A cough is your body’s natural way of clearing irritants from the airways, but when it lingers for weeks or keeps getting worse, it may signal something more serious. A persistent cough can disrupt sleep, affect daily activities, and point to an underlying condition that needs medical attention. Knowing the common causes and when urgent care is the right choice can help you protect your respiratory health.
For same-day cough treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Livingston. Our board-certified medical team is available to provide immediate care for your symptoms 7 days a week. Just walk in or plan your visit in advance below!
What Causes a Persistent Cough?
A cough is generally considered persistent when it lasts longer than three weeks in adults or two weeks in children. While some coughs resolve on their own, others stick around due to ongoing irritation, infection, or chronic illness.
1. Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections are among the most common reasons for a lingering cough. Conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or a lingering viral infection can cause inflammation in the airways that takes time to heal. Even after other symptoms fade, coughing may persist as the lungs recover. Bacterial infections, in particular, may require antibiotics to fully resolve.
2. Asthma
Asthma can cause a chronic or recurring cough, especially at night or after physical activity. Some people experience cough-variant asthma, where coughing is the primary symptom rather than wheezing. Triggers like cold air, exercise, or allergens can worsen symptoms without proper treatment.
3. Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus from the sinuses drips down the back of the throat. This can lead to frequent throat clearing and coughing, particularly when lying down. Allergies, sinus infections, or colds are common causes, and symptoms may persist if the underlying issue isn’t treated.
4. Environmental Factors
Exposure to environmental irritants such as smoke, pollution, dust, or strong chemical odors can irritate the airways and lead to a chronic cough. Dry indoor air or prolonged exposure to allergens can also keep cough symptoms going long after initial exposure.
5. Chronic Conditions
Certain chronic conditions can cause a long-lasting cough. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may trigger coughing when stomach acid irritates the throat. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart conditions, and long-term smoking history are other possible contributors that should not be ignored.
When to Visit Urgent Care
Visiting an urgent care center is recommended if your cough lasts more than a few weeks, worsens over time, or is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing up blood, or unexplained weight loss. Urgent care providers can evaluate your symptoms, perform diagnostic tests if needed, and begin treatment right away. Prompt care helps prevent complications and provides relief when a persistent cough starts interfering with your quality of life.
Get Walk-In Cough Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Livingston
At AFC Urgent Care Livingston, our experienced providers can assess your condition and help you recover safely and quickly. If you need immediate symptom relief, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Livingston. Our providers are here 7 days a week to provide quick and professional care, helping you relieve symptoms like a persistent cough. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about our services, contact us directly at (973) 601-2626.
