Cough
-
- Tweet
Tristate Pulmonary Medical Practice
Pulmonologist located in Monaca, PA and servicing Beaver, PA
A persistent cough may be the first sign that you have an underlying respiratory or lung condition. If your cough isn’t relieved with over-the-counter medicines and rest, you need an evaluation with Benjamin A. Laracuente, MD, and the experts at Tristate Pulmonary Medical Practice in Monaca, Pennsylvania, as soon as possible. The skilled pulmonology specialists offer on-site testing to give you the answers you need right away. The team also customizes care plans to promote better breathing and boost your overall respiratory health. Schedule an evaluation for a chronic cough using the online booking feature or by calling Tristate Pulmonary Medical Practice.
Cough Q & A
What causes a cough?
A cough is your body’s natural way to clear debris and mucus from your lungs and airways. It’s common to develop a cough if you have a cold, the flu, or a respiratory infection. However, if your cough becomes persistent and lasts several weeks, even with home care, you may have a more serious condition.
Common causes of a chronic cough include:
- Asthma
- Acid reflux
- Pneumonia
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Lung cancer
You may also develop a chronic cough as a side effect of smoking or frequent exposure to chemicals and other irritants in your workplace.
When should I seek treatment for a chronic cough?
If your cough lasts for longer than three weeks or is becoming worse, you shouldn’t delay getting a diagnostic evaluation at Tristate Pulmonary Medical Practice.
The team offers several on-site pulmonary function tests that evaluate your lung health. You may also need a chest X-ray to identify existing lung infections, such as pneumonia.
Your provider also reviews your personal and family medical history to determine if conditions like lung cancer or asthma may be contributing to a chronic cough.
What treatments are available for a cough?
Once the cause of your cough is understood, your provider designs a treatment plan to ease your cough. Treatment also addresses its underlying cause.
If you have asthma or COPD, you may need inhaled medications to reduce airway inflammation or oxygen therapy to treat persistent shortness of breath.
If your cough is due to an infection, your provider may prescribe a course of antibiotics to clear the infection and resolve your cough.
The Tristate Pulmonary Medical Practice team also works with you to make lifestyle changes to prevent a cough and respiratory health complications. If you smoke, they provide resources to help you quit successfully. They can also evaluate the conditions where you work if they’re contributing to your ongoing cough and breathing issues.
Schedule a diagnostic evaluation for a chronic cough at Tristate Pulmonary Medical Practice using the online booking feature or calling the office.
