Is It a Cold or Something More? When to See a Pulmonologist for Your Cough

It's cold season, and it’s not uncommon for adults to catch the highly contagious respiratory infection 2-3 times a year. Typical cold symptoms last about a week, but sometimes a cough can linger a little longer. 

While an ongoing cough is annoying, if it lasts longer than expected or worsens, it’s time to reach out for expert help. 

At Respacare in Bridgewater, New Jersey, Dr. Nehal Mehta and Dr. Prashant Patel are pulmonary experts who specialize in uncovering the cause of persistent coughs and helping patients breathe easier.

So how do you know if it’s a cold or something else? Here’s what you should know.

Causes of a cough

A cough is a natural reflex for clearing irritants from the throat or airway by pushing air out of your lungs. It helps remove dust, germs, and mucus from your respiratory tract. 

Common causes of a cough include:

• Cold or flu
• Allergies or hay fever
• Postnasal drip
• Inhaling environmental irritants (smoke, chemicals)
• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Pulmonary embolism (PE)
• Heart failure
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Most coughs aren’t serious and resolve on their own over time, but some coughs benefit from a medical evaluation, especially if symptoms linger or affect your daily life.

When a cough is a concern

The nature of your cough and accompanying symptoms can help determine the cause. Types of coughs include:

Productive cough

A productive cough, also called a wet cough, brings up mucus from the lower airway or lungs. While not always serious, this type of cough is a sign of bronchitis, pneumonia, and heart failure. Coughing up yellow or green mucus may mean you have an infection. 

Nonproductive cough

A nonproductive cough, or dry cough, doesn’t bring up any phlegm of mucus, but may cause a scratchy or tickling sensation in the throat. This type of cough is common with allergies, asthma, and environmental irritants.

Accompanying symptoms

Other symptoms with your cough, such as a fever or shortness of breath, are concerning and may mean your cough is more than just a cold. A cough that lasts three or more weeks may also mean you have something more. 

If you have any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor, who may then refer you to a pulmonologist for specialized testing and treatment.

How a pulmonologist can help

Our pulmonologists diagnose and treat any and all conditions that affect your respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, and upper respiratory tract. 

At your initial visit, our pulmonologists ask detailed questions about your symptoms and health history. We complete a physical exam, perform pulmonary function tests, and may request imaging tests to gather objective data about the health of your lungs.

Using this information, we can uncover the underlying cause of your cough and create a personalized treatment plan. We provide comprehensive care for a wide range of breathing disorders, from allergies and asthma to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and sleep apnea. 

Treatment may include medications to ease symptoms or clear up infections, breathing therapy, or long-term management strategies such as immunotherapy and lifestyle changes.

A cough isn’t always serious, but it’s not something to ignore if it lasts for weeks or occurs with other symptoms. 

At Respacare, our pulmonology team can pinpoint the cause of your cough and develop a plan that helps you feel better and breathe easier. Contact our office today by phone or online.