cough is a reflex to help you bring out secretions built up in lungs. it is uncomfortable and painful if it is making you breathless. usually it takes 1- 2 weeks based on immunity of the person to cure oneself of infection. There are cough suppressants to get relief benzonatate pearls to take thrice daily for two days and then twice when cough reduced. cough lozenges finger honey lemon flavors, Strepsils also quite helpful. You need to avoid triggers that cause attacks of respiratory infections like dust smoke pollution exposing to infected persons. take precautionary antihistamines to prevent allergens.