Cough while visiting Sweden
Medically reviewed by Dr Toha Soodhun, specialist in family medicine · 13 November 2026
Most coughs come with a cold and clear up on their own, although the cough can linger for several weeks. See a doctor if you cough with fever and feel unwell, feel short of breath, have chest pain when you breathe in, or the cough has lasted more than four weeks. A video doctor can assess most coughs and tell you if you need to be examined in person.
Common causes
- A cold or other viral infection (including covid-19 and flu)
- Bronchitis
- Asthma or allergy — especially a cough on exertion or at night
- Acid reflux, and some blood-pressure medicines
Self-care
- Drink plenty — warm drinks soothe the throat and loosen mucus.
- Raise the head end of the bed if the cough keeps you awake.
- Avoid smoke. Cough medicines have limited proven effect for an acute cough.
What a video doctor can do
The doctor asks about how long you have coughed, fever, breathing and your general health, and watches how you breathe on camera. If the doctor needs to listen to your lungs or check your inflammation level with a CRP test (250 SEK), you will be offered a clinic visit, often the same day.
See a doctor in person if…
- Cough with fever and you feel increasingly unwell
- A cough that has lasted more than four weeks without getting better
- You are close to a baby under one year old and suspect whooping cough
Our clinics in Gothenburg, Stockholm and Malmö can usually see you the same day (3,200 SEK, or +700 SEK after a video consultation). If you cannot come in, we can visit you at your hotel or home in central Gothenburg, Stockholm or Malmö — see prices.
Seek emergency care or call 112 if…
- Severe difficulty breathing, blue lips, or something stuck in the airway — call 112
- Coughing with chest pain when you breathe in deeply, or heavy breathing
Questions
Do I need antibiotics for my cough?
Usually not — most coughs are caused by viruses. The doctor prescribes antibiotics only when there are signs of a bacterial infection such as pneumonia.
See a licensed Swedish doctor by video
2,500 SEK · No personnummer or BankID · Insurance documents included
Get Medical HelpLife-threatening? Call 112.