Cough

What is a cough?

A cough happens when you forcefully push air out of your body to eliminate irritants, germs, or mucus from your airways and breathe more easily. You might feel a scratchy or tingling feeling in your throat, along with a need to cough forcefully. 

A cough can be dry without mucus or wet (containing mucus). It may appear suddenly and disappear within a week or two, or become chronic (ongoing) without effective treatment. Coughing severity ranges from mild to severe. 

If you’re struggling to breathe well because of chronic coughing or experience additional unpleasant symptoms, see Dr. Smith for an evaluation and treatment recommendations. 

What can cause a cough?

Common causes of a cough include:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Colds
• Flu
• COVID-19
• Infections
• Acid reflux
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis 
• Whooping cough 
• Some medications
• Postnasal drip
• Dust
• Strong smells
• Smoking
• Throat disorders

A cough is the body’s way of protecting itself from foreign substances in the airways.

Left untreated, complications from coughing might include difficulty breathing, choking, asthma attacks, vomiting, or headaches.

How is the cause of coughing diagnosed?

Dr. Smith can meet with you in person or virtually to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and the type of cough you’re experiencing. He also asks about your lifestyle habits and any current medications.

KC Cares Med offers flu testing, lung function tests, and referrals for chest X-rays or other imaging procedures. 

How is a cough treated?

Your personalized treatment plan for a cough might include:

• Rest and fluids
• Home remedies 
• Over-the-counter medications
• Prescription medications
• Cough drops
• Inhalers

It’s helpful to get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, and minimize stress to recover from a cough. The flu vaccine helps prevent coughing caused by the flu virus. 

It’s also beneficial to keep the air in your home clean. Replace air filters often and avoid smoking and other lung irritants. 

KC Cares Med provides treatments for allergies that may contribute to unpleasant or severe symptoms.

Follow up with Dr. Smith to ensure your cough subsides, and call the KC Cares Med office anytime with questions about your treatment plan.

Schedule an in-person or virtual cough evaluation with Dr. Smith at KC Cares Med by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.