Are you struggling with a cough that you can’t shake? Coughing is our body’s natural way to clear our airways from debris and irritants. Our lungs compress to force air through the airway to hopefully dislodge anything that shouldn’t be there. Coughing is a very common illness symptom because many illnesses impact the respiratory system which includes your lungs and airway. Coughing may not always be caused by an illness, however, a cough can be caused by other conditions including allergies and general throat irritation. Keep reading to learn more about what causes coughing and when to seek medical care for a cough. Visit AFC Urgent Care Centennial for same-day cough diagnosis and treatment available 7 days a week for patients in Centennial, CO with no appointment needed!
Common Causes of a Cough
Coughing is a common reflex that can happen for a variety of reasons. In some cases, you may cough randomly just once, while other times you may have a persistent cough that you cannot get rid of. If you are struggling with a cough that is persistent and won’t go away, it is likely due to an illness.
Being sick can cause your lungs to become inflamed and irritated. This can lead to the accumulation of mucus in your lungs which can cause you to cough up mucus. Sometimes, coughs can be dry and painful. The kind of cough you experience and the severity of it will depend on what is causing your cough. Common illnesses that lead to a cough include:
- Cold
- Flu
- Mono
- Strep
- Bronchitis
When to Seek Medical Care for a Cough
If you are experiencing a cough, you may require treatment. Some coughs are caused by bacterial infections which require antibiotics to clear up the infection. Bacterial infections tend to be more serious illnesses that cause symptoms like coughing up discolored mucus and a fever. Mild coughs that don’t bother you as much often are caused by other irritants such as mild viral infections that don’t require treatment or allergies. It is important to monitor your cough and to seek medical care if your cough continues to worsen over time or is causing you to have trouble breathing or chest pain. These symptoms could indicate the presence of a severe illness that requires medical treatment.
How to Soothe a Cough at Home
If you are experiencing a mild cough, you likely do not require treatment. Instead, many times a cough will resolve on its own over time. Regardless, coughing can be disruptive to your sleep and be irritating to manage. You can use these tips for treating a cough at home while your body heals:
- Gargle warm salt water: This will help reduce irritation in your throat
- Stay hydrated: Our bodies need water to function and heal!
- Use over-the-counter decongestants: This will help break the mucus up
- Take hot showers: To help loosen the mucus up
Walk Into AFC Centennial for Same-Day Cough Treatment in Centennial, CO
If you’re experiencing a cough, it is important to seek medical care for a diagnosis of your symptoms. Coughing can be caused by a variety of conditions. In some cases, coughs may resolve on their own. However, there are a few conditions which do require medical treatment. At AFC Urgent Care Centennial, our walk-in clinic offers same-day cough diagnosis and treatment for patients near Centennial, CO. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer competitive rates for care. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you for same-day care!
