Cough

A lingering or severe cough can be more than just a nuisance; it may be a sign of a hidden cause. At United Family Physicians in Glendora, California, Khanh Thai, DO, and Paul Moya, DO, take the time to understand what’s behind your symptoms and provide thoughtful, effective care. If your cough isn’t going away, schedule a visit by calling the office or booking online today.

What is a cough?

A cough is your body’s natural way of protecting your airways and clearing your throat, lungs, or nasal passages. It’s a reflex that helps remove irritants, such as mucus, dust, allergens, or germs, from the respiratory tract. 

Coughs can be acute (lasting less than three weeks), subacute (lasting three to eight weeks), or chronic (lasting longer than eight weeks). While most coughs are temporary and go away on their own, some may be a sign of an underlying health issue.

What causes a cough?

Coughs can develop for many reasons, including:

Viral infections

Colds, the flu, and COVID-19 are the top causes of acute coughs.

Allergies or asthma

Allergies or asthma can irritate your airways and trigger coughing, especially when exposed to pollen, dust, or pet dander.

Postnasal drip

Excess mucus from sinus infections or allergies can drip into your throat, which causes coughing.

Acid reflux (GERD)

Stomach acid that flows back into the esophagus can irritate your throat and lead to chronic coughing.

Smoking or exposure to irritants

Cigarette smoke, pollution, or workplace chemicals can damage your airways.

Lung conditions

Chronic bronchitis, COPD, or even lung cancer can cause a persistent cough.

Medications

Certain medications, like ACE inhibitors for blood pressure, may list coughing as a side effect.

Is a cough a serious health concern?

In most cases, a cough isn’t severe and resolves with rest and home care. However, it can be a warning sign of a more serious condition if it lasts several weeks, worsens over time, or shows symptoms like fever, weight loss, chest pain, or blood in the mucus. 

If you have a chronic cough or experience warning signs, make an appointment with United Family Physicians as soon as possible.

How is a cough treated?

At United Family Physicians, treatment for a cough depends on its underlying cause, such as:

• Viral infections: usually resolve on their own with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter remedies
• Allergies or asthma: treated with antihistamines or inhalers
• GERD: managed with dietary changes and acid-reducing medications
• Bacterial infections: may require antibiotics

In some cases, cough suppressants or expectorants can help alleviate symptoms; however, long-term relief comes from treating the root cause.

If you have a concerning cough, book an appointment at United Family Physicians by phone or online today.