Coughing up blood or discolored mucus, high fever, night sweats lasting more than three weeks are warning signs of the disease, requiring early medical attention.
Coughing is the body’s natural reaction when an irritant enters the respiratory tract. This response is triggered by receptors in the throat that feel ticklish, dry or congested. There are many causes of cough such as infections, chronic diseases, stomach problems and medication side effects.
Most coughs go away on their own and are not a cause for concern, especially if you have seasonal allergies or the common cold. However, there are many other diseases that need to be treated early. Below are some signs that can identify a dangerous cough.
Cough with discolored mucus
Sputum that is yellow, green, or brown often indicates the presence of white blood cells that are fighting infection. If the patient coughs up strange colored sputum for more than a week and has a fever, they should see a doctor. These could be signs of pneumonia or another lung condition. Pink, foamy phlegm is a serious condition because it can be a sign of heart failure or pulmonary edema.
Coughing up blood
Coughing up blood can be caused by lung cancer, asthma, bronchiectasis (damaged airways), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), inflammation of the airways (bronchi or lungs). To determine the underlying cause of coughing up blood, the patient needs to see a specialist.
Out of breath
Shortness of breath accompanied by a cough is a sign of acid reflux, asthma or an allergic reaction. In these situations, you should see a doctor to rule out infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
Cough with mucus lasting more than three weeks
Normally, a cough lasts an average of 9-11 days, and can last up to three weeks for a cold. This case is not serious, the patient takes the medicine fully as directed by the doctor, and uses some additional foods to reduce cough naturally. A cough that persists for more than three weeks can be a warning sign of respiratory disease, infection or post-nasal drip.
Dry cough lasts more than 8 weeks
Coughs due to lung cancer often start with a dry, persistent cough that lasts for more than 8 weeks. Coughing is accompanied by throat clearing, sometimes accompanied by blood or rust-colored mucus, making the patient very tired and depleted of energy. Other lung cancer symptoms include weight loss, loss of appetite, chest pain, hoarseness, and wheezing. Patients should see a specialist to determine the cause and appropriate treatment measures.
Besides the above warning signs, there are some ways to help tell if your cough is decreasing. These include thinner, less mucus; Cough duration is shorter, less severe; no need for medication; reduce fever. If the cough is due to an infection, the person may also notice improvement in other symptoms such as nasal congestion or runny nose.