Do you ever feel that when a cough starts it never ends? You are not alone!

In fact, it can seem that when a cough doesn’t disappear after a few days that something more serious could be going on. While it’s always a good idea to get a lingering cough checked out by a medical professional, the team at AFC Urgent Care Knoxville also thinks it’s important for you to know just how long a cough can last.

How Long Does a Cough Last?

Research shows that the average cough can last up to 18 days, which can seem like a very long time. However, even during this length of time, your cough should be getting better with each passing day.

Therefore, if your cough seems to not be easing up or continues to get worse as time passes, it’s definitely time to seek a medical evaluation.

Causes of a Cough

• Acid reflux
• Acute bronchitis
• Asthma
• Chronic bronchitis
• Common cold
• COPD
• Flu
• GERD
• Pneumonia
• Postnasal drip
• Smoking

What If My Cough Doesn’t Improve Naturally?

If you are still fighting off a cough after a few weeks and natural remedies like a humidifier and honey are not doing the trick, it might be time to look toward adding medications and other remedies to help find relief from your cough.

Treatments for a Cough

• Take antibiotics, if prescribed.
• Try decongestants and other OTC meds.
• Drink hot beverages like tea with honey to soothe an irritated throat.
• Stay hydrated.
• Breathe in steam from a hot shower.

Do you have other symptoms in addition to a cough? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Knoxville for a medical evaluation.