When you’re sick, it can feel like your symptoms are lasting forever. The severity and duration of illness symptoms can vary greatly from person to person depending on factors like what is causing the symptoms and your overall health. Generally speaking, if your symptoms last more than a week, you should seek medical care. It is unusual for a cough to last more than a week and could indicate an underlying condition that requires medical treatment.
If you’re in need of rapid illness symptom relief, AFC Urgent Care Bedford can help. Our walk-in clinic provides same-day illness care 7 days a week for patients in Bedford, MA, and the surrounding communities. We accept walk-in patients and maintain short wait times, simply walk into the clinic for same-day care!
What Causes a Cough to Linger
Coughing is a natural reflex. Coughing clears your airways to prevent damage to the lungs. It can happen due to incidents such as choking, seasonal allergies, or illnesses. Diagnosing the cause of a cough can be difficult without diagnostic testing performed by a medical professional. If you have a cough that is lingering longer than a few days, or continues to worsen over time - your cough may be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Coughs caused by environmental factors such as allergies may come and go with exposure to irritants.
When to Seek Medical Care for a Lingering Cough
Persistent coughing can be an indication of an infection. When you’re sick, your lungs can become coated with mucus or inflamed which can lead to persistent coughing. It is always a good idea to seek medical care for a cough that won’t go away on its own, however, there are some symptoms that suggest you should seek urgent care for treatment.
If your cough is producing discolored mucus that is green or yellow, you should seek medical treatment. Similarly, if your cough is leading to difficulty breathing, chest pain, wheezing or uncontrollable coughing fits - you should always seek medical care. These symptoms may suggest a more serious infection that requires medical treatment.
Cough Diagnosis & Treatment in Bedford, MA
Seeking medical care is the only way to determine the underlying cause of your cough. Diagnostic testing will be able to determine whether there is an infection in your lungs. Based on the results, your medical provider will review the treatment options available to manage your symptoms and help your body heal. In some cases, coughs can clear up on their own over time. However, there are cases when prescription antibiotics may be necessary to help your body fight off the underlying infection that is causing your symptoms.
Walk Into AFC Bedford for Same-Day Illness Treatment in Bedford, MA
If you’re experiencing a cough that just won’t go away, AFC Urgent Care Bedford is here to help. It is not normal for a cough to last weeks on end. At AFC Bedford, our walk-in clinic is open 7 days a week to provide patients in Bedford, MA, with rapid illness care. Our clinic is equipped with a laboratory on-site for rapid diagnostic testing available during your visit. Simply walk into the clinic for same-day treatment. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care for patients paying out-of-pocket for their healthcare. Walk into the clinic today!
