DIFFERENT TYPES OF COUGHS AND THEIR MEANINGS

Different cough symptoms mean different things and may be the result of a variety of conditions, big (lung damage) and small (a viral infection). Here are some of the most common cough symptoms and what they mean.

• Asthma: Asthma coughs occur when the air passages tighten and breathing becomes difficult. Your body may cough to try and force open your airway.

• Cold and Flu: Coughs from a cold or flu are your body’s way of trying to eject the virus from your body, which is why these coughs can mean your illness is contagious.

• Postnasal Drip: Often loud, forceful coughs that cause you to release mucus, postnasal drip coughs are your body’s way of getting rid of excess fluids. However, some dripping sensations may be caused by sinus inflammation.

• Allergies: If your body is dealing with allergies, especially seasonal allergies, you may have a dry cough. As with asthma, this may be your body’s way of reacting to swollen airways. Antihistamines may be needed.

• Bronchitis: A cold or viral infection that affects your lungs, bronchitis commonly causes intense coughing that releases yellow-green phlegm.

• Acid Reflux: Many people who struggle with acid reflux may cough as a reaction to rising stomach acids.

• Whooping Cough: As the name suggests, this respiratory tract infection is famous for its primary symptom: a cough with a whoop-like sound.

If you’re struggling with a cough that isn’t going away after several days, or you feel your cough may be a symptom of a serious condition, visit Lanier Urgent Care for fast and gentle treatment. We’re proud to be a top urgent care center in Gainesville with wait times averaging only 15 minutes. We accept most major insurance plans, but also offer affordable pricing for private-pay patients. Whether you’re dealing with a serious illness, suffered a sports-related injury, or have burned or cut yourself, Lanier Urgent Care can assist you. Our experienced medical team can address a variety of urgent medical needs—even on weekends. Visit us next time you need fast medical attention and waiting several days for your family doctor just isn’t fast enough. For more information, including current wait times, contact us below.