Coughing Clues: When a Cough Needs a Doctor’s Attention

Coughing is a natural way for the body to clear the airways. While most coughs resolve on their own, some may indicate a more serious issue. Knowing when to see a doctor can help you or your loved ones get the right care. 

Here’s a breakdown of when to monitor a cough and when to seek medical attention, for both adults and children. 

Understanding Types of Coughs 

A cough can serve as a protective reflex or a symptom of illness. Coughs are generally categorized into two types, based on their symptoms: 

• Wet (Productive) Cough: Produces mucus (phlegm) and is often caused by infections like colds, sinus infections, bronchitis or pneumonia. Some chronic diseases may also cause a wet cough, like heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  
• Dry (Non-productive) Cough: Non-productive, causing throat irritation without mucus. Common triggers include infections, allergies or irritated airways from irritants like acid reflux to medications to air pollution.  

“While a cough paired with fever and shortness of breath could signal pneumonia,” said BayCare’s VP/Chief Quality Officer Dr. Laura Arline, FACP, FAAP. “A persistent dry cough may be associated with conditions that are longer term, like asthma, allergies or reflux.” 

Chronic cough could be associated with: 

• Chronic bronchitis 
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung conditions
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Throat disorders, including vocal cord disorders
• Postnasal drip 
• Heart failure and other cardiac conditions

When to Call a Doctor for Kids 

Children often experience coughs due to colds and other respiratory tract infections or allergies. While most coughs resolve within a few weeks, some symptoms may indicate the need for professional care. 

Contact a pediatrician if: 

• The cough lasts 2 weeks or more or worsens over time. For infants younger than 3 months, contact a pediatrician if the cough lasts longer than a few hours.  
• At any time, they have trouble breathing, including fast or labored breaths, wheezing or shortness of breath.  
• There’s a fever (100.4 F or more for infants under 3 months or 102 F or higher for babies 3 months or older), with or without cough. 
• The cough sounds unusual, like a barking noise (often heard with croup) or a “whooping” sound (often heard with pertussis).  
• The child coughs up bloody mucus.  
• Choking occurs after inhaling food or a small object. 

Seek emergency care if your child has blue or pale lips, significant difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, extreme fatigue, or confusion. 

When Adults Should See a Doctor 

In adults, coughs are often caused by colds or viral infections, but there are situations where medical attention is necessary: 

• The cough persists beyond 3 weeks or worsens instead of improving. 
• The cough is associated with chest pain or difficulty breathing. 
• There’s blood in your mucus or you’re consistently coughing up large amounts of phlegm. 
• You have a fever of 100.4 F or more that lasts more than a few days. 
• The cough follows exposure to allergens and doesn’t improve with over-the-counter treatments and removal of the allergen. 

"A lingering cough in adults is often overlooked, but it can signal underlying conditions like GERD (acid reflux), asthma, or even early signs of more serious illnesses such as COPD or heart failure," said Dr. Arline. "It’s especially important to seek medical attention if the cough is accompanied by weight loss, blood in the mucus, or night sweats and persistent fevers." 

Seek urgent care if you experience rapid breathing, dizziness, fainting or have a history of chronic conditions like asthma or heart issues that worsen with a cough. 

How to Manage a Cough at Home 

If your cough is mild and doesn’t require a doctor’s visit, try these remedies: 

• Stay hydrated: Fluids thin mucus and ease throat irritation. 
• Use a humidifier: Moist air can soothe dry or irritated airways. Make sure to clean your humidifier per manufacturer recommendations. 
• Try honey (for kids over 1 year old and adults): A teaspoon can reduce nighttime coughing. 
• Avoid smoking and irritants: Keep indoor air clean and allergen-free. 

While many coughs can often be treated at home, persistent, severe or unusual symptoms deserve medical attention.  

“Practicing proper cough etiquette is a simple way to protect those around you,” said Dr. Arline. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough with a tissue or cough into the crook of your elbow if you don’t have a tissue, wash your hands, and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. If you're unwell, wear a mask and avoid touching your face. 

By understanding the types and causes of a cough, you’ll be better equipped to determine whether home remedies will suffice or if it’s time to seek professional care. 

For more health tips, visit BayCare's Wellness Resources for a collection of materials and information to support you and your loved ones throughout your wellness journey.