Get answers from our doctor to questions about managing prolonged cough and chronic cough.
About this 'Ask the Doctor' Q&A
In this 'Ask the Doctor' Q&A, Dr Tan Teck Shi, a Consultant at SingHealth Polyclinics (SHP) , a member of the SingHealth group, answers your questions about prolonged cough and chronic cough. This forum is open from 21 May to 21 June 2026. To submit your question, please email to singhealth.healthxchange@singhealth.com.sg Please avoid submitting personal details and clinical information (such as scans, test results etc). Please note this Q&A is for general information only and not a clinical diagnosis. Please allow up to two weeks for your question to be answered. We reserve the right to choose which questions to answer. You will be notified by email if your question is answered and all answers will be shown on this page. We reserve the right to close this Q&A early. |
Prolonged cough is a common condition that may arise from viral infections, allergies, asthma, smoking or underlying respiratory diseases.
While many coughs resolve on their own, some may persist and develop into chronic cough, affecting sleep, daily activities and overall quality of life.
Understanding the causes, warning signs and triggers of persistent cough is important for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Managing cough effectively involves:
- Identifying and treating the underlying cause,
- Relieving symptoms, and
- Adopting preventive measures to reduce irritation and recurrence.
Early medical attention and proper care can help prevent complications and support better long-term respiratory health.
In this Doctor Q&A, Dr Tan Teck Shi will answer your questions about prolonged cough and chronic cough. Submit your questions now!
About Dr Tan Teck Shi
Dr Tan Teck Shi is a Consultant at SingHealth Polyclinics. He is also the Clinical Lead of the Respiratory Workgroup at SingHealth Polyclinics, Adjunct Assistant Professor at Duke-NUS Medical School, and Service Chief at the SingHealth Duke-NUS Sleep Centre.
Dr Tan obtained his MBBS in 1985 and Master of Medicine (Family Medicine) in 2009. He has a special interest in respiratory health, sleep medicine and chronic disease management.
He has received several healthcare service awards, including the Singapore Health Quality Service Awards Silver Award and Eastern Health Alliance Caring Awards Gold Award.
Dr Tan has also contributed to research and publications in diabetes care, patient communication and family medicine.
Ref: F26
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