Which Department

Which department should I see for a lingering cough?

2026-09-17 · Neutral information that names no hospital, doctor or region. No rankings, recommendations or reviews.

Short answer

Internal Medicine (내과) is generally the first department to visit for a cough that persists beyond two to three weeks, as it can assess a wide range of underlying causes from the respiratory tract to the heart. If the cough appears to originate in the nose or throat — for example, accompanying nasal drip or throat irritation — Otorhinolaryngology (이비인후과) is often considered alongside or instead. Depending on initial findings, a doctor may refer you to Pulmonology (호흡기내과) or other specialties for further evaluation.

Which department

  1. 1Internal Medicine (내과)
    Internal medicine physicians broadly evaluate persistent coughs, considering causes that range across the respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems, making it a natural starting point when the origin is unclear. — First / second line: A local clinic (의원) offering internal medicine is generally appropriate as a first step; if more specialized imaging or tests are needed, the physician will typically issue a referral to a secondary or tertiary hospital.
  2. 2Otorhinolaryngology (이비인후과)
    When a lingering cough is accompanied by postnasal drip, throat irritation, hoarseness, or frequent throat-clearing, this department focuses on the nose, throat, and larynx — areas that are common contributors to chronic cough. — First / second line: A local ENT clinic is usually accessible without a referral and is a reasonable first choice when upper airway symptoms dominate; complex cases may be referred onward.
  3. 3Pulmonology (호흡기내과)
    Pulmonologists specialize in the airways and lungs, and are generally involved when a cough is associated with breathing difficulty, sputum production, or when initial evaluation suggests a lower respiratory origin. — First / second line: This specialty is typically seen at a larger hospital (병원 or 종합병원) and is usually reached via a referral letter (진료의뢰서) from a primary clinic, though some hospitals allow direct visits.
  4. 4Cardiology (심장내과)
    A persistent cough — particularly one that worsens when lying down or is accompanied by shortness of breath and leg swelling — can sometimes reflect cardiovascular issues, prompting evaluation by this department. — First / second line: Cardiology is generally a secondary referral destination rather than a first visit for cough alone; a general internal medicine physician will usually guide this referral if cardiac causes are suspected.

Go to the ER / call 119 if

If any of the following applies, do not choose a department — go to an emergency room or call 119 (Korea's emergency number).

  • Coughing up blood or noticing blood-streaked sputum
  • Sudden severe difficulty breathing or a feeling of the airway closing
  • Chest pain that intensifies with each cough or appears alongside breathing difficulty
  • High fever combined with rapid breathing and a bluish tinge to the lips or fingernails
  • Cough that develops suddenly after choking on food or a small object, especially in children

Before your visit

  • Note the exact date when the cough started and whether it has been continuous or comes and goes.
  • Record whether the cough is dry or produces mucus, and if so, note the color and consistency of any sputum.
  • List all accompanying symptoms such as runny nose, postnasal drip, hoarseness, heartburn, shortness of breath, fever, or unintended weight loss.
  • Write down all medications and supplements you are currently taking, including any that were started around the time the cough began, as some medications are known to be associated with cough.
  • Bring any previous chest X-rays, allergy test results, or medical records related to past respiratory conditions if you have them.
  • Note environmental factors such as recent travel, exposure to smoke or dust, new pets, or changes in your home or workplace that coincided with the cough.

General principles

A cough lasting more than three weeks is generally referred to as a 「subacute」 or 「chronic」 cough, and medical guidelines in many countries suggest this warrants clinical evaluation rather than a wait-and-see approach. In the Korean healthcare system, it is generally recommended to start at a primary clinic (1차 의원) before proceeding to a larger hospital; while secondary hospitals (병원/종합병원) can typically be visited directly without a referral and with normal national health insurance (건강보험) coverage, a referral letter (요양급여의뢰서) is legally required for insurance coverage when visiting tertiary hospitals (상급종합병원).

The three most commonly cited causes of chronic cough in general medical literature are postnasal drip syndrome, airway hypersensitivity conditions, and gastroesophageal reflux — all of which can be initially assessed at the primary care level. Because these causes can overlap and may not produce obvious distinguishing symptoms, the evaluating physician typically uses a structured process of history-taking and basic tests before deciding on a referral pathway.

Diagnostic tools commonly used to evaluate a persistent cough in general practice include chest imaging and lung function testing at the broader level, with upper airway or endoscopic assessments added when ENT involvement is suspected. The specific combination of evaluations will depend entirely on the clinical judgment of the treating physician after a face-to-face consultation, and no test should be assumed necessary without that assessment.

FAQ

Should I go to a local clinic (의원) or a larger hospital for a lingering cough?

General medical practice in Korea suggests starting at a local primary clinic, which is accessible without a referral and is usually sufficient for initial evaluation of most persistent coughs. A larger hospital is generally indicated when the primary physician finds findings that require advanced testing or specialist input, at which point a referral letter will normally be issued.

How is a cough that belongs to ENT different from one that belongs to Internal Medicine?

In general terms, ENT is more likely to be involved when upper airway symptoms — such as postnasal drip, nasal congestion, throat-clearing, or voice changes — are prominent alongside the cough. Internal medicine tends to be the starting point when the cough is isolated or accompanied by lower respiratory or systemic symptoms, though the boundary is not always clear and one department may refer to the other after assessment.

What kinds of examinations are generally used to investigate a chronic cough?

Commonly used evaluations in general medical practice include chest X-rays to look at the lungs and airways, spirometry or peak flow tests to assess airway function, and nasal or throat endoscopy if upper airway causes are suspected. The specific tests selected for any individual case are determined solely by the physician based on the clinical picture during the consultation.

Are there any differences in how a lingering cough is approached in children or elderly patients?

In children, certain causes such as inhaled foreign bodies or specific airway sensitivities are considered with relatively higher priority, and pediatrics (소아청소과) may be involved rather than or alongside the departments mentioned above. In elderly patients, additional considerations such as cardiac function or medication-related cough tend to be weighted more carefully, making a thorough medication review particularly important before the visit.

Related questions

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This page is general medical information and does not replace diagnosis, treatment or choosing a clinic. Consult a doctor for any symptom. In an emergency, go to the ER or call 119 immediately.