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Chronic Cough

Pulmonology, Sleep Medicine, Primary Care and Urgent Care Telehealth Visits in Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan

Chronic Cough

If you’ve been coughing for week after week without relief, get in touch with Richard Cardillo, MD, for a chronic cough workup from the comfort of your home. Dr. Cardillo leads the skilled team at Core Virtual Medicine, a telehealth-based practice serving patients throughout Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan, so you can get a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment without traveling to an office or sitting in waiting rooms. Help is only one call or click away, so schedule your telehealth chronic cough visit by phone or online. 

Chronic Cough Q & A

What is a chronic cough?

For an adult, a cough lasting more than eight weeks is considered a chronic cough. If your child has been coughing for more than four weeks, seek medical evaluation. Without care, chronic coughs tend to linger, sometimes improving and worsening over time, but never fully resolving.

You may experience:

  • A dry, tickling cough that won’t stop
  • A cough that’s worse at night or in the morning
  • A cough triggered by talking, laughing, or cold air

Even when it’s not dangerous, coughing so frequently can leave you exhausted, along with seriously affecting sleep, work, social interactions, and your overall quality of life.

What causes a chronic cough?

A chronic cough is usually a symptom of an underlying issue. The most common culprits include:

  • Upper airway issues like postnasal drip, allergies, or sinus issues
  • Lower airway issues, such as asthma or smoking-related irritation
  • Digestive issues
  • Medications or environmental irritants, including secondhand smoke or pollution

Other causes can include lung infections, scarring, or even heart disease, so it’s essential to get an evaluation with an experienced medical practitioner.

When should I seek care for my chronic cough?

Contact Core Virtual Health if your cough has lasted longer than eight weeks and is interfering with sleep, work, or daily life, especially if it keeps coming back despite treatment.

Even if your symptoms seem mild, a chronic cough is worth evaluating.

What can I expect from telehealth care for a chronic cough?

Your virtual visit starts with a detailed history, and your provider may ask:

  • How long the cough has lasted
  • Whether it’s dry or productive
  • Triggers (lying down, eating, talking, exercise)
  • Associated symptoms like heartburn, wheezing, or nasal congestion
  • Medications you take and smoking history

They’ll also observe your breathing, listen to how you cough, and may ask you to describe the sensations you feel.

Your treatment may include allergy or nasal medications, asthma inhalers, or treatments for acid reflux. If necessary, your provider can also order tests or provide referrals, streamlining your care.

Don’t let a chronic cough get in the way of your life. You can schedule a virtual appointment for a chronic cough workup with the skilled providers at Core Virtual Medicine today. Call the office or book online to start feeling better fast.