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Reader Question: I've had a cough and some congestion for about a week. Do I need to see my doctor?

Spring is in the air, so it's possible that you have allergies. Assuming these are your only symptoms, I'd start by trying an over-the-counter non-sedating antihistamine such as Claritin (loratadine). If that doesn't help, call your doctor. You may need a prescription-strength antihistamine or decongestant, or you might need to be tested for other conditions that can cause coughing and congestion, such as acid reflux.

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If you have a fever, a severe cough (perhaps accompanied by blood), chest pain or shortness of breath, see your doctor right away. A cough with fever can indicate bronchitis or pneumonia, which may require antibiotics, while shortness of breath could indicate asthma. These conditions are all serious and need to be properly diagnosed and treated promptly by a health care professional.



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