A cough is one of the most common reasons Albertans look for medical advice during the fall and winter months. Most of the time, it’s linked to a typical cold or flu, but when that cough hangs around or starts to feel different, it may be trying to tell you something.
At Advanced Respiratory Care Network, we help patients across Alberta understand their symptoms and take early steps to protect their lung health. If you’ve been searching things like “persistent cough Alberta”, “cough won’t go away”, or “why am I coughing for weeks?”, you’re in the right place.
Here are five signs your cough may be more than “just a cold,” and when it’s time to book a lung health check.
1. Your Cough Lasts More Than Three Weeks
Most viral coughs get better in about 7–10 days. If you’re still coughing after three weeks, something else could be going on.
A chronic or lingering cough may be connected to:
- Asthma
- Post-infectious airway irritation
- Chronic bronchitis
- Early signs of COPD
- Environmental exposures (smoke, dust, pollution)
What to Do:
Ask your doctor about a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT). ARC Network offers PFTs across Alberta. These non-invasive tests measure how well your lungs move air in and out, and help identify conditions early.
2. You’re Short of Breath Doing Everyday Tasks
If going up the stairs, walking to the mailbox, or carrying groceries leaves you winded, your lungs may not be functioning the way they should.
Shortness of breath (dyspnea) can be a sign of:
- Reduced lung capacity
- Poor oxygen exchange
- Airway inflammation
- Early COPD
- Uncontrolled asthma
What to Do:
Book a respiratory consultation with ARC Network. Our specialists can assess your breathing, oxygen levels, and lung function to pinpoint what’s going on.
3. You’re Coughing Up Mucus Daily
A cough that brings up phlegm regularly, especially first thing in the morning, is often a sign of chronic inflammation in the airways.
This is more common in:
- Smokers and former smokers
- People exposed to dust, chemicals, or wildfire smoke
- People with chronic bronchitis or COPD
- The colour and amount of mucus can also give clues about infection or airway irritation.
What to Do:
A PFT or full respiratory assessment can determine whether you’re dealing with chronic bronchitis or another underlying lung condition. ARC Network offers testing in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, and Camrose.
4. You’re Getting Frequent or Long-Lasting Colds
If every cold turns into a long, difficult recovery, or if you feel like you’re getting sick more often than the people around you, your lungs may be having a hard time healing.
Recurrent respiratory infections may point to:
- Reduced lung capacity
- Chronic inflammation
- Poor airway clearance
- A need for early COPD or asthma evaluation
What to Do:
A full lung health check can help determine whether your airways need support. ARC Network provides testing such as spirometry, lung volume measurement, and oxygen assessments to guide your care plan.
5. You’re Experiencing Chest Tightness or Wheezing
Wheezing, chest tightness, or a whistling sound when breathing are clear signs that your airways may be narrowed or inflamed.
These symptoms are commonly linked to:
- Asthma
- COPD
- Airway hyperreactivity after infection
- Environmental exposures
- Allergies
Even if the symptoms come and go, it’s still important to get them checked.
What to Do:
Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. ARC Network’s respiratory team can help you get answers early, and start the right treatment plan if needed.
Time for a Lung Health Check? ARC Network Can Help
If any of these signs feel familiar, it’s worth taking the next step. Early testing and diagnosis can make a major difference in your long-term lung health.
At Advanced Respiratory Care Network, we offer:
- Pulmonary Function Testing
- Respiratory Consultations
- Home Oxygen Assessments
- Care for asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, and other lung conditions
You don’t have to guess what your symptoms mean. We’re here to help you breathe easier. Learn more about our respiratory services, or visit an ARC Network location near you.