Coughing: common cold, asthma, tuberculosis… when should you worry?

November 9, 2026

Coughing is one of the body's most useful reflexes. When dust, mucus, or a microbe irritates the airways, sensors send a signal to the brain, which triggers an expulsion of air that can exceed 100 km/h. The goal: to clear the bronchi. Blocking a productive cough with syrup can therefore sometimes do more harm than good.

Most coughs are viral and go away on their own. It is the duration and associated signs that should raise alarm.

Tuberculosis: still very much present

According to the WHO, tuberculosis remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world, and Africa is one of the hardest-hit regions. It is caused by a bacterium that is transmitted through the air when a sick person coughs. Typical signs: coughing for more than 2 weeks, evening fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, weight loss, and sometimes coughing up blood.

The good news: tuberculosis can be cured. Screening (sputum examination, rapid molecular test) and treatment are free in many countries thanks to national programs. Treatment lasts at least 6 months and must be completed. People living with HIV, people with diabetes, and those in contact with a sick person should be screened.

Syrups: useful or not?

For a dry cough that prevents sleep, a soothing syrup can help for a few days in adults.
For a productive cough, it is best to let the body clear the secretions: drinking plenty of water helps to thin them.
In children under 6 years old, many cough and cold syrups are not recommended. Honey (never before 1 year) and warm water are often more useful. Always seek advice.

🚨 See a doctor promptly if: the cough lasts more than 2 weeks, there is blood in the sputum, you are short of breath at rest, you have chest pain, a high fever, or if a child breathes very fast, their stomach sinks in when they breathe, their lips are blue, or they cough so much that they vomit and turn red (whooping cough possible).

✅ Protect your lungs: do not smoke, cook in a well-ventilated area (smoke from wood and charcoal damages the lungs of women and children), cough into your elbow, ventilate rooms, and have children vaccinated (BCG, whooping cough, pneumococcus, measles).

General information article written by the Mubina Essence team. It does not replace a doctor's advice. Have a question? Write to us on WhatsApp.

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