Children and coughs: When to visit urgent care

Your child’s ongoing cough can be a symptom of a wide range of illnesses, from colds, flu, and allergies to more acute conditions that require immediate attention.

Whether it’s simple or more serious, urgent care can often help get your child the treatment they need. Here are some key indicators that an urgent care visit is needed:

• Your child has been coughing for more than a week
• The cough triggers vomiting or headaches
• The cough is long-lasting and/or a dry cough
• Your child is having trouble sleeping because of the cough
• The coughing is paired with a fever, chills, and/or mucus that’s green or brown
• The cough is affecting their ability to perform usual activities
• You notice a decrease in energy alongside their cough

If someone can’t breathe deeply enough or is working too hard to breathe, this likely warrants a trip to the emergency department. If your child is having trouble breathing because of their cough, call 9-1-1 or seek immediate care at the nearest emergency facility or urgent care to assess the situation.

Corewell Health Urgent Care treats patients 6 months and older and offers convenient virtual visits and book ahead options when you need immediate care. Corewell Health Urgent Care also provides efficient and accurate diagnostics with on-site lab testing and X-ray.

When a child’s cough is concerning, our care team can spot the difference between a simple irritation and an illness.

You don’t need an appointment at Corewell Health Urgent Care – walk-ins are welcome! We also help you avoid long waits with our book ahead option. Choosing Corewell Health Urgent Care means you get the medical attention and relief you need quickly and conveniently.