Coughing is a common occurrence. It is often your body's way of clearing irritants from your airways. Most of the coughs are harmless and resolve on their own. However, there are situations where a cough may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
Read this article to identify when it is advisable to seek medical attention for a cough. For a thorough evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care West Orange!
Symptoms that Indicate Your Cough Needs Medical Attention
Here are some of the common symptoms that may indicate your cough needs medical attention urgently:
Persistent Cough
It is considered chronic if your cough lingers for more than three weeks. Various underlying issues can cause chronic coughs. This issue could be asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Seeking medical evaluation for a persistent cough is essential to identify the underlying cause.
Difficulty Breathing
A cough accompanied by severe difficulty breathing or shortness of breath requires immediate medical attention. This could indicate a painful respiratory condition, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or a pulmonary embolism.
Coughing Up Blood
Coughing up blood, also known as hemoptysis, is a concerning symptom that necessitates urgent medical care. It could indicate lung infections, tuberculosis, or even lung cancer.
Wheezing or Chest Pain
Coughing combined with wheezing or sharp chest pain should not be ignored. It could be associated with asthma, a pulmonary embolism, or cardiac issues. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial to rule out severe conditions.
Different Illness that Could Cause a Cough
Some common illnesses that can cause a cough are as follows:
⮚ Asthma: Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by recurrent coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
⮚ Allergies: Allergies can trigger coughing. This usually happens if they affect the respiratory system. Postnasal drip can also lead to coughing.
⮚ Bronchitis: Bronchitis is a condition that can cause coughing, as the airways in the lungs become inflamed.
⮚ Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD can cause stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. It leads to chronic coughing and irritation.
⮚ Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD includes conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It can result in chronic coughing and breathing difficulties.
Getting a Full Evaluation, Diagnosis, & Treatment Plan at Urgent Care
When you experience a cough that raises concerns or meets any of the criteria mentioned earlier, visiting an urgent care facility is prudent. Here's what you can expect during your visit:
⮚ Physical Examination: A physical examination may include listening to your lungs. It also helps in assessing any other relevant symptoms.
⮚ Diagnostic Tests: Depending on your symptoms, the provider may recommend diagnostic tests such as chest X-rays, blood tests, or pulmonary function tests to identify the underlying cause of your cough.
⮚ Treatment Plan: You will receive a personalized treatment plan after a diagnosis. This may include medications, breathing treatments, or specialist referrals if necessary.
⮚ Follow-up Care: If your condition requires ongoing management, the urgent care team will guide follow-up appointments and continued care.
Visit AFC Urgent Care West Orange For Same-Day Cough Treatment
By recognizing the symptoms that indicate a need for evaluation, you can ensure that your cough is assessed correctly. It helps to diagnose and treat the issue. This will ultimately promote a faster and more comfortable recovery. Don't hesitate to contact AFC Urgent Care West Orange if you have concerns about your cough—it's always better to be safe than sorry. Just walk-in today!
