Coughing is a reflex that clears your throat and your airways. Coughing helps to heal and protect your lungs. A cough may last only 2–3 weeks (acute), or it may last longer than 8 weeks (chronic). Many different things can cause a cough. A cough may be a sign of an illness or another medical condition.
HOME CARE
• Pay attention to any changes in your cough.
• Take medicines only as told by your prescribing doctor.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you are starting to feel better.
• Talk with your doctor before you try using a cough medicine.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your pee (urine) clear or pale yellow.
• If the air is dry, use a cold steam vaporizer or humidifier in your home.
• Stay away from things that make you cough at work or at home.
• If your cough is worse at night, try using extra pillows to raise your head up higher while you sleep.
• Do not smoke, and try not to be around smoke. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
• Do not have caffeine.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Rest as needed.
GET HELP IF:
• You have new problems (symptoms).
• You cough up yellow fluid (pus).
• Your cough does not get better after 2–3 weeks, or your cough gets worse.
• Medicine does not help your cough and you are not sleeping well.
• You have pain that gets worse or pain that is not helped with medicine.
• You have a fever.
• You are losing weight and you do not know why.
• You have night sweats.
GET HELP RIGHT AWAY IF:
• You cough up blood.
• You have trouble breathing.
• Your heartbeat is very fast.
If you or a loved one are experiencing any signs or symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact us at Kudo Care, 972-639-5836 and schedule an appointment today. We look forward to helping you.