Have you noticed your cough hasn’t gone away? For help deciphering a lingering cough, visit urgent care. AFC is open daily & accepts walk-ins.
Indoor activities are a must in Lenoir. Whether you want to escape the beating summer sun or seek shelter during the chilly winter months, it’s always wise to have some inside alternatives. Fond of caffeine and furry friends? Residents love experiencing North Carolina’s first (and only) cat cafe, Brews & Mews Cat Cafe. Are dogs more your speed? Have no fear, Shake-N-Dog, has some of the best dogs (hotdogs) around. With lots of adorable friends to pet and unique hotdog combinations to try, you definitely don’t want a cough weighing you down.
Although coughing is common, especially during cold and flu season, that doesn’t mean they should always be brushed off. If your cough is lingering, worsening or starting to interfere with daily life, it may be a sign that something more is going on. Knowing how to identify when a cough is a problem and learning what to do next – can help you protect your health and avoid complications.
Why Do We Cough in the First Place?
A cough is a natural reflex designed to protect your lungs. It helps clear your airways of irritants such as dust, smoke, allergens and germs like viruses or bacteria. In many cases, coughing is actually helpful, preventing harmful particles from settling in the lungs.
When an infection is present, the airways or lungs may become inflamed, irritated or filled with excess mucus. This irritation triggers coughing as your body tries to clear the respiratory tract and heal. While this process is normal, persistent coughing may indicate that your body needs extra support.
Understanding the Type of Cough You Have
Not all coughs are the same, and identifying the type can provide helpful clues.
- Dry coughs do not produce mucus. These coughs are often irritating or painful and may be associated with symptoms like a sore throat or chest discomfort.
- Productive coughs produce mucus. If the mucus is thick or discolored, it can be a sign of a lung infection or inflammation in the lower respiratory tract.
An occasional cough usually isn’t a concern. However, a cough that lasts longer than a week (or continues to worsen) should not be ignored.
Common Causes of a Lingering Cough
A lingering cough can be linked to a wide range of illnesses and conditions, including:
- The common cold
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Influenza (flu)
- COVID-19
- RSV
- Asthma
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
Some of these conditions resolve on their own, while others may require medical treatment. The challenge is knowing when your cough crosses the line from inconvenient to concerning.
Signs Your Cough May Be a Problem
Coughs can be confusing because they may stem from a chronic condition like asthma, or they may signal an active infection. Even if your cough isn’t paired with classic illness symptoms, a chronic cough should still be evaluated by a medical provider.
Pay careful attention to your cough if it:
- Gets worse over time instead of improving.
- Produces thick mucus or blood.
- Interferes with sleep or daily activities.
- Is accompanied by fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss.
- Comes with chest pain or difficulty breathing.
- Causes ongoing fatigue or shortness of breath.
If you’re dealing with a lingering cough, there’s a strong chance it’s related to an infection in your respiratory tract. When left untreated, a cough can sometimes lead to a more serious or secondary infection, making early evaluation important.
A good rule of thumb is simple: if your cough hasn’t improved after one week, it’s time to seek medical care.
What to Do If You’re Concerned About Your Cough
If your cough is mild and improving, supportive care at home may help soothe symptoms while you monitor your condition. Staying hydrated is key – fluids help calm throat irritation, keep airways moist and thin mucus.
Using a humidifier can also make a difference. Adding moisture to the air helps reduce throat irritation and coughing. Even a warm, steamy shower or bathroom can 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, don’t forget if your cough persists, worsens, or is accompanied by concerning symptoms, medical evaluation is the safest next step.
Getting Care in Lenoir
If you’re unsure whether your cough is a problem, AFC Lenoir is here to help. Our medical team can evaluate your symptoms, identify the cause of your cough, and recommend appropriate treatment, helping you feel better sooner and giving you peace of mind. We have extended weekday and weekend hours. So, you can walk-in whenever you notice your cough has been sticking around a little too long.
