Cough

While an occasional cough is a normal reflex that helps clear your airways, a persistent or severe cough may signal an underlying illness or condition, so don’t hesitate to schedule an evaluation with experienced nurse practitioner Elena Vale-Saquieres, DNP, FNP-C. At Orlando Medical Associates in Orlando, Florida, Elena can help you understand the cause of your cough, relieve symptoms, and get your health back on track. Call Orlando Medical Associates or book your visit online today.

What can cause a cough?

Coughs can have many causes, ranging from temporary illnesses to chronic medical conditions. Acute coughs are often due to viral respiratory infections, including familiar ones like:

• The common cold
• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Your cough may continue for days or weeks even after other symptoms improve. Allergies and postnasal drip can also trigger coughing, particularly when mucus drains down the back of the throat. Asthma may cause a recurring cough, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. 

Other potential causes include acid reflux, smoking, secondhand smoke, air pollution, and certain medications. If your cough persists or repeatedly returns, schedule an evaluation with Elena to identify the underlying cause rather than simply treating the symptom.

What symptoms should I watch out for with a cough?

The characteristics of a cough can provide important clues about its cause. Pay attention to whether the cough is dry or produces mucus, how long it has lasted, and whether it’s improving or worsening.

Contact Orlando Medical Associates if your cough persists, worsens, or interferes with sleep or daily activities. Other symptoms that may need Elena’s attention include:

• Fever
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Significant fatigue

Seek emergency care if you experience:

• Coughing up blood

• Difficulty breathing
• Bluish lips or face
• Severe chest pain
• Confusion
• Rapidly worsening symptoms

Elena can assess your cough and accompanying symptoms and determine whether additional testing or treatment is appropriate.

How is a cough diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosing a cough typically begins with a medical history and physical examination. Elena may ask how long you have been coughing, whether you’re producing mucus, what other symptoms you have, and whether you have potential triggers such as allergies, smoking, or recent illness. 

Depending on your symptoms, she may recommend diagnostic testing such as a respiratory virus test or chest X-ray.

Your treatment is always tailored to the underlying cause of your symptoms. Many coughs caused by viral infections improve with rest, fluids, humidified air, and other supportive measures. Allergies, asthma, acid reflux, and bacterial infections may require different treatments.

If you’re tired of a cough that’s persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms, Orlando Medical Associates can provide timely evaluation and personalized treatment. Get started by calling the office or booking online now.