Cough Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Cough is a rapid expulsion of air from the lungs
typically in order to
clear the lung airways of fluids, mucus, or material. Cough is also called tussis. Cough can be categorized as acute (less than
three weeks) or chronic (greater than three weeks).
REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Causes of Cough
-
Acute Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a disease of the respiratory system in which the bronchial passages become inflamed. There are two types of...learn more »
In This Article
Acute Bronchitis Article
- Acute bronchitis facts
- What is acute bronchitis?
- What causes acute bronchitis?
- What are the risk factors for acute bronchitis?
- What are the symptoms of acute bronchitis?
- When does a cold become acute bronchitis?
- How is acute bronchitis diagnosed?
- When should I call my doctor about my cough?
- What are the treatments for acute bronchitis?
- What are acute bronchitis home remedies?
- What are the complications of acute bronchitis?
-
Adenovirus 14
Adenovirus infection, particularly Ad14, or the "killer cold virus" has been on the increase in the past two years. Symptoms...learn more »
In This Article
Adenovirus 14 Article
- Adenovirus 14 (Ad14) facts
- What is the killer cold virus?
- What are symptoms and signs of an Adenovirus 14 infection?
- What causes an infection with Adenovirus 14 (Ad14)?
- How is an Adenovirus 14 infection diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for an Adenovirus 14 infection?
- What are complications of an Adenovirus 14 infection?
- What is the prognosis for an Adenovirus 14 infection?
- Can an Adenovirus 14 infection be prevented?
- Where can people get more information about the killer cold virus (Adenovirus 14)?
-
Angina
Angina is chest pain that is due to an inadequate supply of oxygen to the heart muscle. Angina can be caused by coronary artery...learn more »
In This Article
Angina Article
- Angina facts
- Introduction to angina
- What is angina and what are the symptoms of angina?
- What causes angina?
- What are other causes of chest pain?
- Why is it important to establish the diagnosis of angina?
- How is angina diagnosed?
- What are the treatment options for angina patients?
- Angina medications
- Angioplasty and coronary artery bypass surgery
- What's new in the evaluation of angina?
- What's new in the treatment of angina and heart attacks?
-
Asthma
Asthma is a common disorder in which
chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes (bronchi) makes them swell, narrowing the...learn more »
In This Article
Asthma Article
- Myths, facts, and statistics about asthma
- What is asthma?
- From the past to the present
- The scope of the problem
- Normal bronchial tubes
- How does asthma affect breathing?
- The importance of inflammation
- Which triggers cause an asthma attack?
- The many faces of asthma
- Types: allergic (extrinsic) and nonallergic (intrinsic) asthma
- Typical asthma symptoms and signs
- Acute asthma attack
- What medications are used in the treatment of asthma?
- Asthma At A Glance
-
Asthma in Children
Asthma, the main cause of chronic illness in children, has signs and symptoms in children that include frequent coughing spells,...learn more »
In This Article
Asthma in Children Article
- What makes a child more likely to develop asthma?
- Why are more children getting asthma?
- How can I tell if my child has asthma?
- How is asthma diagnosed in children?
- What is the treatment for asthma in kids?
- What asthma drugs can children take?
- How do I give my child asthma medication?
- How do I know when my child's asthma is well controlled?
- Will my child outgrow asthma?
- What do I do when my child has an asthma attack?
-
Bird Flu
Bird flu (avian flu, avian influenza) infection in humans may result from contact with infected poultry. There is a vaccine to...learn more »
In This Article
Bird Flu Article
- Bird flu facts
- What is bird flu?
- What causes bird flu?
- What are risk factors for bird flu?
- What are bird flu symptoms and signs?
- How is bird flu diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for bird flu?
- What are the complications of bird flu?
- What is the prognosis of bird flu?
- Can bird flu be prevented with a vaccine?
- Where can people find more information about bird flu?
-
In This Article
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Article
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease facts
- What is COPD?
- How does the normal lung work?
- What is chronic bronchitis?
- What is emphysema?
- What is chronic asthma?
- What is bronchiectasis?
- What causes COPD?
- What are the symptoms of COPD?
