Every morning, many people cough a little and assume it's "just because of the weather" or "because I smoke."

But not every cough is harmless.

Sometimes, a persistent morning cough is your lungs way of asking for help.

A morning cough may be normal if:

✔ It lasts only a few seconds.

✔ You have a mild cold.

✔ It disappears within a week.

However, a cough that continues for more than 3 weeks deserves medical attention.

Watch out for these warning signs: