(HealthDayNews) -- Your cold seemed to clear up a week ago, but you've still got a nagging cough. How do you know whether you should visit the doctor?
According to the Mayo Clinic, you should check out a persistent cough if:
- You have a known risk of lung disease, such as previous lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or are a past or current smoker.
- The cough lasts four to six weeks. Possible causes could be undiagnosed asthma, backup of stomach acid into the esophagus, or even side effects from certain medications.
- You're coughing and have a fever or shortness of breath.
- You notice a change in sputum color. Blood-tinged sputum requires urgent medical care, especially if you have chest pain.
