A medical professional has highlighted some warning signs to consider if your cough is persisting longer than expected.
Occasional sniffles or coughs are common, but recognizing when it’s necessary to contact a healthcare provider for a check-up is important.
Clinical research physician, Dr. Malathy Munisamy from MAC Clinical Research, explained to The Mirror that a cough is ‘simply the body’s natural response to any irritations within the airways’.
Coughs are typically classified into ‘three groups’: ‘acute’, ‘subacute’, and ‘chronic’.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that an acute cough ‘begins suddenly and lasts for two to three weeks’. These are normally harmless unless you have swallowed something incorrectly or have a random cough.
A ‘subacute cough’, which persists after an infection and lasts three to eight weeks, or a ‘chronic cough’, lasting ‘longer than eight weeks’, may require you to monitor for additional symptoms.
Dr. Munisamy stated that typical coughs usually resolve on their own within a few weeks and are ‘often harmless’.
If your cough stems from a cold or flu, common symptoms might include sneezing, headaches, muscle aches, and fever. In such cases, ‘rest, hydration, paracetamol, ibuprofen, or cold relief medication are usually effective treatments’.
Nonetheless, if your cough ‘lasts three weeks or more’ or is accompanied by any concerning symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a doctor:
If you experience intense chest pain, a significant amount of blood, feel like you’re choking, or have difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical attention immediately by dialing 911 or visiting the nearest emergency room.
The Cleveland Clinic explains: “Having a cough often means nothing serious. It’s normal (and helpful) to cough in certain situations. Coughing helps you get rid of things in your throat and airways that are irritating or making it harder to breathe.
“If you also have other symptoms like trouble breathing, fever, difficulty eating or sleeping, or you’re coughing up bloody or colored sputum, call your healthcare provider for advice. Because young kids can’t tell us what they’re feeling, it’s a good idea to call your child’s provider if they have a cough and fever or a cough that sounds uncomfortable or concerning to you.”