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When to see the doctor about a lingering cough
A cough that seems determined to stay may be irritating, but when is it time to see a doctor about it?
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A study has revealed that the average cough sticks around for 18 days. (Shutterstock/Orawan Pattarawimonchai)
A cough that seems determined to stay may be irritating, but when is it time to see a doctor about it?
“If you’ve been coughing for 18 days, it might be time to visit a doctor,” said Benjamin Kaplan, an internist with healthcare organization Orlando Health, as quoted by Medical Daily.
A study revealed that the average duration of cough is 18 days, the Washington Post reported. Matthew Mintz, an internist with George Washington Medical Faculty Associates, also said that two-plus weeks of coughing is quite common in most cases of viral respiratory infections.
Mintz said that there were two kinds of cough that lingered after a cold. Bad respiratory infection cases could incite a lingering postnasal drip, whose common symptoms include a cough and sore, scratchy throat. While the second kind is called post-inflammatory bronchospasm, and it resembles asthma. “It’s a tightening of the airways that restricts air flow and is accompanied by cough and wheezing,” Mintz added.
Read also: Simple homemade flu and cough remedies
The three main types of cough are acute, subacute and chronic. A cough is considered acute if it persists for less than three weeks and subacute if it lasts more than three weeks but less than eight weeks. A cough is chronic if it lasts more than eight weeks.
While duration is one of the key factors, you are expected to note the accompanying symptoms. For instance, gastroesophageal reflux disease can cause a lingering cough without heartburn. If you have bad breath and a sour taste in the mouth, the disease might be a reason.
If you are a smoker or exposed to secondhand smoke, be aware that the tobacco smoke could prolong the cough. If your cough is accompanied by chest pain, unexplained weight loss or bloody sputum, there is a possibility of lung cancer. Make a visit to a doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms.
So, you should not need to immediately worry should your cough have persisted for more than ten days. However, if you feel that it is worsening and does not respond to over-the-counter medicine and home remedies, make an appointment with the doctor. (wng)
