From our Parish Nurses: A SPOONFUL OF T.L.C.When to see your doctor about a cough.
How do you know when a cough warrants seeing your doctor? See a doctor for an on-going cough, if you have a known risk of lung disease, such as previous cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or if you are a past or current smoker. Other reasons to see a doctor include:
A cough lasting 4 to 6 weeks. Among the many causes of unexplained cough are undiagnosed asthma, the backup of stomach acid into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GRD) and even the side effects of certain drugs used to treat high blood pressure -- in particular angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), enalapril (Vasotec) and lisinopril (Zestril).
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 doctor's care.
Also see a doctor if there's a change in a previously evaluated, long-standing cough or if a cough develops or lingers after choking on foods such as nuts or popcorn.
