Cough

When it goes from tiresome to troubling

Everyone coughs from time to time — it’s a common reflex action that clears your throat of mucus or foreign irritants. But a number of conditions can cause a more serious, persistent cough that can cause a host of other symptoms, such as sleeplessness, urinary incontinence and even broken ribs. A cough typically falls into one of two categories: acute and chronic.

Common acute causes (less than 3 weeks in duration)

• Common cold
• Flu
• Inhaling an irritant
• Pneumonia
• Whooping cough

Common chronic causes (four to eight weeks in duration)

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Postnasal drip
• COPD

How we can help

If your cough lasts several weeks, you have a cough and fever over 100 °F, or you’re coughing up discolored or bloody mucus, you need medical intervention and treatment to prevent an increase in severity or the development of other symptoms.

Dr. Nader Mahmood of North Jersey Pulmonary Associates is at the forefront of pulmonary medicine modalities. He will perform a series of diagnostic tests in order to develop an effective treatment plan that’s right for you. Treatment may involve medications – such as antibiotics or inhalers – or pulmonary rehabilitation to reduce coughing.

Your trusted source for pulmonary health

With our two convenient locations in Clifton and Ridgewood, NJ, Dr. Mahmood and his staff are dedicated treating the underlying cause of your cough — and silencing it. Please reach out to our office to make an appointment at (973) 321-1670.