- How is COPD diagnosed?
- What treatment is available for COPD?
- Quitting cigarette smoking
- COPD Medications
- Bronchodilators
- Beta-agonists
- Anti-cholinergic agents
- Methylxanthines
- Corticosteroids
- Breo Ellipta
- Treatment of Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- What is the role of oxygen as therapy in COPD?
- What else is available for treating COPD?
- Future directions in COPD
-
In This Article
Chronic Rhinitis and Post-Nasal Drip Article
- What is the purpose of the nose?
- What are rhinitis and post-nasal drip?
- What causes rhinitis?
- Is rhinitis always related to allergies?
- What conditions cause an abnormal production of nasal secretions?
- What conditions cause an impaired clearance of nasal secretions?
- How can chronic rhinitis and post-nasal drip be treated?
- What medications can be used to treat rhinitis and post-nasal drip?
- What can be used to treat non-allergic rhinitis?
- Does salt water have any role in the treatment of rhinitis and post-nasal
drip?
- What are other options for the treatment of rhinitis and post-nasal drip?
- Terminology
- Chronic Rhinitis & Post-Nasal Drip At A Glance
-
Common Cold
The common cold (viral upper respiratory tract infection) is a contagious illness that may be caused by various viruses. Symptoms...learn more »
In This Article
Common Cold Article
- What is the common cold, and what causes it?
- How is the common cold transmitted?
- What are the symptoms and signs of the common cold
in adults, children, and infants?
- Does it have anything to do with exposure to cold weather?
- What is the difference between the common cold and influenza (the flu)?
- How is the common cold diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for the common cold? Are there any home remedies for the common cold?
- Are antibiotics a suitable treatment for the common cold?
- When should a physician or other health-care practitioner be consulted?
- How do you prevent the common cold?
- Common Cold At A Glance
-
In This Article
Congestive Heart Failure Article
- Congestive heart failure facts
- What is congestive heart failure?
- What causes congestive heart failure?
- What are the symptoms of congestive heart failure
(CHF)?
- How is congestive heart failure diagnosed?
- What is the treatment of congestive heart failure?
- Lifestyle modifications
- Medications
- Heart transplant
- Other mechanical therapies
- What is the long term outlook for patients with
congestive heart failure?
- What are the areas of new research in congestive heart
failure?
-
Croup
Croup is a contagious viral infection that affects children's respiratory system. Symptoms include a barking cough, stridor,...learn more »
In This Article
Croup Article
- Croup facts
- What is croup? What causes croup?
- Is croup contagious?
- What are croup symptoms?
- What is the treatment for croup?
- What warning signs should parents look for with
croup?
-
In This Article
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Article
- GERD facts
- What is GERD (acid reflux)?
- What causes GERD?
- What are the symptoms of uncomplicated GERD?
- What are the complications of GERD?
- How is GERD diagnosed and evaluated?
- Symptoms and procedures to diagnose GERD
- GERD tests
- How is GERD treated?
- Lifestyle changes and GERD diet
- GERD medications
- GERD surgery
- What is a reasonable approach to the management of GERD?
- What are the unresolved issues in GERD?
-
Hantavirus
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a disease transmitted by rodents. Symptoms include fever and muscle pain. HPS can be...learn more »
In This Article
Hantavirus Article
- Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) facts
- What is hantavirus?
- What is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), and what are
hantavirus pulmonary syndrome symptoms and signs?
- What is the history of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
- What causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
- How is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome diagnosed?
- What is the
treatment for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
- What are risk factors for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
- What are complications of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
- What is the prognosis of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
- Can hantavirus pulmonary syndrome be
prevented?
- Where can people get more information on hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
-
Hodgkin's Disease
Hodgkin's disease is a cancer of the lymphatic system with symptoms that include unexplained, recurring fevers, unexplained...learn more »
In This Article
Hodgkin's Disease Article
- Hodgkin's lymphoma facts*
- What is Hodgkin's lymphoma?
- What are Hodgkin's lymphoma causes and risk factors?
- What are Hodgkin's lymphoma symptoms and signs?
- How is Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosed?
