Do You Have a Cough You Just Can’t Shake?

June 12, 2017

Many patients per year visit Quick Care Med for respiratory illnesses. This is not surprising as, according to WebMD, tens of millions of Americans suffer from some type of lung disease.

Our lungs are a vital part of our body system, filling and contracting thousands of times per day. It’s no wonder that the lungs, and the tubes that connect them to other parts of the body, often become inflamed or sick.

Respiratory illnesses can range from a viral infection – such as a cold, the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or an upper respiratory infection – to bronchitis, asthma, or pneumonia. On rare occasions, more serious illnesses can be present. Whatever the cause, some respiratory illnesses can worsen over time without treatment, so if you suspect something is wrong, come in to see a Quick Care Med provider right away.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections are the number one reason people seek medical treatment in the US, and result in the highest number of missed days from work or school (Medicinenet.com). Common symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, cough, and sometimes feeling tired or unable to take deep breaths. These viral infections are most common between September and March, and symptoms usually last 3 – 14 days.
Because this illness is a viral infection, antibiotics will not help. It is best to treat the symptoms, and get plenty of rest – which your body needs to heal itself. Treatments you might try include:
• Over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with body aches and sore throat
• Decongestants or antihistamines for the nasal drainage
• Cough medicine
• Nasal spray or saline drops
• Steam from the shower
• Honey
• Salt-water gargles
• Drinking plenty of fluids, including warm beverages that can soothe the throat
• Sleeping in a semi-propped-up position can help with nighttime coughing
Upper Respiratory Tract infections are contagious, so limit contact with loved ones to avoid spreading the illness

Bronchitis

If your cough gets worse or won’t go away, or if you begin wheezing, you might have developed bronchitis. Bronchitis occurs when your bronchial tubes, whose job it is to carry oxygen to your lungs from your windpipe, become inflamed and coated with mucus.
Bronchitis can be viral, and will need to be treated like an upper respiratory tract infection, or may be caused by a bacterial infection and require antibiotics. Only an examination from a medical professional can determine your diagnosis, and offer treatment options.

Pneumonia

If you develop chest pain, shortness of breath, a productive cough, fever, or fatigue, you could have pneumonia – an infection in one or both lungs that causes the tiny air sacs, known as alveoli, to fill with mucus or fluid. This makes it more difficult to be able to take deep breaths.
Pneumonia is usually a bacterial infection, but can be viral as well. A Quick Care Med medical professional can do a thorough assessment of your situation to determine the best course of treatment.
Whatever the type of respiratory illness, it is important to get plenty of rest, drink lots of non-caffeinated fluids, and avoid smoking or being around 2nd hand smoke.