Debating on whether or not you should visit urgent care for your constant cough? Check into AFC for peace of mind & affordable treatment.
It’s important to treat yourself every once in a while. We recommend hitting up Hair Therapy & Spa or cutting into a homemade pan of cinnamon rolls from Patriot Cakes & Creamery for a full Athens, TN experience. When you want to embrace life to the fullest – a lingering cough can get in the way. Mostly, it’s a little frustrating, but sometimes it can be concerning.
While occasional coughing is a normal part of how your body protects itself, a lingering cough may signal that something more is going on. If you’re wondering whether urgent care can help, the answer is often yes. Understanding what causes a cough, when it becomes a concern, and how urgent care can help may give you peace of mind and help you feel better faster.
What Causes a Cough?
A cough is a natural reflex your body uses to clear irritants from your airways. These irritants can include viruses, bacteria, allergens or environmental factors like dust and smoke. When your lungs or airways become inflamed or irritated (often due to infection or excess mucus), your body responds by coughing to protect your respiratory system.
Coughs generally fall into two main categories:
- Dry coughs: These do not produce mucus and can sometimes feel painful or irritating. They are often associated with sore throats or viral infections.
- Productive coughs: These produce mucus, which may be clear, yellow, green or even discolored. Thick or colored mucus can be a sign of a lung or respiratory infection.
While some coughs are harmless and resolve on their own, a cough that lasts longer than a week may indicate an infection or another underlying issue that requires medical attention.
Common Conditions That Cause Lingering Coughs
Many illnesses and conditions can lead to a persistent cough, including:
- The common cold
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Flu
- COVID-19
- RSV
- Asthma
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
In some cases, what starts as a mild cough can worsen or lead to secondary infections if left untreated.
What Is a Chronic Cough?
A cough is considered chronic when it lasts longer than eight weeks in adults or more than four weeks in children. Chronic coughs can be dry, constant or productive and often signal that the issue is more than a simple viral illness.
Even if your cough isn’t accompanied by other symptoms, it’s still important to have it evaluated to rule out underlying conditions.
When Should You Visit Urgent Care for a Cough?
A good rule of thumb is to seek medical evaluation if your cough has not improved after about a week. You should also consider visiting AFC Athens sooner if your cough:
- Gets worse over time.
- Interferes with sleep or daily activities.
- Is accompanied by fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss.
- Produces blood or thick mucus.
- Causes chest pain or difficulty breathing.
- Comes with fatigue or shortness of breath.
Early evaluation can help prevent complications and reduce the risk of spreading infections to others.
The AFC Advantage
At AFC Athens, our experienced medical providers can evaluate your cough, identify potential causes and recommend appropriate treatment. Depending on your symptoms, this may include diagnostic testing, prescriptions or guidance on managing symptoms at home. Urgent care is a convenient option when you need prompt medical attention but don’t require an emergency room visit. Our clinic offers extended hours and walk-in availability, making it easier to get care when lingering symptoms disrupt your routine.
Don’t Wait!
While not every cough is serious, persistent coughing shouldn’t be ignored. Whether it’s due to an infection, a chronic condition or another underlying issue, early care can make a meaningful difference in your recovery. If your cough won’t go away, our team is here to help you breathe easier and get back to feeling like yourself again.