- How is the staging determined for Hodgkin's lymphoma?
- What is the treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma?
- Chemotherapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Radiation therapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Stem cell transplantation for Hodgkin's lymphoma
- How do people get a second opinion for Hodgkin's lymphoma?
- Nutrition during cancer treatment
- What happens after treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma?
- What other support is available for cancer patients?
- Clinical trials for Hodgkin's lymphoma
-
Legionnaires' Disease
Legionellosis is an infection caused by the Legionella pneumophila bacterium. There are two forms of legionellosis: Pontiac fever...learn more »
In This Article
Legionnaires' Disease Article
- Legionnaires' disease
and Pontiac fever (legionellosis) facts
- What causes legionellosis? What is the history of Legionnaires' disease?
- How common is Legionnaires' disease?
- What are the usual symptoms of Legionnaires' disease?
- How is the diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease made?
- Who develops Legionnaires' disease?
- What is the treatment for Legionnaires' disease?
- How is Legionnaires' disease spread?
- Where is the Legionella bacterium found?
- How can Legionnaires' disease be prevented?
-
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer kills more men and women than any other form of cancer. Eight out of 10 lung cancers are due
to tobacco smoke. Lung...learn more »
In This Article
Lung Cancer Article
- Lung cancer facts
- What is lung cancer?
- How common is lung cancer?
- What causes lung cancer?
- What are the types of lung cancer?
- What are lung cancer symptoms and signs?
- How is lung cancer diagnosed?
- What is staging of lung cancer?
- What is the treatment for lung cancer?
- What is the prognosis (outcome) of lung cancer?
- How can lung cancer be prevented?
-
Malaria
Malaria is an infectious disease transmitted by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Symptoms of malaria include chills,...learn more »
In This Article
Malaria Article
- What is malaria?
- What are malaria symptoms and signs?
- How is malaria transmitted?
- Where is malaria a particular problem?
- What is the incubation period for malaria?
- How is malaria diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for malaria?
- Is malaria a particular problem during pregnancy?
- Is malaria a particular problem for children?
- How do people avoid getting malaria?
- What is the prognosis (outcome) for people with malaria?
- Where can people get more information about malaria?
- Malaria At A Glance
-
Measles
Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious disease that's caused by a virus. Symptoms include a rash, high fever, cough, runny...learn more »
In This Article
Measles Article
- Measles facts
- What is measles?
- What is rubeola?
- What is rubella?
- What are other names for measles?
- What is the history of measles?
- What causes measles?
- How is measles spread?
- How does one become immune to measles?
- Who is at risk for getting measles?
- Is measles deadly?
- What is the danger of getting measles while pregnant?
- If I am exposed, how long does it take to develop symptoms
and signs?
- What are measles symptoms and signs?
- What are the complications seen with measles?
- What is atypical measles?
- What is modified measles?
- How is the diagnosis of measles made?
- If it is not measles, what else could it be?
- What should I do if I have been exposed to measles?
- Is there any treatment for measles after symptoms and
signs develop?
- If measles only rarely occurs in the United States, why should I get vaccinated?
- Do I need to be revaccinated against measles if I am traveling to Europe?
- What is the prognosis for measles?
- How can I prevent contracting measles?
- Is there any truth to the fear of getting autism from vaccines?
- Who should not receive measles vaccinations?
- If a child has an egg allergy, can they still receive the
measles vaccine?
- What adverse reactions can occur to the measles vaccination?
- Who should be revaccinated against measles?
- Where can I find more information about measles?
-
Mold
Mold exposure may cause symptoms in people who are sensitive to molds. Symptoms of mold allergy include sneezing, runny nose,...learn more »
In This Article
Mold Article
- Mold facts
- What is mold?
- Where can mold be found in homes?
- What kinds of health problems may be linked to mold? What are symptoms of mold allergy?
- How can mold in the household be prevented?
- Is it necessary to test for mold?
- How should mold be cleaned up and eliminated?
-
Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a viral disease that causes symptoms such as fever, sweating, and a rash with papules and pustules on the face and...learn more »
In This Article
Monkeypox Article
- Monkeypox facts
- What is monkeypox?
