Cough which doctor to see

Learn about the uses for nebulizer machines and some options here. According to a recent review and meta-analysis, zinc supplementation may reduce the symptoms and duration of viral respiratory tract infections.

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Vicks sells two steam inhalers that aim to lessen nasal congestion symptoms. Learn more about these devices and alternative products and treatments. Steam inhalers may provide some relief from symptoms of cold, sore throat, and cough. Read on to learn more about their effectiveness, risks, and….

What can cause a dry cough? Medically reviewed by Dr. Share on Pinterest. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Postnasal drip. Upper respiratory infections. Lung cancer. Other causes. General treatment. Coughs are common and can be either acute or chronic. Additionally, some coughs may produce mucus while others may not. A wide variety of factors can cause a cough. Some examples include environmental irritants, respiratory infections, or chronic conditions like asthma or COPD.

At-home care can often ease a cough. However, sometimes a cough needs to be evaluated by a doctor. Some symptoms could be signs of a medical emergency. Seek immediate attention for a cough that happens alongside one or more of following symptoms:. The average cough lasts 18 days. If you have a cough that won't go away, it may be time to see your doctor. Learn about the differences between types of coughs, such as wet and dry coughs, croup coughs, and violent coughing fits.

Find out what they mean in…. One of the simplest home remedies for easing a cough is to drink certain types of hot teas. So, which teas have been proven to work the best for….

Simple tried-and-true hygiene habits help to prevent spread to other family members:. When is it time to see a doctor or nurse? A wet cough that lasts more than three weeks requires medical attention because it could indicate pneumonia or bronchitis. Some of the most common chronic coughs, defined as lasting more than four weeks, fall into this category. These can be caused by:. Parsons says he sees the condition frequently, and patients typically start coughing when they lie down in bed.

The painful cough will go away when the acid reflux is treated with medication. Your cold, infection or allergies sometimes have the no-fun accompaniment of constant drainage on the back of your throat from your sinuses. Parsons says. People with asthma might hear a sound similar to a whistle or a wheeze when they cough. With asthma, your airways become inflamed and swollen, causing shortness of breath.

Parsons, whose primary clinical interest is treating asthma through the Ohio State Asthma Center. The condition is diagnosed easily with a lung function test. A class of drugs used to treat high blood pressure called ACE inhibitors, which stands for angiotension-converting enzyme, is a well-known cause of dry, chronic cough as a side effect.

The doctor could try an alternative ACE inhibitor or a different type of heart medication. Women's Health. When should you see a doctor about a cough? Published on October 12, When you have a cough, air will get expelled as a result of some irritant. This is usually involuntary, and it is reflex action taken by the body to clear up your airways of mucus and irritants e.

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