Cough

Cough Treatment at EPIC Urgent & Family Care

A cough is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention, especially as seasons change or during cold and flu season. While often a normal and protective reflex to clear the lungs, a persistent or severe cough can be disruptive and a sign of an underlying issue. At EPIC Urgent & Family Care, serving the Palatine and Streamwood communities, we understand the nuances of different coughs and are here to provide the precise care you need to breathe easier.

The Nature and Causes of Coughs

The cough reflex is your body’s natural way to protect your lungs. It helps clear mucus and irritants, preventing conditions like pneumonia. Coughing up mucus, even if it’s yellow or green, is often a normal part of the healing process, especially during a viral illness. Coughs can stem from various sources:

• Common Cold (Viral Bronchitis): Most coughs are part of a cold affecting the lower airway. In healthy children, bronchitis is almost always caused by a virus. Yellow or green phlegm is a normal part of recovery from viral bronchitis. Bacteria do not cause bronchitis in healthy children.

• Sinus Infection: Post-nasal drip can irritate the throat, or sinus pressure might trigger the cough reflex.

• Allergic Cough: Breathing in allergens like pollen or pet dander can induce a cough in sensitive individuals.

• Asthma: This is the most common cause of chronic coughs in children.

• Air Pollution Cough: Fumes, especially tobacco smoke, can irritate airways and cause coughing.

• Exercise Induced Cough: Physical activity, particularly in cold or polluted air, can worsen existing coughs.
• Serious Causes: Less commonly, a cough can indicate more serious conditions such as pneumonia, bronchiolitis, whooping cough, or an airway foreign body (object).

Effective Care Advice for Coughs

Managing a cough effectively often involves simple home remedies and general care, alongside professional medical guidance when necessary.

Homemade Cough Medicine:

• Age 3 months to 1 year: Give 1-3 teaspoons of warm clear fluids like apple juice or lemonade, four times per day when coughing.
• Age 1 year and older: Use ½ to 1 teaspoon (2-5 ml) of honey as needed. Honey can thin secretions and loosen the cough. Do not use honey for children under one year old.
• Age 6 years and older: Cough drops can help coat a sore throat.

General Care Tips:

• Warm Mist: Use warm mist for coughing fits or spells.
• Humidifier: If the air in your home is dry, a humidifier can help as dry air makes coughs worse.
• Fluids: Encourage plenty of fluids to help thin mucus.
• Avoid Tobacco Smoke: Exposure to tobacco smoke significantly worsens coughs.

Non-Prescription Cough Medicine: 

Non-prescription cough medicines are not advised for children under four years old, as they have no proven benefit for this age group according to the FDA (2008). For children over four, a cough medicine with Dextromethorphan (DM) might be considered every 6 to 8 hours for severe coughs that interfere with sleep or school.

What to Expect During Recovery

Most viral bronchitis coughs, which are common with colds, can last for two to three weeks. It is normal to cough up a lot of phlegm or mucus, which can range in color from gray to yellow or green. It’s important to remember that antibiotics are usually not helpful for viral coughs.

When to Seek Professional Medical Attention

While many coughs resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant a visit to a healthcare professional. Knowing when to call your doctor or visit an urgent care center is crucial for effective management and to prevent complications. You should seek medical attention if:

• You experience trouble breathing.
• You or your child is wheezing.
• The cough lasts more than three weeks.
• You think you or your child needs to be seen by a doctor.
• Your symptoms worsen significantly.

The Role of Your Healthcare Team

At EPIC Urgent & Family Care, our team is equipped to address your cough concerns comprehensively. For ongoing health management and complex coughs, your family doctor is an invaluable resource. A family doctor can monitor your health history, understand your lifestyle, and provide a holistic approach to managing your cough and overall well-being. They can offer guidance on preventive measures and help manage chronic conditions that may contribute to coughing.

For children, our pediatrician, Dr. Hetal Patel, specializes in addressing the unique health needs of young patients. If your child’s cough is concerning, or if they display symptoms like persistent wheezing or difficulty breathing, a pediatrician can provide a precise diagnosis and tailored treatment plan. She is adept at distinguishing between common viral coughs and those that might require specific medical intervention, ensuring your child receives the most appropriate pediatric care.

When symptoms appear suddenly or worsen outside of regular office hours, our urgent care facilities are ready to provide immediate relief. EPIC Urgent & Family Care offers walk-in access for acute cold symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and nasal congestion. We can perform on-site tests to rule out conditions like flu or strep throat quickly and provide necessary medications, even antibiotics if a bacterial infection like sinusitis or bronchitis develops as a complication. Our urgent care centers provide prompt, effective treatment without the long waits or high costs often associated with emergency rooms.

Contact Us Today!

Don’t let a lingering cough disrupt your life or your child’s well-being. Whether you need a comprehensive evaluation from a family doctor or immediate attention from our urgent care team, EPIC Urgent & Family Care is here to support you in Streamwood and Palatine.