Coughing is one of the most common symptoms people experience when they're under the weather. Whether it's a tickle in the throat or a deep, hacking cough, most of us expect it to fade away in a week or two. But what happens when that cough just won't go away? If you have been dealing with a persistent cough for weeks, you might wonder if it's still just a cold or flu, or if it's a sign of something more serious. Understanding the root cause of a chronic cough can help you take the right steps toward relief.
For a same-day cough diagnosis and treatment plan, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care West Orange. Our urgent care center is open 7 days a week and never requires appointments. Just walk in at your convenience!
What is a Chronic Cough?
A chronic cough is typically defined as a cough that lasts longer than eight weeks in adults (or more than four weeks in children). Unlike a temporary cough caused by a cold or flu, chronic coughing can interfere with sleep, work, and daily life. It might come and go or be constant, dry or productive (producing mucus). Regardless of how it presents, a chronic cough signals that something more than just a minor infection could be going on.
Common Causes of Chronic Cough
Several health conditions can cause a lingering cough. Some of the most common include:
- Postnasal drip: Also known as upper airway cough syndrome, occurs when mucus drips down the back of your throat, often due to allergies or sinus infections.
- Asthma: A chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Coughing, especially at night or during exercise can be a major symptom.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Stomach acid backing up into the esophagus can trigger a reflexive cough.
- Chronic bronchitis: Often seen in smokers, this condition involves long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
- Infections: Even after a cold or flu resolves, the cough can linger as the airways heal.
- Medications: Certain medications, particularly ACE inhibitors used for high blood pressure, can cause chronic coughing as a side effect.
Less commonly, a chronic cough can indicate more serious conditions, such as lung infections, heart failure, or even lung cancer, especially if it's accompanied by weight loss, blood in the mucus, or shortness of breath.
When to See a Doctor
If your cough lasts more than eight weeks, it's time to seek medical advice. You should also consult a specialist if your cough:
- Gets worse over time.
- Is accompanied by fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss.
- Produces blood.
- Interferes with sleep or daily activities.
- Comes with chest pain or difficulty breathing.
A medical provider can help determine the underlying cause through tests like chest X-rays, CT scans, or lung function tests. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing symptoms and preventing complications.
Get Same-Day Cough Relief at AFC Urgent Care West Orange
If you're experiencing a persistent cough and are unsure of its cause, visiting an urgent care center can be a smart first step. Urgent care providers can evaluate your symptoms, rule out infections or complications, and point you toward the right treatment or specialist if needed. Don't ignore a lingering cough. It could be your body's way of asking for help. Do you have a persistent cough? Visit us at AFC Urgent Care West Orange for a thorough evaluation and prompt treatment. All patients are seen promptly and treated by licensed and board-certified medical providers. Most major insurances are accepted and we offer affordable rates for our self-pay patients. For more information about the services we provide, please give us a call at (973) 669-5900.
