When Should I Go to the Doctor About My Cough?

A cough is a nuisance and not always a symptom that needs medical attention. But not all coughs are the same, and you should know when it’s time to see your doctor.

At Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Associates in Tampa and Brandon, Florida, our expert team specializes in diagnosing and treating nagging coughs. 

When should you go to the doctor about your cough? Learn what our experts say.

Coughing is a reflex

Coughing is a protective reflex that clears away foreign and irritating substances from entering the lungs. Smoke and postnasal drip are common triggers. A cough is normal and not something you can fully control. 

Some coughs come and go in seconds, while others last for weeks. Coughs can also sound different, like a bark or a high-pitched whoop or gurgle. Duration, sound, and level of mucus production are some of the factors we look at when evaluating a cough. 

Types of coughs include:

• Acute cough
• Chronic cough
• Productive or nonproductive cough
• Whooping cough
• Wheezing cough
• Daytime or nighttime cough

The characteristics of a cough vary depending on the cause. Upper respiratory infections like the common cold or flu can cause dry and irritating coughs that last for weeks. Whooping cough, or pertussis, is an upper respiratory infection that causes a distinct barking cough, which can come and go for weeks or months. 

Common causes of a cough

Why are you coughing? That’s the question you want answered. Coughing is an expected symptom of upper respiratory infections like the cold and flu. Though your cough may last longer than you’d like, it may not cross your mind to see a doctor about it if it comes from a cold. 

But coughing is also a symptom of chronic medical conditions like heart failure, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and allergies. 

When a cough needs medical care

The symptoms of your cough can help you determine when you should go to the doctor. You should schedule an appointment if your cough lasts longer than a few weeks, is severe, or interferes with your daily routine. A chronic cough that affects your sleep also benefits from a visit with your doctor.

You should go to the doctor if you have other concerning symptoms with your cough, such as a high fever, shortness of breath, or green or yellow mucus. We also recommend an evaluation if you're coughing on and off for several months.

Go to the emergency room if you cough up blood, have chest pain, or have difficulty breathing.

We specialize in diagnosing and treating many of the common conditions that cause irritating coughs, including upper respiratory infections, allergies, and asthma. We combine our experience and training with advanced testing to find the cause of your symptoms and develop an effective plan. 

No matter the cause, we can help you get relief from your coughing.

Call us today or book an appointment online at the location most convenient to you. We have offices in South Tampa, Carrollwood, and Brandon.