- What is the history of monkeypox?
- What causes monkeypox? How is monkeypox transmitted?
- What are risk factors for monkeypox?
- What are monkeypox symptoms and signs?
- How is monkeypox diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for monkeypox?
- What is the prognosis of monkeypox?
- Can monkeypox be prevented?
- Where can people get more information about monkeypox?
- What research is being done on monkeypox?
-
Mucormycosis
Mucormycosis (zygomycosis) is a fungal infection caused by Zygomycetes. Symptoms and signs include fever, headache, coughing,...learn more »
In This Article
Mucormycosis Article
- Mucormycosis (zygomycosis) facts
- What is mucormycosis?
- What causes mucormycosis?
- What are risk factors for mucormycosis?
- What are symptoms and signs of mucormycosis?
- How is mucormycosis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment of mucormycosis?
- What are complications of mucormycosis?
- What is the prognosis of mucormycosis?
- Can mucormycosis be prevented?
- What research is being done on mucormycosis?
- Where can people find more information on mucormycosis?
-
Nicotine
Nicotine is delivered to the brain through smoking, chewing, or sniffing tobacco. Nicotine is an addictive agent. Common names...learn more »
In This Article
Nicotine Article
- What is tobacco addiction?
- Is nicotine addictive?
- Is nicotine the only harmful part of tobacco?
- How is tobacco used?
- What are the common street names for cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and hookah smoking?
- How many teens smoke or use tobacco products?
- How does tobacco deliver its effects?
- What happens when someone uses tobacco for long periods of time?
- What are other adverse health effects of smoking and tobacco abuse?
- Smoking and pregnancy: What are the risks?
- How is tobacco addiction treated?
- What if a person wants to quit smoking or using tobacco?
-
In This Article
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Article
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma facts
- What is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
- What causes non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
- What are risk factors for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
- What are symptoms and signs of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
- How is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosed?
- What are the types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and how is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
staging determined?
- What is the treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
- What is the prognosis and survival rates of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
- Where can people find more information about non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
-
Plague
Plague is an infectious disease caused by the Yersinia pestis bacteria, which is primarily found in rodents the fleas that feed...learn more »
In This Article
Plague Article
- Plague facts
- What is plague?
- What is the history of the plague?
- What causes plague?
- How is plague spread?
- What are plague symptoms and signs?
- How is plague diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for the plague? What is the prognosis of the plague?
- How can plague be prevented?
- Is there a vaccine against plague?
- What research is being done on plague?
- Where can more information be found on plague?
-
Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis, a disease resulting from chronic inflammation, causes small lumps (granulomas) to develop in a great range of body...learn more »
In This Article
Sarcoidosis Article
- What is sarcoidosis?
- What are symptoms of sarcoidosis?
- Who gets sarcoidosis?
- What we know about sarcoidosis
- Some things we don't know about sarcoidosis
- How is sarcoidosis diagnosed?
- What are some signs and symptoms that suggest possible
sarcoidosis?
- What do laboratory tests show?
- How is sarcoidosis treated?
- Living with sarcoidosis
- Where can a person find more information on sarcoidosis?
- Sarcoidosis At A Glance
-
SARS
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV. Symptoms include fever and...learn more »
In This Article
SARS Article
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) facts
- What is severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)?
- What causes SARS? How is SARS transmitted?
- What are risk factors for SARS?
- What are SARS symptoms and signs?
- How is SARS diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for SARS?
- What is the prognosis of SARS?
- Can SARS be prevented?
- Where can people get more information about SARS?
-
Sinus Infection
Sinus infection (sinusitis) signs and symptoms include headache, fever, and facial tenderness, pressure, or pain. Treatments of...learn more »
In This Article
Sinus Infection Article
- Sinus infection facts
- What is a sinus?
- What is a sinus infection?
- What causes sinus infections?
- What are the types of sinusitis?
- What are the signs and symptoms of sinus infection?
- How is sinus infection diagnosed?
- How is sinus infection treated?
- Are there home remedies for a sinus infection?
