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 Center, (972) 639-5836 and schedule an appointment today. We look forward to helping you.