A cough is a common symptom that can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions. In most cases, a cough is not a cause for concern and will resolve on its own. However, there are some cases where a cough may be a sign of a more serious condition, and you may need to see a doctor.
So, how do you tell if you need to see a doctor about your cough? By keeping an eye out for the following things:
1. You’re Coughing up Blood
If you are coughing up blood, it is important to see a doctor as this could be a sign of a more serious condition. While a cold or the flu can sometimes cause you to cough up blood, it is usually not a large amount and should not be accompanied by other symptoms. If you are coughing up a lot of blood or if you have other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue, then it is important to seek medical attention.
2. You’re Having Difficulty Breathing
If your cough is accompanied by shortness of breath, this is a sign of a more serious problem, such as pneumonia. Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that causes difficulty breathing. If you are having trouble catching your breath or your cough is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chest pain, or extreme tiredness, you should see a doctor right away.
3. You’re Coughing up Green or Yellow Mucus
Coughing up green or yellow mucus can be a sign of a bacterial infection, and you’ll need antibiotics to clear it up. Also, if your cough is accompanied by a fever, chills, or chest pain, along with the green or yellow mucus, you should see a doctor right away.
4. You Have a High Fever
A fever is a sign that something is wrong with your body. If you have a fever, it could be a sign of infection or another serious medical condition. If your fever is accompanied by other symptoms, such as coughing or difficulty breathing, it could be a sign of something even more serious. Either way, you should see your doctor right away to find out what’s causing it and get the appropriate treatment.
5. You’re Feeling Exhausted
If you have a cough that is accompanied by fatigue, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Why? Because a cough that is accompanied by fatigue can be a sign of a serious underlying health condition, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. Those two issues are severe, and they warrant a visit to the doctor.
Conclusion
As we’ve said, coughing is a common symptom that can be caused by several issues. It is usually nothing to worry about, and, usually, it’ll stop after some time. However, it can also be a sign of an underlying health condition. If you have a cough that is accompanied by problems like fatigue, shortness of breath, and more, do visit a doctor. It is always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your health!
Family Medicine and Wellness offer a variety of health services to help individuals enjoy better well-being in both body and mind. If you are looking for a family medicine doctor for your cough in Michigan, get in touch with us today!
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