Cough

What causes a cough?

A cough is your body's reaction to irritation within your throat or respiratory system. The irritation triggers the nerves in the area to alert your brain, and your brain then directs your muscles to expel the irritant through muscle contractions (coughing).  

There are many reasons that you could develop irritation in your throat or respiratory system, including:

• Flu
• Common cold
• COVID-19
• Long-haul COVID-19 (post-COVID)
• Allergies
• Acute sinusitis
• Asthma 
• Pneumonia
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - emphysema or chronic bronchitis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Lung cancer
• Sleep apnea

These are some of the more common causes of a cough, but you may develop a cough for a variety of other reasons as well.

When should I see a doctor about a cough?

A cough can be acute (lasting less than three weeks), subacute (lasting three to eight weeks), or chronic (lasting longer than eight weeks). Any subacute or chronic cough requires medical attention.

But, the duration of your cough isn't the only factor in determining whether you need medical care. If you have very forceful coughing or if your coughing doesn't stop (spells of continual coughing), it's time to book an appointment at TruDoc Medical LLC, even if the cough started recently.

It's also important to pay attention to symptoms that occur alongside the cough. If you have issues like shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, chest tightness, wheezing, or other significant symptoms, it's particularly important to seek medical care quickly.

How is the cause of a cough diagnosed?

At TruDoc Medical LLC, the team performs a full respiratory exam, paying particular attention to your lung function and anatomy. Pulmonary function testing, such as spirometry, evaluates the way you breathe, measures lung input and output, and checks other important aspects of lung function. 

You may also need a chest X-ray or other forms of imaging, and, in some cases, you may need laboratory tests to check for infections or other issues. 

How is a cough treated?

Cough treatment varies widely according to what kind of disorder, disease, or health issue you have. Your treatment may include oral medication, inhaled medication, breathing treatments, oral appliances, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), or, in severe cases, supplemental oxygen or hospitalization. 

The TruDoc Medical LLC team treats your cough and provides continued supportive care until you're cough-free. Book your appointment online or call the office for help now.