A cough is a reflex action that the body uses to clear airways and protect the lungs from harmful substances and infections. However, this is not the only reason for coughing as there are many causes which vary from minor to fatal. Most typical causes of coughing, you don’t have to worry too much. However, you should pay attention if your cough persists because it may be a symptom of something more serious and require medical attention. Visit AFC Urgent Care Braintree for cough treatment near Braintree, MA.
Should I go to Urgent Care for My Cough?
Coughs can be caused by a wide variety of irritants including environmental irritants, allergens, and infections. Coughs can also range greatly by severity depending on what is causing you to cough and whether your cough is productive and producing mucus or dry.
Generally speaking, acute coughs can be treated at home. However, how do you know what kind of cough you have? Coughs can be classified based on the amount of time it persists. Based on this, coughs are either acute or chronic. If you are unsure which category your cough falls into, visit AFC Urgent Care Braintree for proper diagnosis.
Acute Cough
Typically, acute coughs do not last more than three weeks. However, there are cases where it lingers for up to eight weeks after a respiratory infection. It is called subacute cough. Some causes of this kind of cough include environmental irritants such as:
- Smoke
- Dust
- Fumes
- Allergens such as pollen, pet dander, or mold
- Upper respiratory tract infections such as the common cold, the flu, or a sinus infection
- Exacerbations of a chronic condition such as asthma
- Serious conditions such as pulmonary embolism
Chronic Cough
Chronic coughs, on the other hand, usually last more than eight weeks in adults and four weeks in children. This type of cough happens as a result of:
- Smoking
- Chronic respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Environmental triggers
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors—a type of blood pressure medication
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Aspiration
- Lung cancer
When to go to Urgent Care for your Cough
You should seek medical help if your cough doesn’t clear up within a few weeks. Additionally, if your cough is accompanied by other symptoms like a high fever, shortness of breath, thick mucus that is yellow or green in color, chest pain, fainting spells, coughing up blood, or confusion, seek professional medical help immediately.
While it is possible to treat an acute cough at home with over-the-counter medications and home remedies, chronic coughs require medical attention. Proper diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan are necessary for serious coughs caused by infection. At AFC Urgent Care Braintree, our licensed medical providers are able to perform advanced diagnostics to diagnose your cough and provide a treatment plan.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Braintree for Cough Treatment Near Braintree, MA
Coughs are not pleasant, but the medical team at AFC Urgent Care Braintree is here to help you get back to feeling your best. We don’t require appointments, making us a faster alternative to the ER. We accept most major insurance plans and also have discounted self-pay options available. Walk-in today.
