Cough Specialist
-
- Tweet
Sunit R Patel, M.D., F.C.C.P., D.A.B.S.M.
Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine Specialists & Pulmonary & Sleep Specialist located in Merced, CA & Turlock, CA
Though most coughs are normal and go away on their own, some causes of coughing are dangerous – even life-threatening – and require medical treatment. Sunit R. Patel, MD, provides thorough and effective cough care at locations in Merced and Turlock, California. When your cough won’t go away, or it keeps getting worse, don’t hesitate to seek treatment. Call Dr. Patel’s office or schedule a visit online today to get relief.
Cough Q & A
When is a cough a cause for concern?
Coughs are common and generally go away within a few days or weeks. However, a persistent cough can be troubling and may cause sleepless nights, headaches, urinary incontinence, and even broken ribs.
If your cough lasts several weeks, you have a cough and fever over 100°F, or you’re coughing up discolored or bloody mucus, it’s time to see Dr. Patel.
What causes coughing?
Coughing can have acute and chronic causes, depending on how long you’ve had your cough. Acute causes last fewer than three weeks, whereas chronic causes can last four to eight weeks. Other types of coughs can last shorter or longer, depending on their cause.
Acute causes
- Common cold
- Flu
- Inhaling an irritant
- Pneumonia
- Whooping cough
- COVID-19
Though most acute cases of coughing resolve on their own, other causes can be life-threatening, especially to babies and the elderly.
Chronic causes
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Postnasal drip
- Long COVID
Chronic causes of coughs can be annoying or may produce more severe, scary symptoms when you can’t breathe properly.
Other causes
- Sinus infection
- COPD
- Cystic fibrosis
- Emphysema
- Lung cancer
- Some medications
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
These cases require medical intervention and treatment from Dr. Patel to prevent the severity or intensity of coughing from increasing.
How is the cause of coughing diagnosed?
A visit with Dr. Patel begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Dr. Patel asks about your cough, any triggers or other symptoms, and how long your cough has lasted.
Next, Dr. Patel examines your lungs by checking your breathing, the sound of your lungs, and the color of your skin and nails, which can indicate a lack of oxygen in your blood. Dr. Patel performs spirometry and pulmonary function tests if further testing is needed.
These tests assess how much oxygen is in your lungs, how well oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in your lungs, and your overall lung function. Additional tests – like X-rays and MRIs – may be ordered if needed.
How is coughing treated?
Treatment depends on the cause of your cough. Dr. Patel specializes in pulmonary medicine and is an expert in lung conditions. Treatment may involve medications – like antibiotics or inhalers – or pulmonary rehabilitation to reduce coughing.
Coughing doesn’t have to bother you all the time. Call Sunit R. Patel, MD, or schedule a visit online to get help today.
