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Many conditions can cause a cough, from mild colds to life-threatening tumors and blood clots. Whatever’s causing your cough, the Southwest Pulmonary Associates team in Dallas and Plano, Texas, can help. They combine experience, compassion, and the most advanced tools in pulmonary medicine to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatment. If your cough won’t go away, let them help you find answers and relief. Call Southwest Pulmonary Associates to arrange an appointment or request an appointment online today.
Cough Q & A
What causes a cough?
A cough is your body’s way of clearing your airways. It can result from something simple like a cold, a more serious infection, or a long-term disease such as asthma.
A cough may be dry and tickly or produce mucus. Coughs should go away in a few weeks, so a long-lasting cough could signify an underlying problem.
When should I be concerned about my cough?
If your cough lasts more than three weeks, is worsening, or comes with symptoms like chest pain, weight loss, or coughing up blood, it’s important to visit the lung specialists at Southwest Pulmonary Associates for an evaluation.
Chronic cough can sometimes be a sign of the following conditions:
Asthma
In asthma, the airways become inflamed and narrowed, making it hard to breathe.
Chronic bronchitis
This long-term form of bronchitis causes constant coughing and mucus production.
Pleural effusion
Pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue lining the lungs and chest cavity.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, often filling them with fluid or pus.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
COPD is a group of lung diseases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe.
Pulmonary embolism
A pulmonary embolism occurs because of a blockage in a lung artery. It can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Pulmonary fibrosis
In pulmonary fibrosis, lung tissue becomes scarred and stiff.
Interstitial lung disease
Interstitial lung disease is a group of disorders causing inflammation and scarring.
Lung nodule
A lung nodule is a small growth that’s usually harmless but might require further testing to rule out cancer.
Lung cancer
Lung cancer develops when abnormal cells grow and multiply uncontrollably in the lungs, forming tumors or masses.
How is a cough’s cause diagnosed?
The Southwest Pulmonary Associates team begins by reviewing your medical history and symptoms and then conducting a physical exam. They may order tests such as a chest X-ray or a CT scan.
If necessary, the team uses advanced tools like endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) to look deeper into the lungs and airways. These procedures help find hidden issues that may not show up on regular tests. Your provider can also extract a tissue sample (biopsy) for lab analysis.
For expert cough diagnosis and treatment, call the Southwest Pulmonary Associates office nearest you or request an appointment online today.