That Nagging Cough: A Panhandle Guide

Living along the beautiful Emerald Coast, from Pensacola to Navarre, means enjoying sunny beaches and a unique coastal lifestyle. But our warm, humid climate can also bring on some unwelcome health issues, like a persistent cough.

Whether it's from the springtime pollen blanketing our cars or a summer cold making the rounds, it can be tough to know if a cough is just an annoyance or a sign of something more

We're here to help you decipher the signals your body is sending and when it’s time to see a doctor.

Decoding Your Cough

Not all coughs are created equal. Identifying the type of cough you have is the first step toward figuring out its cause and finding relief. Think of it as a conversation with your body—you just need to learn the language.

The "Wet" Cough

A wet cough is one that brings up mucus or phlegm. It sounds congested and "rattly." This is your body's way of clearing irritants and infections from your airways.

These coughs are often the sidekicks to the common cold, flu, or bronchitis. In the Panhandle's humid environment, these respiratory bugs can sometimes stick around longer than we'd like.

The color of the phlegm can sometimes offer clues. Clear mucus is often associated with allergies or the beginning of a cold. Yellow or green mucus might suggest your body is fighting off a bacterial infection.

The Persistent "Dry" Cough

A dry, hacking cough doesn't produce any mucus. It can feel like a constant tickle in the back of your throat that you just can't satisfy.

This type of cough is frequently triggered by irritants.

Along the Gulf Coast, this could mean pollen from our abundant pine and oak trees, changes in air quality, or even post-nasal drip from allergies. Other causes include acid reflux (GERD), asthma, or exposure to smoke.

A dry cough that hangs on for weeks can be disruptive, interrupting sleep and daily life.

"Whooping" Cough

Pertussis, better known as whooping cough, is a serious and highly contagious bacterial infection. It's marked by severe, uncontrollable coughing fits that often end with a high-pitched "whoop" sound as you gasp for air.

While vaccines have made it less common, outbreaks still occur. This condition is especially dangerous for infants and young children who are not fully immunized.

How Long Is Too Long?

The duration of your cough is a critical piece of the puzzle. Your body's response to a common virus is very different from its reaction to a chronic condition.

• Under 3 weeks: This is an acute cough. It usually pops up suddenly and is often the result of a cold, flu, or another respiratory virus. In most cases, it will clear up on its own with rest and fluids.
• 3 to 8 weeks: This is a subacute cough. It’s the one that lingers long after your other cold symptoms have disappeared. It could be due to lingering inflammation from the initial illness or post-nasal drip.
• Over 8 weeks: A chronic cough is one that lasts for more than eight weeks. This is a clear signal that an underlying issue needs to be addressed. Common causes include chronic bronchitis (often related to smoking), asthma, allergies, GERD, or certain medications.

When to Seek Care at Baptist Health Care Emergency Room & Urgent Care

A cough rarely comes alone. Pay attention to the symptoms that signal it’s time to seek medical care:

• Fever and Chills: If you have a high fever or one that doesn’t go away, it could mean your body is fighting a serious infection like the flu or pneumonia.
• Shortness of Breath: Seek care immediately if you’re struggling to breathe or feeling unusually winded.
• Chest Pain: Don’t ignore tightness or pain in your chest when coughing or breathing—it could indicate a more serious issue.
• Wheezing: If you hear a whistling sound when you breathe, it may be a sign of narrowed airways and requires medical attention.

If your symptoms are severe or persistent, don’t wait it out. Baptist Emergency Room & Urgent Care's emergency room is open 24/7, and urgent care is available from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Appointments are unnecessary - walk in, and our healthcare professionals are ready to help at both of our locations.

Navarre - 8888 Navarre Pkwy., Navarre, FL 32566. Call the center at 850-750-5698.

Nine Mile - 9400 University Parkway Suite 101A Pensacola, FL 32514. Call the center at 448-227-4600.

Baptist Emergency Room & Urgent Care is comprised of board-certified ER-trained physicians and professionally trained ER nurses who deliver quality medical care. Our urgent care and emergency room can effectively treat various medical conditions. From fever to fractures, allergies to abdominal pain, and colds to concussions, we have you covered with on-site labs, CT, X-rays, and ultrasound.