Summertime in east Tennessee brings hot temperatures—and beautiful weather! Who wants to be cooped up inside feeling under the weather when there’s so much fun to be had?!

If a cough has got you feeling less than your best, the first step to treating it is knowing exactly what’s causing it.

Why Am I Coughing?

A cough can occur for many reasons. While the all-too-familiar allergies and airborne irritants are among the most common reasons, there are other causes, too:

Reasons for a Cough

• Air pollution
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Bronchitis
• Cold
• COPD
• GERD
• Respiratory tract infection
• Smoking

Why Won’t My Cough Go Away?

Taking over-the-counter medications and products like throat lozenges, using a humidifier and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids can often help you find relief from a cough.

But sometimes at-home and OTC remedies aren’t enough and a cough lingers or gets worse. When that’s the case, seek medical attention.

When You Need a Doctor for a Cough

• Coughing up thick mucus
• Cough has been going on for more than a week
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing

Has a cough got you feeling less than your best? Find relief from your cough by visiting AFC Urgent Care TN today!