Coughs are a common ailment, often triggered by dry air, viruses, or allergies. Most coughs are temporary and resolve on their own. However, a persistent cough that lingers for weeks can signal a more serious underlying health issue. Dr. Loras Even from UnityPoint Health highlights when your cough warrants a visit to urgent care and how medical professionals can help you find relief.
When is it Necessary to Seek Immediate Medical Attention for a Cough?
A persistent cough is a frequent reason for individuals to visit urgent care. It’s particularly important to seek medical attention when a cough worsens, is accompanied by a fever, or causes breathing difficulties. According to Dr. Even, “We’re especially concerned when a cough worsens, is associated with a fever or causes breathing problems. Patients experiencing these symptoms should come in for an evaluation.” These symptoms could indicate a condition that requires prompt medical intervention.
Reasons to Consult a Doctor for a Cough
While many coughs improve with home care, if your cough persists or is accompanied by troublesome symptoms, it’s time to see a doctor for effective relief. Urgent care centers frequently address various types of coughs, including:
- Cough causing headache: A cough accompanied by a headache can be a sign of sinus issues or other infections.
- Nonstop cough: A relentless cough that doesn’t subside can disrupt daily life and may indicate an underlying problem.
- Long-lasting dry cough: A dry cough that persists for weeks can be indicative of conditions like asthma, allergies, or even GERD.
- Coughing up mucus, phlegm, or blood: These symptoms can signal infections like bronchitis or pneumonia, or other respiratory issues that need medical assessment.
- Cough that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter (OTC) medication: If cough suppressants and other OTC remedies are ineffective, it’s important to seek professional medical advice.
It’s crucial to seek evaluation if your cough is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Unintentional weight loss
How Urgent Care Providers Can Help with Cough Relief
Urgent care providers are equipped to offer recommendations to alleviate your cough symptoms and expedite your recovery. Dr. Even states, “We provide recommendations that help you achieve the best results and possibly get rid of the cough sooner. Your care may include cough suppressants along with other therapies to help you feel better.”
Beyond symptom relief, urgent care plays a crucial role in identifying coughs that may be caused by serious medical conditions. These conditions include:
- Asthma: A chronic respiratory condition that can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
- Bronchitis: An inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often causing a mucus-producing cough.
- COVID-19: A viral infection that can present with a dry cough, fever, and other respiratory symptoms.
- Croup: A viral infection common in young children, characterized by a barking cough.
- Pneumonia: An infection of the lungs that can cause a cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): A common respiratory virus, particularly affecting young children and older adults.
- Whooping Cough (Pertussis): A highly contagious bacterial infection known for severe coughing fits followed by a “whooping” sound.
It’s especially important to get a prompt medical evaluation if a persistent cough is observed in a child younger than six months old, as they are more vulnerable to respiratory complications.
Could Your Cough Be a Symptom of COVID-19?
A dry cough can be an early symptom of COVID-19. However, if a cough is your only symptom, it may not necessarily indicate a coronavirus infection. “If the cough is accompanied by a fever, fatigue, and body aches, consider testing for COVID-19,” advises Dr. Even. The most effective way to protect yourself from severe illness from COVID-19 is through vaccination.
Preparing for Your Urgent Care Visit for a Cough
UnityPoint Health offers convenient access to care that fits your schedule. Their urgent care clinics are located conveniently. To minimize your waiting time, you can save your spot online before visiting your nearest walk-in care location.
During your urgent care visit, healthcare providers will conduct a thorough physical examination and inquire about your medical history. They may ask about lifestyle factors, such as tobacco use or exposure to chemicals.
They will also need detailed information about your cough, including:
- Duration of the cough
- History of allergies or conditions that cause chronic coughs
- Whether the cough worsens at night or with activity
- Current medications and home remedies being used
- Any other accompanying symptoms
- Whether you are coughing up mucus
Urgent care clinics provide care for patients of all ages, from newborns to older adults.
Convenient Access to Cough Treatment at UnityPoint Health
Experienced healthcare providers are available at UnityPoint Health walk-in care clinics from morning to evening, including holidays. For care from the comfort of your home, consider virtual urgent care, available for individuals aged two and older in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and South Dakota, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Schedule your appointment through your MyUnityPoint account, their patient portal.
