Some causes of coughs include: Common causes — acute Common cold Influenza (flu) Inhaling an irritant Pneumonia Whooping cough Common causes — chronic Allergies Asthma (most common in children) Bronchitis Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Postnasal drip Others Acute sinusitis (sinus infection) Bronchiectasis (a chronic lung condition in which abnormal widening of bronchial tubes inhibits mucus clearing) Bronchiolitis (especially in young children) Choking: First aid (especially in children) Chronic sinusitis COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Croup (especially in young children) Cystic fibrosis Emphysema Heart failure Laryngitis Lung cancer Medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors Neuromuscular diseases, such as parkinsonism, which weaken the coordination of upper airway and swallowing muscles Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) — especially in young children Tuberculosis