When to Worry About a Persistent Cough

A cough now and then is normal. It’s how your body clears dust, mucus, or other irritants from your airway. However, when a cough lingers, keeps you up at night, or accompanies other symptoms, it may signal something more serious.

At Palm Desert Urgent Care, Dr. Manzoor Kazi and our experienced medical team help patients across Riverside County get answers fast. Whether your cough is new or has stuck around for weeks, we identify the cause and help you breathe easier again.

Here are four signs you should seek urgent care for your cough.

1. When a cough lasts more than two weeks

Most coughs associated with a cold or mild infection typically subside within 10–14 days. If you’re still coughing after that, it’s time to see a provider. A lingering cough can stem from:

• Asthma or allergies
• Postnasal drip
• Bronchitis or pneumonia
• Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
• COVID-19 or other viral infections
• Lung conditions such as COPD

When a cough hangs on, your airways may stay inflamed, putting you at risk for secondary infections or more serious complications.

2. When breathing gets difficult

Deep, forceful coughing can strain your lungs and chest muscles — sometimes even cracking a rib. If you’re feeling short of breath, wheezing, or experiencing chest tightness, seek care immediately. These symptoms can sometimes indicate a severe infection, a blood clot, or a partially collapsed lung.

3. When you’re coughing up blood or discolored mucus

Coughing up blood or thick, colored phlegm always warrants medical attention. It could point to conditions such as:

• Pneumonia or bronchitis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Lung infection or abscess
• Pulmonary embolism
• In rare cases, lung cancer

Even minor bleeding can signal irritation or inflammation that needs treatment before it worsens.

4. When coughing affects your daily life

A chronic cough can cause more than just throat irritation. Over time, it can lead to:

• Fatigue and poor sleep
• Dizziness or fainting spells
• Vomiting
• Stress incontinence (urine leaking when you run, jump, sneeze, or cough)
• Confusion or mental fog

If your cough leaves you drained, interrupts your rest, or limits your activities, it’s time to find out why. Sometimes an underlying condition, such as heart disease or sleep apnea, can cause both fatigue and a persistent cough.

How we can help

At Palm Desert Urgent Care, we don’t just treat symptoms — we find answers. Dr. Kazi performs a complete physical examination to uncover the cause of your cough. Depending on your condition, we may recommend:

• Chest X-rays or lab testing
• Breathing treatments or inhalers
• Antibiotics or antivirals (if infection is present)
• Allergy or reflux management plans

We also coordinate follow-up care to ensure your lungs fully recover.

When in doubt, get checked out

If your cough lasts longer than two weeks, worsens, or comes with shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or blood-tinged mucus, don’t wait it out. Early treatment can prevent complications and help you heal faster.

Call Palm Desert Urgent Care in Palm Desert, California, today — or book an appointment online. We’re here Monday through Saturday to help you breathe easy again.