with the aim of improving quality of life for those affected.