Cough
A physiologic reflex to clear irritants from the throat or lungs. While occasional coughing is normal, persistent, productive, or bloody coughs require medical evaluation.
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What Causes a Cough?
A cough is a natural reflex to clear your throat and lungs of irritants. While occasional coughing is normal and healthy, persistent coughs lasting more than a few weeks warrant medical attention.
Coughs can have many underlying causes, ranging from simple viral infections to more serious respiratory conditions. Our medical team uses diagnostic imaging and tests to identify the root cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
When to Seek Help
Persistent cough lasting more than a few weeks
Productive cough with mucus or phlegm
Dry cough
Coughing up blood
Chest pain when coughing
Shortness of breath
Fever or chills
Hoarseness or voice changes
Possible Causes
Bronchitis
Inflammation of airways producing productive cough
Flu
Viral infection causing dry or productive cough
Pneumonia
Lung infection requiring urgent treatment
Sinus Infection
Post-nasal drip triggering persistent cough
Asthma
Airway inflammation causing chronic cough
Acid Reflux
Stomach acid irritating throat and lungs
How We Treat It
Antibiotics
Prescribed for bacterial infections like bronchitis or pneumonia
Antihistamines
Reduce cough caused by allergies or sinus drainage
Bronchodilators
Inhalers to open airways and ease breathing
Acid Reducers
Medications to treat acid reflux-related cough
Diagnostic Methods
Chest X-ray to identify lung abnormalities
CT lung scan for detailed imaging
Pulmonary function tests to assess lung capacity
Physical examination and medical history