Coughing is one of the most common symptoms people experience during the fall season. The shift in weather, allergens in the air, and seasonal illnesses often trigger coughing fits that can range from mild to severe. While many coughs are harmless and temporary, some may indicate a more serious condition that requires medical attention. Knowing when to be concerned can help you get the right care at the right time.
At AFC Urgent Care Stoneham, our board-certified medical providers are available every day this fall to provide convenient cough diagnosis and treatment. We’re able to effectively diagnose the underlying cause of coughs to provide an effective treatment plan. We accept walk-in patients daily, and offer patients the option to save their spot in advance using the button below.
Common Causes of a Cough
A cough is your body’s way of clearing irritants, mucus, or foreign particles from your airways. During the fall, common causes of cough include:
- Seasonal Allergies: Pollen, mold spores, and dust can irritate the throat and airways, causing persistent coughing.
- Viral Infections: Colds, flu, and other respiratory viruses spread easily as temperatures drop, often leading to dry or productive coughs.
- Post-Nasal Drip: Mucus dripping down the back of the throat can tickle the airway and trigger a cough.
- Asthma or Bronchitis: Cooler weather can make breathing conditions flare up, causing frequent coughing or wheezing.
Understanding the underlying cause of your symptoms is the first step in determining whether your cough needs more than at-home remedies.
How Can I Stop Coughing So Much?
Fortunately, most fall-related coughs can be managed with simple at-home treatments. Here are a few practical tips for managing a mild to moderate cough at home:
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking warm teas, water, or broths can soothe the throat and thin mucus.
- Use a Humidifier: Moist air helps relieve dryness that worsens coughing, especially at night.
- Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong fragrances, or outdoor allergens if they trigger symptoms.
- Over-the-Counter Remedies: Cough drops, honey, or expectorants can help suppress coughing and ease irritation.
If your cough lasts more than two to three weeks despite these remedies, it may be time to seek medical care for further treatment.
How Do I Know If My Cough Is Serious?
Not all coughs are harmless. You should seek medical care if your cough is accompanied by severe symptoms, including a high fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood. While some coughs can go away on their own, a persistent, worsening cough should never be ignored, especially if it interferes with sleep or daily activities.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham for Same-Day Cough Treatment
While many fall coughs are due to minor irritations or seasonal colds, some require urgent care to rule out serious illnesses like pneumonia or bronchitis. Seeking medical care for a cough ensures you get a proper diagnosis and an effective treatment plan to manage your symptoms.
At AFC Urgent Care Stoneham, our walk-in urgent care clinic in Stoneham, Massachusetts, is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm to provide same-day care for coughs! We treat patients of all ages, and have a lab and digital X-ray imaging suite on-site for advanced diagnostics. Our clinic works with most major medical insurance providers, and we have competitive rates for self-paying patients. Walk into the clinic today, or give the clinic a call to learn more about the services we provide at (781) 279-4000.
