Winter is respiratory illness season. If you are experiencing a stubborn cough that just won’t go away, you may be suffering from a respiratory tract infection. Many different illnesses can cause a cough and it is important to seek medical care early for proper diagnosis and treatment. AFC Urgent Care Linden offers patients in Linden, NJ, walk-in illness treatment 7 days a week with no appointment needed.
What Causes A Cough?
A cough is a natural reflex meant to clear your airways of debris and irritants. This can include germs such as viruses or bacteria, as well as allergens and environmental irritants such as dust and smoke. Coughing is meant to protect your lungs from inhaling anything that could harm them. Sometimes, when we are suffering from an infection, the lungs or airway can become inflamed, irritated, or filled with excess mucus. This can cause you to suffer from a persistent cough as your lungs try to clear your airway. There are two major categories of coughs:
Dry Cough: Dry coughs are coughs that do not produce mucus. They can sometimes be painful and often are paired with other symptoms such as a sore throat.
Productive Cough: Productive coughs are coughs that produce mucus when you cough. In some cases, the mucus may be discolored which can indicate the presence of a lung infection.
There are a variety of conditions that can lead to a lingering cough. Although not all coughs are cause for concern, in most cases, coughs that last more than a week likely indicate an infection or a chronic issue and require medical evaluation.
Common conditions that cause a cough include:
- Common cold
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Flu
- COVID-19
- RSV
- Asthma
- GERD
When To Seek Medical Care For A Lingering Cough
Coughing can be an irritating symptom. Not only is coughing uncomfortable, but the tiny droplets released by coughing can spread your illness to others. If you’re suffering from a cough along with other illness symptoms, you likely have an infection in your respiratory tract. If your cough is not accompanied by any other illness symptoms, you may be suffering from a chronic condition such as asthma. It is always important to seek medical care for a cough to protect yourself from developing a severe illness and to protect those around you from catching your illness.
A cough can be an indication of a serious infection. It can also develop into a more severe secondary infection. Although your cough may feel manageable now, without proper medical treatment, you may have more severe symptoms. If your cough is lingering for longer than a few days, it is an indication of continuous exposure to an irritant or the development of a severe infection. Seeking early medical evaluation for a cough is a quick and easy way to protect yourself and others from severe illness and resolve your symptoms.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Linden For Walk-In Illness Diagnosis & Treatment in Linden, NJ
If you’re suffering from a stubborn cough that won’t go away, it may indicate that you’re suffering from a respiratory tract infection. The medical providers at AFC Urgent Care Linden are board-certified and trained to diagnose and treat a variety of illnesses, including respiratory infections. We understand that your time is valuable, which is why we offer same-day illness treatment for patients in Linden, NJ, and the surrounding communities 7 days a week. Simply walk into our clinic or schedule an appointment online today.
The facility at AFC Urgent Care Linden is equipped with a full laboratory on-site, allowing our medical staff to quickly and accurately diagnose the cause of your symptoms and provide the necessary treatment. We accept most major medical insurance plans and offer affordable care options for patients who are paying directly for their care. For additional questions regarding our clinic, please contact us directly by calling (908) 275-5922.
