Coughs are a common ailment, often triggered by dry air, viruses, and allergies. While many coughs are temporary inconveniences, persistent coughs that linger for weeks can signal a more serious underlying health issue. Dr. Loras Even, DO, from UnityPoint Health, clarifies when your cough warrants a visit to urgent care and how medical professionals can assist in your recovery.
Recognizing When to Seek Medical Advice for Your Cough
Many people find themselves at urgent care seeking relief from persistent coughs. According to Dr. Even, certain cough characteristics should prompt immediate medical attention. “We become concerned when a cough intensifies, is accompanied by a fever, or leads to breathing difficulties,” he explains. “Patients experiencing these symptoms should promptly seek a medical evaluation.”
While some coughs can be effectively managed at home, it’s crucial to recognize when self-care is no longer sufficient. If your cough persists or is accompanied by distressing symptoms, consulting a doctor is essential for relief and to rule out serious conditions.
Types of coughs that frequently necessitate urgent care visits include:
- Headache-inducing cough: Coughs that trigger headaches can be a sign of increased pressure or underlying issues.
- Non-stop coughing: Unrelenting coughing fits that disrupt daily life require medical assessment.
- Prolonged dry cough: A dry cough that lasts for several weeks without improvement should be evaluated.
- Coughing up mucus, phlegm, or blood: These symptoms can indicate infections or other respiratory problems needing diagnosis.
- Cough unresponsive to OTC remedies: When over-the-counter cough suppressants fail to provide relief, professional medical advice is needed.
It’s important to seek medical evaluation if your cough is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fatigue or weakness
- Bluish lips or face
How Urgent Care Can Help You Find Cough Relief
Urgent care providers are equipped to offer recommendations for symptom relief and accelerate your recovery from a troublesome cough.
“Our goal is to provide recommendations that maximize positive outcomes and potentially shorten the duration of your cough,” Dr. Even states. “Your treatment plan may involve cough suppressants in conjunction with other therapies tailored to alleviate your specific symptoms and improve your well-being.”
Furthermore, urgent care plays a vital role in identifying coughs that may stem from serious medical conditions. These conditions can include:
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- COVID-19
- Croup
- Pneumonia
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
- Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Prompt medical evaluation is particularly crucial for infants under six months old who develop a persistent cough.
Is Your Cough a Sign of COVID-19?
A dry cough can be an early symptom of COVID-19. However, if a dry cough is your sole symptom, it might not necessarily indicate a coronavirus infection.
“If a cough is accompanied by fever, fatigue, and body aches, it’s prudent to consider getting tested for COVID-19,” advises Dr. Even.
Vaccination remains the most effective strategy to protect yourself from severe illness caused by COVID-19.
Preparing for Your Visit to Urgent Care for a Cough
UnityPoint Health streamlines access to care to accommodate your busy schedule. Urgent care clinics are conveniently located. To minimize wait times, consider saving 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 also ask about lifestyle factors, such as tobacco use or exposure to chemicals.
To effectively assess your cough, providers will need detailed information, including:
- Duration of the cough
- History of conditions like seasonal allergies that may trigger coughs
- Timing and triggers of cough worsening (nighttime, activity)
- Current medications or home remedies being used
- Presence of other symptoms
- Whether you are coughing up mucus
Urgent care clinics at UnityPoint Health provide care for patients of all ages, from newborns to older adults.
Convenient Access to Cough Treatment at UnityPoint Health
Experienced healthcare professionals are readily available at walk-in care clinics during convenient hours, including evenings and holidays.
For remote care access, virtual urgent care is an option for individuals aged two and older residing in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Virtual appointments are available daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Schedule your appointment through your MyUnityPoint account, the patient portal.
Find Walk-In Care Virtual Urgent Care
