Is My Lingering Cough a Problem?

Battling a cough that won’t quit? You may need to stop by AFC & here’s why. We’re open daily, walk-ins are welcome & most insurance accepted. 

Winter brings chilly weather – even for North Georgia. Indoor activities such as visiting the Dalton-Whitfield Library or grabbing a cup of homemade soup from The Perfect Cup are fun ways to pass the time. While a lingering cough may not stop you from enjoying winter, it’s certainly annoying – and maybe even a little concerning.  

Coughing is one of your body’s natural defense mechanisms, a lingering cough may leave you wondering whether it’s something you should have checked out. If you’re in the Dalton area and dealing with a cough that’s overstaying its welcome, understanding the possible causes and when to seek care can help you take the right next steps. 

Visit AFC Dalton today! 

What Causes a Cough? 

A cough is a natural reflex your body uses to clear the airways of debris and irritants. This can include germs such as viruses or bacteria, allergens like pollen, or environmental irritants such as dust or smoke. In many cases, coughing is your lungs’ way of protecting themselves from inhaling anything that could cause harm. 

When you’re fighting an infection, your lungs or airways may become inflamed, irritated or filled with excess mucus. This irritation often triggers coughing as your body works to clear the infection and keep your airways open. 

Types of Coughs 

There are two major categories of coughs, and identifying which one you have can be helpful: 

• Dry coughs: These coughs do not produce mucus, can sometimes feel painful or irritating and are often paired with symptoms like a sore throat. 
• Productive coughs: A cough producing mucus – in some cases, the mucus may be discolored (this is a sign of a lung infection or a more serious respiratory issue). 

Occasional coughing isn’t usually cause for concern. However, if your cough lasts more than a week, it may indicate an underlying infection or chronic condition – medical evaluation is recommended. 

Common Conditions That Cause a Cough 

A lingering cough can be associated with a variety of illnesses and conditions, including: 

• The common cold 
• Bronchitis 
• Pneumonia 
• Influenza (flu) 
• COVID-19 
• RSV 
• Asthma 
• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) 

When to Seek Medical Care for a Cough 

Coughs can be tricky because they don’t all mean the same thing. In some cases, a cough may be related to a chronic condition like asthma. In others, it can be a sign of an active illness that needs treatment. 

• If your cough is not accompanied by other illness symptoms, you may be dealing with a chronic issue. Even then, medical evaluation is still recommended, especially if the cough is persistent. Certified providers (like the ones at AFC), can help you find a proper diagnosis for your chronic cough. 
• If you’re suffering from a lingering cough, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with an infection in your respiratory tract. When left untreated, a cough can sometimes develop into a more severe or secondary infection. 

A good rule of thumb is this: if your cough has not improved or gone away after one week, it’s time to seek medical care. The earlier you’re evaluated, the better your chances of protecting yourself (and others) if your cough is related to an infection.

You should also consider visiting AFC Dalton sooner rather than later if your cough: gets worse over time, produces blood, or is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, chest pain or difficulty breathing. A cough that interferes with sleep or daily activities is another sign that it’s time to be seen. 

At-Home Remedies to Help Soothe a Cough 

While medical care is important for persistent or worsening symptoms, these at-home remedies may help ease mild cough discomfort: 

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps soothe an irritated throat, keeps your respiratory system moist and thins mucus so it’s easier to clear. Consider drinking warm liquids with honey such as herbal tea or warm water. Honey helps coat and soothe the throat, offering gentle cough relief. 
• Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air reduces throat irritation and coughing. Even spending time in a steamy bathroom may provide temporary relief. 
• Gargle with salt water: This can reduce inflammation and provide temporary throat comfort. Mix one teaspoon of salt into warm water and gargle several times a day. 
• Use cough drops or hard candy: You can reduce the urge to cough by using throat lozenges to help soothe throat irritation. 

Get Rid of Your Lingering Cough with AFC 

If your lingering cough has you questioning whether it’s a problem, AFC Dalton is here to help. Our medical team can evaluate your symptoms, identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment so you can start feeling better sooner. Lingering coughs are often brought on by other illnesses. That’s why we offer same-day rapid testing for common conditions such as COVID-19, influenza, RSV and strep throat. 

With our high-quality medical care, your lingering cough will be gone in no time. Visit our urgent care clinic today or save your spot in line!