When Coughs Cross the Line to Being Chronic

Did you know that not all coughs were created equal? There are coughs associated with scratchy throats and colds, with a tickle in the throat, and with allergies. Bottom line is that coughs can be a symptom of many different illnesses or health conditions.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a chronic cough that doesn’t go away after a few days, a doctor’s visit is recommended. At North Jersey Pulmonary Associates Clifton, our team of professionals is committed to your well-being. That means we will be your partner in care — getting to the root of your cough problem and prescribing an effective treatment.

A chronic cough, or a cough that persists for several days, can be an indicator of illness of a more serious health condition — one that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medication or at-home remedies. Potential causes include the flu, bronchitis, laryngitis, pneumonia, asthma, COPD or emphysema. In rare cases, a chronic cough can even be a sign of a more serious health condition, like heart failure or lung disease. Fortunately, these can all be diagnosed using simple, often non-invasive testing techniques.

If your cough lasts several weeks, have a high fever over 100 °F, or are coughing up discolored or bloody mucus, you need medical intervention and treatment to prevent worsening of symptoms. A proper diagnosis at our office is the first step in helping you find relief. Don't continue to try and treat the problem on your own. Although coughing is common, and often benign, it’s still worth medical attention to make sure you are being treated appropriately.

Your trusted partner in care

At the office of North Jersey Pulmonary Associates Clifton, our goal is to keep you in the best possible pulmonary health so you can live the life you want. For more information on our office and the many services we provide, give us a call today.