 effects may also cause coughing. Sometimes, coughing is a symptom of a more serious underlying condition like a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, or heart failure.
When to See Your Doctor
Sometimes, a long-standing cough is a cause for concern and you should make an appointment with your doctor. Call your doctor if you develop any of the following troubling symptoms:
- You have a deep, wet cough that produces lots of mucus and phlegm.
- If you are wheezing or have shortness of breath, these may be symptoms of asthma or another serious condition.
- You experience chest tightness.
- If you have a fever that does not go away after a 3 day period.
- If your cough lasts for more than 7 days without getting better, see the doctor.
- If you cough so much at night that you cannot sleep, go see your doctor.
- If you have chills in addition to your cough, see your physician.
- If you have blood-tinged phlegm when you cough.