When to see your doctor about a cough?

Dr. Fraser recommends to see your physician for ongoing cough if you have known risk of lung disease, such as previous lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or are a past or current smoker.

Other reasons to see your doctor include:

A cough lasting four to six weeks. Among the many causes of unexplained cough are undiagnosed asthma, the backup of stomach acid also known as Reflux disease, and even side effects of certain drugs used to treat high blood pressure could be the reasons for a persisting cough.

A cough accompanied by fever or shortness of breath see a doctor promptly.

A change in sputum color- Blood tinged sputum warrants urgent medical care, especially if accompanied by chest pain. Yellowish or greenish sputum may suggest a bacterial infection and requires a physician’s care.