Have you ever wondered why you cough when you’re sick? If your airways experience irritation due to invading germs, smoke, or dust, your body uses the force of coughing to expel the problem's source. Your coughs achieve a speed of nearly 50 miles per hour (MPH)! That’s a lot of intensity for your body to go through.
You may find yourself coughing persistently if you’ve recently had a cold, a case of COVID-19, or if cold air triggers your asthma. Coughing during your illness is normal, but what about when a persistent cough takes up residence in your chest and just won’t seem to go away? At what point should you start to worry, and when should you pick up the phone to schedule an appointment with a doctor?
Dr. Samuel Fink and the team at Samuel Fink MD have you covered regarding seasonal coughs, colds, sleep apnea, and other respiratory issues. They provide the best internal medicine in Tarzana, CA, and are your premier source for primary care when persistent coughing troubles you.
If you’re unsure if your persistent cough is a cause for concern, you can always schedule a checkup with us.
During an illness or right after exposure to smoke or dust, your body uses coughing as part of its emergency response kit. However, when your cough persists for 14 days or more, it’s time to figure out what else might be going on with your health.
A cough lasting two weeks may indicate a condition like lung disease, long-term COVID-19, or a lower respiratory infection, all requiring expert medical care and treatment. A lingering cough could become bronchitis without a doctor's care, creating additional health complications. Letting a cough hang around for more than two weeks is not a good idea.
The force of ongoing coughing may strain your respiratory system. Coughing fits can cause so much stress to your lungs, respiratory muscles, and chest bones that you run a risk of cracking a rib! It can also cause headaches.
If your breathing is strenuous or painful due to coughs, contact Dr. Fink for care. And, if you’re experiencing severe pain associated with coughing, you may need emergency care to address a potentially serious condition like a collapsed lung. Don’t wait to seek medical evaluation if you’re short of breath or experiencing chest pain. If you’re in that condition, head to the ER.
Another sign that your coughs could cause concern is if you cough up any blood or discolored phlegm. This can indicate pneumonia, lung damage, lung disease, or a symptom of a problem in other parts of your body.
You don’t want to risk a serious health condition derailing your 2025. If your persistent coughing seems like a possible problem, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Fink at Samuel Fink MD. Call now to schedule an appointment, or book online today.
