Unsure whether you should go to urgent care for your persistent cough? Use this blog to guide your decision & stop by AFC when you need us.

Looking for fine Italian food, farm-fresh produce or timeless treasure? Visit Louis’ Restaurant for made-from-scratch spaghetti sauce, Pratt’s Country Store for local fruit baskets, and Sandra B’s Trinkets & More for a variety of collectables. Located in Northern Knoxville, these places are local hot spots requiring full attention, and excellent health. Don’t let a persistent cough stand in the way of your fun.

Although lingering coughs are easy to dismiss, if they stick around longer than expected or begin to worsen, it may be time to stop by AFC Fountain City. Sometimes a cough is your body’s way of signaling that something more serious is going on. Understanding the warning signs can help you decide when it’s time to stop waiting it out and seek medical care. 

Visit AFC Fountain City today! 

Why Do We Cough? 

Coughing is a natural reflex designed to protect your lungs. It helps clear your airways of debris and irritants such as viruses, bacteria, allergens, dust and smoke. In many cases, coughing is beneficial; it prevents harmful particles from settling deep in the lungs.  However, when you’re dealing with an infection, the airways and lungs can become inflamed, irritated or filled with excess mucus. This inflammation triggers persistent coughing as your body attempts to heal and clear the respiratory tract. While this process is normal, coughing that lingers may indicate that the underlying issue hasn’t fully resolved. 

Identifying Your Cough and What it Means 

Coughs generally fall into two main categories: 

• Dry coughs do not produce mucus. These coughs can be irritating or painful and are often associated with a sore throat or chest discomfort. 
• Productive coughs produce mucus. In some cases, the mucus may be thick or discolored, which can be a sign of a lung infection. 

An occasional cough usually isn’t cause for concern. But when a cough lasts longer than a week or changes in severity, it’s important to pay closer attention. 

Signs Your Lingering Cough Needs Medical Attention 

Not all lingering coughs are serious, but certain symptoms suggest it’s time to seek medical care. You should consider visiting urgent care if your cough: 

• Lasts more than one week without improvement. 
• Gets worse over time instead of gradually improving. 
• Produces thick, discolored mucus or blood. 
• Interferes with sleep, work or daily activities. 
• Is accompanied by fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss. 
• Comes with chest pain, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.  
• Causes persistent fatigue or weakness. 

These symptoms may indicate an infection or another condition that requires evaluation and treatment. Coughs can be especially tricky because they may stem from chronic conditions like asthma or GERD, or they may signal an acute illness that needs medical attention.  Even if your cough isn’t paired with classic cold or flu symptoms, a chronic cough should still be evaluated by a medical provider. 

Conditions Commonly Linked to Lingering Coughs 

A lingering cough may be caused by a variety of illnesses and conditions, including: 

• The common cold 
• Bronchitis 
• Pneumonia 
• Influenza (flu) 
• COVID-19 
• RSV 
• Asthma 
• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) 

If left untreated, a cough related to infection can sometimes progress into a more serious or secondary infection. Early evaluation can help prevent complications and speed up recovery.  A simple rule of thumb: if your cough hasn’t subsided after one-week, medical evaluation is recommended. 

What Can I Do If I’m Concerned About My Cough? 

For mild coughs that are improving, supportive care at home may help ease symptoms. Here are a few things you can try for at-home relief: 

• Staying hydrated is essential. Drinking fluids can soothe throat irritation, keep airways moist and thin mucus. 
• Using a humidifier can also help reduce coughing by adding moisture to the air. Even spending time in a steamy bathroom may provide temporary relief. 
• Warm liquids with honey, such as herbal tea or warm water, can help coat and soothe the throat. 
• Gargling with salt water may reduce inflammation and provide short-term comfort. 
• Cough drops or hard candy can also help calm throat irritation. 

However, if your cough continues to linger or is accompanied by any of the warning signs listed above, it’s best not to wait. 

Cough Treatment at AFC Fountain City 

If you’re unsure whether your lingering cough needs medical attention, stop by our urgent care today. Our team is made up of experienced providers who understand the needs of Fountain City residents. We’re here to help evaluate your symptoms, determine the cause of your cough and build a personalized treatment plan.   Our clinic is open seven days a week, and we accept most insurance plans! Breathe easier and get back to feeling like yourself with AFC Fountain City.