It's not always easy to tell when a cough has turned into something worse. You don't want to head to the doctor every time you have a cough. However, you don't want to wait so long that it turns into something more life-threatening. When you have a cough that just wants to hang on, it sometimes becomes necessary to err on the side of safety and head to the doctor. If you're not sure whether your cough warrants a trip to the walk-in clinic, take a look at the signs below. If you're experiencing any of the signs described below, it's time to visit the walk-in clinic.
Your Cough has a Wheeze
If you have a cough due to the common cold, it shouldn't seem like anything out of the ordinary. However, if you've got a cough due to an asthma attack, or severe allergies, your cough may develop a wheeze. If your cough has developed a distinctive wheeze, it's time to visit the doctor. It could be something as simple as a bit of post-nasal drip, but it could also be the sign of some bronchial inflammation. If that's the case, you're going to need medical attention.
Your Mucus has Changed Color
If your mucus has been clear to white for the past few days, and now it's turned to a dark green or yellow, you need to be seen by the doctor as soon as possible. Changes in the color of your mucus can be a sign of a serious infection. This is particularly true if it's changed to green. You should head to the doctor if your mucus is tinged with blood. In some cases, blood can signify that you've been coughing so hard that you've broken a few blood vessels. However, it can also be a sign of something more serious. It's time to have your doctor take a look.
You're Short of Breath
If your cough has become so severe that it's causing you to experience shortness of breath, or you're choking when you cough, you need to be seen by a doctor right away. Shortness of breath or choking while coughing is nothing to take lightly. It's important to note that if you're having a difficult time recovering from your bouts of coughing, you should call 911 right away.
Don't take chances with your health. If you're experiencing any of the symptoms described above, you should visit someplace like MED7 Urgent Care Center or a walk-in clinic near you right away.
