Did you know AFC Urgent Care can treat your persistent cough? Walk into our office today for friendly, same-day care in Indian Trail.
There’s nothing more embarrassing than a coughing fit during dinner at the Valley Grill or your kid’s band concert at Porter Ridge High School. However, a lingering cough can be more than just annoying – it can disrupt your sleep, slow you down during the day and leave you wondering whether something more serious is going on.
While coughing is a natural way for your body to protect itself, a cough that doesn’t seem to improve may be a sign it’s time to seek medical care. For patients in the Indian Trail area, urgent care is often a convenient and effective place to start. Understanding what causes coughs, when they become concerning, and how AFC can help may give you clarity (and relief) sooner rather than later.
What Causes a Cough?
A cough is a reflex your body uses to clear the airways of irritants. These irritants may include viruses or bacteria, allergens, or environmental factors such as smoke, dust or strong odors. When your airways or lungs become inflamed, irritated or filled with excess mucus, coughing helps prevent harmful substances from reaching deeper into your lungs.
Coughs generally fall into two main categories:
- Dry coughs, which do not produce mucus and can sometimes feel painful or irritating. These are often associated with sore throats or viral infections.
- Productive coughs, which produce mucus. In some cases, the mucus may be thick or discolored, which can indicate a respiratory or lung infection.
Occasional coughing is normal, especially during cold and flu season. However, if your cough lasts longer than a week, it may be your body’s way of signaling that something more than a minor irritation is going on.
Common Conditions Linked to Lingering Coughs
A persistent cough can be caused by a wide range of illnesses and conditions, including:
- The common cold
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Influenza
- COVID-19
- RSV
- Asthma
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
If a lingering cough is left untreated, it may worsen over time or increase your risk of developing a secondary infection.
What Is Considered a Chronic Cough?
A cough is generally classified as chronic when it lasts longer than eight weeks in adults or more than four weeks in children. Chronic coughs may be dry, constant or productive and are often a sign that the cause is more complex than a short-term illness.
Chronic coughing is brought on by the same illnesses and conditions that cause normal coughs. Even if it’s not accompanied by other noticeable symptoms, medical evaluation is still recommended to identify the underlying cause and prevent ongoing irritation or damage.
When Should You Seek Medical Care?
Coughs can be tricky because they may stem from a manageable chronic condition, or signal an active illness that needs treatment. If your cough has not improved after about a week, it’s a good idea to seek medical evaluation. You should also consider visiting urgent care sooner if your cough:
- Gets worse instead of better.
- Interferes with sleep or daily activities.
- Is accompanied by fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss.
- Produces blood or thick mucus.
- Comes with chest pain, fatigue or difficulty breathing.
Seeking care early can help protect your health and reduce the risk of spreading an infection to others.
Get Care Now!
At AFC Indian Trail, our medical team is equipped to evaluate lingering coughs and determine what’s causing your symptoms. We offer on-site diagnostic services and can assess whether your cough is related to an infection, a chronic condition or another issue altogether. From there, our providers can recommend appropriate treatment options or next steps to help you feel better and breathe easier.
Urgent care is a practical choice when your cough needs attention but doesn’t require a trip to the emergency room. With extended hours and walk-in availability, AFC makes it easier to get care when symptoms linger or worsen. Get back to your routine with confidence!
