Cold, flu & breathing

Cough: virtual care options

A cough is the body’s way of clearing the airways. Most short-term coughs come from colds or other viral infections, while a cough that lingers for weeks can have many other causes, like allergies, asthma, or acid reflux.

See virtual care for Cough

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Common symptoms

What people often notice. Only a provider can tell you what’s causing yours.

Dry, tickly cough
Wet cough that brings up mucus
Coughing that is worse at night or when lying down
Sore throat or chest from coughing
Runny nose or post-nasal drip

What a virtual visit may involve

Care is decided by the provider, based on your situation.

A video or online visit where a licensed provider asks how long you have had the cough and what it sounds like
A provider looks for likely causes, like a recent cold, allergies, or reflux
Prescriptions, if appropriate, can be sent to a pharmacy near you
Advice on easing the cough and when to follow up

When in-person care may be better

Urgent care, your doctor, or a clinic can examine and test you.

The cough has lasted more than three weeks
A baby or young child has a cough with fever or fast breathing
You have asthma, COPD, or heart disease and the cough is getting worse
A provider wants to listen to your lungs or order a chest X-ray

When to go to the ER

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:

Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
Coughing up blood
Chest pain
Bluish lips or face
A child making a high-pitched sound when breathing in

Ready to explore a virtual visit for Cough?

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Common questions

Cough, answered.

General information, not medical advice. A provider can answer questions about your situation.

When should I worry about a cough?

Talk to a provider if a cough lasts more than three weeks, comes with a high fever, or you are bringing up discolored mucus. Get emergency care for trouble breathing, chest pain, or coughing up blood.

Can a doctor treat a cough online?

Many coughs can be evaluated through a virtual visit. A provider may suggest home care, prescribe treatment if appropriate, or recommend an in-person exam or chest X-ray.

How long does a cough last after a cold?

A cough can linger for up to three weeks after a cold as the airways heal. If it lasts longer or gets worse, it is worth having it checked.

This is not for emergencies.

For life-threatening symptoms, severe chest pain, trouble breathing, or immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.