- What are complications of sinus infection?
- Can sinus infection be prevented?
- Related sinus infection article:
Sinus infection - on eMedicineHealth
-
In This Article
Smoker's Lung: Pathology Photo Essay Article
- Smoker's lung introduction
- What is the structure of the normal lung?
- What processes determine normal function of the lung?
- What are the abnormalities (diseases) in smoker's lung?
- What happens to the lung in emphysema?
- How does emphysema come about?
- Why does smoker's lung look black?
- What happens to the airways in chronic bronchitis?
- Are smokers with COPD predisposed to developing pneumonia?
- What about lung cancer in smokers?
- Are any of the pulmonary consequences of smoking reversible?
- From what do smokers die?
-
Thymoma
Thymoma is an uncommon cancer of the thymus gland. Many thymomas are asymptomatic. When symptoms do occur, they include chest...learn more »
In This Article
Thymoma Article
- Thymoma facts
- What is thymoma?
- What causes thymoma, and what are risk factors for thymoma?
- What are signs and symptoms of thymoma?
- What other medical conditions are associated with thymoma?
- How is thymoma diagnosed?
- What are the stages of thymoma?
- What is the treatment for thymoma?
- What is the prognosis for thymoma?
- Can thymoma be prevented?
-
Thyroid Cancer
There are four major types of thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. Tumors on the...learn more »
In This Article
Thyroid Cancer Article
- Thyroid cancer facts*
- What is the thyroid?
- What is cancer?
- What are the different types of thyroid cancer?
- Thyroid cancer symptoms*
- How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?
- How is staging determined for thyroid cancer?
- What is the treatment for thyroid cancer?
- Surgery
- Thyroid hormone treatment
- Radioactive iodine therapy
- External radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Second opinion
- Follow-up care
- Sources of support
- Taking part in cancer research
-
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. Symptoms include weakness, fever,...learn more »
In This Article
Tuberculosis Article
- Tuberculosis facts
- What is tuberculosis?
- How does a person get TB?
- What happens to the body when a person gets TB?
- How common is TB, and who gets it?
- What are the symptoms and signs of tuberculosis?
- How does a doctor diagnose tuberculosis?
- Is there a vaccine against tuberculosis?
- What is the treatment for tuberculosis?
- What is drug-resistant TB?
- What's in the future for TB?
-
In This Article
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Article
- Upper respiratory infection facts
- What is an upper respiratory infection?
- Is an upper respiratory infection contagious?
- What are the causes of upper respiratory infection?
- What are the risk factors for upper respiratory infection?
- What are the symptoms of upper respiratory infection?
- When should you seek medical care for upper respiratory infection?
- How is an upper respiratory infection diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for upper respiratory infection?
- What are some of the home remedies for upper respiratory infection?
- What are some data on alternative therapies in treating upper
respiratory infections?
- What are the complications of an upper respiratory infection?
- Can an upper respiratory infection be prevented?
- What is the outlook for a patient suffering from an upper respiratory
infection?
-
In This Article
Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) Article
- What are vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)?
- What causes a vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) infection?
- What are risk factors for vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections?
- How are vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) transmitted?
- What are the symptoms and signs of a vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) infection?
- How is a vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) infection diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) infection?
- What is the prognosis of a vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) infection?
- Can vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections be prevented?
- What precautions should people take when tending to someone with a vancomycin-resistant enterococcal infection?
- What research is being done on vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)?
- Where can people find more information on vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)
infections?
- Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) At A Glance
-
In This Article
Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Article
- Whooping cough (pertussis) facts
- What is whooping cough? What is the history of whooping cough?
- What causes whooping cough?
- What are risk factors for whooping cough?
- Can whooping cough be prevented with a vaccine?
- What are whooping cough symptoms, signs, and stages?
- How is whooping cough transmitted?
- Can adults get whooping cough?
- How is whooping cough diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for whooping cough?
- What is the prognosis for whooping cough?
- What are possible complications of whooping cough?
- Where can people find more information about whooping cough (pertussis)?
Other Causes of Cough
Examples of Medications for Cough
Symptoms & Signs A-Z List
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