Chronic Cough Treatment Doctor in Coral Springs, FL

A few different things, like asthma, acid reflux, chronic bronchitis, allergies, and some medications, can cause a chronic cough. For some people, it could be a warning of something that is a more serious issue, such as lung cancer or heart failure.

Allergies and asthma are common causes of chronic cough. Allergies interfere with the airways and tend to make them inflamed, which leads to coughing. Asthma can cause the airways to become narrow, resulting in wheezing and coughing. Acid reflux, which most people know as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), happens when stomach acid starts to flow back into the esophagus, which causes irritation and coughing.

Chronic bronchitis is a condition that causes inflammation and tapering of the bronchial tubes, which also leaves you coughing and having some difficulty breathing. Some prescriptions, like ACE inhibitors, which are used in the treatment of high blood pressure, can also cause chronic cough as a side effect.

In some cases, a chronic cough can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as lung cancer or heart failure. Lung cancer can cause coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Heart failure can cause coughing, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and feet.

If you have a chronic cough, it’s imperative to understand that it is not a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying condition. Chronic cough presents as a cough that lasts for eight weeks or more in mature individuals or four weeks in children. The symptoms of a chronic cough can vary depending on the underlying cause but may include a persistent cough, wheezing, pain in the chest, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing. In some cases, chronic coughing may also cause fatigue, headaches, or urinary incontinence.

There are various potential causes of chronic cough, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), postnasal drip, and smoking. Other less common causes may include aspiration or inhaling a foreign object, lung cancer, or tuberculosis.

If you are experiencing a chronic cough, it is important to go and see a healthcare professional to figure out the underlying cause and an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options could involve using medications, changes in your lifestyle, or, in some cases, surgery.

A chronic cough can be caused by various underlying health conditions, such as asthma, postnasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung cancer, among others. A chronic cough can be accompanied by other symptoms such as wheezing, pain in the chest, and coughing up blood, which can be alarming and require immediate medical attention.

The healthcare professional may conduct a physical examination, evaluate your medical history, and order some advanced imaging tests, like a chest X-ray, to diagnose the cause of your cough. Treatment options may include medications, such as cough suppressants, bronchodilators, or steroids; lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, avoiding triggers, or using a humidifier; or, in some cases, surgery.

In summary, any persistent cough can be a cause for concern, and it’s crucial to seek medical attention for a chronic cough, as it could lead to more serious underlying issues that need rapid treatments.

It is recommended to see a doctor for a chronic cough if it lasts for more than three weeks, as this could be a warning of other underlying health issues that need to be addressed. Additionally, if the cough is causing severe discomfort and is accompanied by symptoms like coughing up blood, chest pain, and difficulty breathing, or if you have a history of respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Healthcare personnel will do an in-depth evaluation, conduct necessary tests, and provide appropriate treatment to alleviate the symptoms and identify any potentially serious conditions causing the chronic cough. Delaying medical evaluation can lead to complications, so timely intervention is essential for your overall health and well-being.

Cough treatment is available at Walking Urgent Care. For more information, contact us or walk in. We are conveniently located at 10308 W Sample Road Coral Springs, FL 33065. We serve patients from Coral Springs FL, North Lauderdale FL, Coconut Creek FL, Boca Raton FL, Parkland FL, Margate FL, and surrounding areas of Florida.