Diagnosing Your Cough: When to Seek Care

Living in Jacksonville and the surrounding Northeast Florida region means enjoying sunny beaches, warm weather and a vibrant outdoor lifestyle. However, the area's unique climate can also bring health challenges, including seasonal allergies and respiratory issues.

If you’ve been coughing and wondering whether it’s time to see a doctor, here’s what you need to know.

Types of Coughs

Coughs can vary widely and understanding the type of cough you have is the first step in determining its cause.

• Wet Cough: Often linked to colds, the flu, or bronchitis, a wet cough produces mucus. In Jacksonville, where humidity levels are high, respiratory infections can linger longer, making it essential to monitor symptoms.
• Dry Cough: This type of cough doesn’t produce mucus and can be caused by allergies, acid reflux, or even asthma. Jacksonville’s pollen-heavy spring season is a common trigger for dry coughs.
• Whooping Cough: A highly contagious bacterial infection, whooping cough is characterized by a “whooping” sound when breathing in. It’s especially dangerous for infants and young children.
• Chronic Cough: Lasting more than eight weeks, chronic coughs can result from smoking, asthma, or long-term exposure to irritants

How Long You’ve Been Coughing

The duration of your cough is a critical factor. A cough lasting a few days is often harmless, but if it persists for more than two weeks, it could indicate a more serious condition, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

Other Symptoms to Watch For

In addition to the type and duration of your cough, pay attention to other symptoms, including:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Wheezing

Find Relief with UF Health Emergency and Urgent Care

In Jacksonville, where the warm climate can exacerbate respiratory issues, it’s important to know when to seek medical attention. Visit a local UF Health Emergency and Urgent Care Center if you experience:

• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Chest pain
• A persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, especially if accompanied by fever or body aches

At UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care Center, we’re here to help you breathe easier. Our board-certified providers are equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of respiratory issues, from allergies to chest pain. With on-site labs, X-rays, and CT scans, we offer comprehensive care under one roof.

Our centers are open 24/7, so you can get the care you need, when you need it. No appointment is necessary—just walk in!

Find the UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care Center nearest you by visiting www.euc.ufhealthjax.org/locations.