ZOOM+Care DIY Health Articles

Several underlying causes of coughs make them difficult to self-diagnose. Doctors examine your specific type of cough and classify it using the following terms:

• Acute (less than three weeks)
• Subacute (three to eight weeks)
• Chronic (longer than eight weeks)
• Productive (producing phlegm)
• Non-Productive (dry)

We all cough throughout the day, sometimes to the annoyance of our coworkers, and who hasn’t had a bad cough from the cold or flu? Thankfully, most coughs clear up within a couple weeks. But if yours continues, you’ll want to schedule a visit to find its source.

Common reasons for coughing:

• Asthma
• Bacterial infections (pneumonia, whooping cough)
• Cold
• Flu
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Prescription side effects
• Smoking

A cough alone doesn’t always signal a more serious illness. But if after two weeks your cough interferes with your job or daily routine, schedule a visit and talk to a doctor.

You should seek immediate medical attention if at any point your coughing produces blood or makes breathing difficult.

The following symptoms also indicate if your cough is severe enough to see a doctor:

• Breathing troubles
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Coughing up blood
• Drowsiness
• Fever
• Headaches
• Heartburn
• Trouble sleeping