Cough
The majority of patients do not need medical attention when they are experiencing a cough, as usually it ends on its own after a couple of days. If your cough turns severe, becomes painful, or persists for multiple weeks, it may be a sign of a serious condition and you should contact Miami Pulmonary Specialists to make an appointment in either the Miami or Key Largo locations.
Define a cough?
Every person experiences a cough at some point. A cough is a rapid release of air from the lungs, which can happen involuntarily or deliberately. It is a natural process to cough because it clears the throat and airways of common irritants, fluids, particles and mucus.
What can cause a cough?
The lifecycle of a cough begins by breathing air in, which increases pressure in your lungs and throat, sequentially a quick release of air moves above the vocal cords as it finally exits your body, making a sound.
Every person can occasionally cough to clear their airways or throat of common irritants, fluids, particles and mucus. Recurrent coughing for many weeks is usually a sign of a some sort of illness or underlying health condition. Coughs can come from the common cold, an infectious disease(s), various viruses, and bacteria
Miami Pulmonary Specialists can help diagnose and treat the cause of your cough. Contact us if your coughing lasts more than several weeks.
How do I stop from coughing?:
A consistent cough makes it difficult to perform normal activities such as sleep or working. A constant cough can cause pain in the chest, and can leave you feeling groggy and unrested. To stop a cough, the underlying cause must be treated. In order to get cough relief, you should try the following home remedies first:
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- Drink plenty of fluids
- Take a spoonful of honey
- Drink hot drinks like tea
- Remove allergens from your home
- Sleep in an elevated position
- Take hot showers with steam
- Buy a humidifier
- Try gargling water with salt
- Get a saline spray from your local drugstore
When should I see Miami Pulmonary Specialists for my cough?
The majority of coughs should improve within 1-2 weeks with or without medication. If your cough continues past 1-2 week without getting better, you should contact Miami Pulmonary Specialists to determine your cough is not something more serious.
You should seek medical attention if your cough is combined with additional symptoms. Here are a few examples:
- Cough with chest pain
- Headaches with your cough
- Cough with a fever
- Cough with drowsiness
- Cough while feeling confusion
If you have trouble breathing or are coughing seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible. To understand the cause of your cough, schedule an appointment online or call Miami Pulmonary Specialists today.