Your Cough Is Getting Worse, Not Better: 7 Signs It's Time to Stop Waiting It Out

It started with a scratchy throat.

Then congestion.

Then a cough.

You figured you'd give it a few days.

But now you're thinking:

“Shouldn't I be getting better by now?”

Many respiratory illnesses improve without emergency treatment. But when symptoms are worsening rather than improving—or new symptoms appear—it's worth paying attention.

7 signs it's time to stop simply waiting

1. You're having trouble breathing. Shortness of breath, difficulty catching your breath or visibly labored breathing deserves prompt evaluation.
2. You're experiencing chest pain or pressure. Don't automatically assume chest discomfort is “just from coughing.” Chest pain can have many causes and should be evaluated appropriately.
3. Your symptoms improved—and then suddenly became worse. A change in the course of an illness can be important information for your physician.
4. You're becoming dehydrated. Repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, decreased urination, dizziness or significant weakness may signal dehydration.
5. Your fever is persistent or concerning. Fever is common with infections, but its duration, severity and accompanying symptoms matter.
6. You feel dramatically worse than you did yesterday. Rapid deterioration deserves attention even if you originally thought you had a routine respiratory infection.
7. Something simply doesn't feel right. You don't need to identify your own diagnosis before seeking medical care.

Worried About the Cost? Don't Let That Keep You From Getting Care.

If you're sick or concerned about your symptoms, don't let an expensive copay keep you from seeking the care you need.

At Memorial Heights Emergency Center, we're going to take care of you regardless. Under our patient-friendly billing policy, we do not collect a copay at the time of your visit. We'll work with your insurance company on your claim and help navigate the billing process with the goal of keeping your financial responsibility as manageable as possible.

Your health comes first. Come in, let us take care of you, and let's focus on getting you better.

Insurance benefits, coverage and patient financial responsibility vary by health plan and services provided. Memorial Heights Emergency Center is an out-of-network freestanding emergency medical care facility. Please see our Insurance Information page for complete billing disclosures.

What if it's “just a virus”?

That's a phrase we hear frequently.

But “viral” isn't a diagnosis of one specific illness.

Influenza, RSV, rhinovirus, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus and several other infections can cause respiratory symptoms.

At MHEHC, physicians can use BIOFIRE SPOTFIRE PCR testing when clinically appropriate to look for multiple respiratory pathogens simultaneously, with results available in approximately 15 minutes.

And if your symptoms suggest something beyond an uncomplicated respiratory infection, your physician can determine whether additional testing is warranted.

For a closer look at the platform itself, read our BIOFIRE® SPOTFIRE® testing overview — the technology authority page behind these answers.

You've already waited. Now your symptoms are getting worse.

Don't spend another night wondering:

“Is this still normal?”

If your condition is worsening or you're experiencing concerning symptoms, seek medical evaluation.

Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Don't Guess. Get Answers.

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