A cough that won’t go away can be frustrating, especially after you’ve gotten through the worst of a cold or flu. While lingering coughs are common after respiratory illnesses, many people wonder whether their ongoing cough is simply part of recovery, or a sign of bronchitis. Understanding the differences can help you know when to rest, when to seek treatment, and when it may be time to visit urgent care. Keep reading to learn more!
For walk-in bronchitis treatment, visit the walk-in clinic AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth. Our board-certified medical team is available 7 days a week to provide treatment to all patients in the Elizabeth, NJ area and surrounding communities. Simply walk-in or check-in online below.
Why a Cough Can Linger After Being Sick
After a viral infection, the airways often remain irritated for several days or even weeks. This inflammation can trigger a lingering cough that doesn’t necessarily mean the illness is still active. In fact, most post-viral coughs last one to three weeks, though some may continue for up to six. But when a cough sticks around longer than expected, or becomes worse instead of better, it’s natural to question whether bronchitis is developing.
Understanding Bronchitis
Bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes in your lungs become inflamed. There are two main types: acute and chronic.
Acute Bronchitis
- Usually caused by a virus
- Often follows a respiratory infection like a cold or flu
- Symptoms typically last 2 to 3 weeks
- Involves coughing, mucus production, fatigue, and chest discomfort
Chronic Bronchitis
- A long-term condition and a form of COPD
- Symptoms last at least 3 months and recur for 2 consecutive years
- Requires ongoing medical management
For most people with a lingering cough, acute bronchitis is the concern, not chronic.
Signs Your Lingering Cough Could Be Bronchitis
While not every persistent cough is bronchitis, several symptoms can point toward it. You may have bronchitis if your cough:
- Lasts longer than 3 weeks
- Produces mucus
- Comes with chest discomfort
- Follows a recent cold or flu
- Is paired with fatigue or shortness of breath
- Gets worse instead of better
A cough that continues for more than 21 days is a classic sign of bronchial inflammation.
When to Seek Urgent Care for a Lingering Cough
While most mild cases of bronchitis improve on their own, certain symptoms mean it’s time to get checked by a healthcare provider. You should visit urgent care if your cough lasts more than 3 weeks, you develop a high fever, you experience shortness of breath, or symptoms worsen after initially improving. Urgent care providers can listen to your lungs and determine if you have bronchitis or another condition.
Treatment depends on whether the bronchitis is viral or bacterial. While viral bronchitis typically resolves on its own, bacterial bronchitis may require antibiotics. Your provider may also recommend humidifiers, warm fluids, and cough suppressants depending on your symptoms.
Get Walk-In Bronchitis Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth
A lingering cough is common after a cold or flu, but when it hangs on for more than a few weeks or becomes more intense, bronchitis may be the cause. Getting evaluated at an urgent care center can give you clarity, rule out more serious conditions like pneumonia, and help you get the right treatment to breathe easier and recover fully. At AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth, we provide illness testing and treatment with no appointment necessary. We’re open 7 days a week– just walk-in today! We accept most major health insurance plans and offer cost-effective options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please call us directly at 908-677-5900.
