CHRONIC COUGH
If you have had a cough for more than 3 weeks, it may be chronic. When something is "chronic" it means it lasts for a long time. The following are some questions to help you decide whether you should see your doctor about your cough:
- Are you coughing up thick yellow or green phlegm?
- Are you wheezing (making a whistling sound when you breathe in)?
- Are you running a temperature higher than 101°F?
- Are you losing weight without trying?
- Are you having drenching sweats in bed at night (the sheets and your pajamas get soaking wet)?
- Are you coughing up blood?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, call your doctor. He or she will want to find out if you have an illness that is causing the cough. There are many other reasons for a chronic cough. These include smoking and allergies to a variety of agents, including:
- Dust
- Smoke
- Pollen, mold, and freshly cut grass
- Pets and certain plants
- Cleaning agents and room deodorizers
- Chemical fumes
An over-the-counter antihistamine-decongestant combination may help stop your allergies and your cough. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to help you choose one.
(Sources: National Library of Medicine and American Academy of Family Physicians, 2007-2008)
