A cough is often a symptom that is present with many sicknesses and conditions. A persistent cough may be a symptom of a more serious medical condition that requires medical attention.
Common Causes:
- Irritation
- Common cold
- Influenza (flu)
- Whooping cough
- Acid reflux
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Postnasal drip
- Gastroesophageal reflux diseases (GERD)
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Smoking
Other Causes:
- Laryngitis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Croup
- Sinusitis
- Choking
- Emphysema
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) – for more information, click here
Coughs can affect people of all ages. Differences in cough, such as characteristics, duration, severity and accompanying symptoms can help you or your provider determine the cause and best course of treatment.
- Wet cough – accompanied by mucus or phlegm that sounds low or heavy
- Dry cough – hacking that is not accompanied by mucus or phlegm
- Whooping cough – violent, causing lungs to you to gasp at the loss of oxygen
- Bloody cough – mucus or phlegm that presents blood
- Burning cough – burns the throat or chest
Cough symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause. Accompanying signs and symptoms that may be present with cough include:
- Sneezing
- Runny, stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Hoarseness
- Throat clearing
- Heartburn
- Fever
- Chest pain
- Mucus and phlegm
Based on the cause of your specific cough, several treatments can help you treat your symptoms.
Types of treatment
- Over-the-counter cough or cold medication
- Cough drops
- Drink more fluids
- Drink tea
- Use a humidifier
- Avoid irritants (smoke, dust, chemicals, etc.)
If you (or your child) have tried self-treatment, or are experiencing worsening or persisting symptoms, call your doctor.
Contact your doctor if you or your child:
- Have symptoms that persist longer than a few weeks
- Are short of breath
- Faint
- Have a fever
- Are wheezing
- Experience phlegm that is thick or greenish-yellow
Seek immediate care if you or your child:
- Have chest pain
- Are choking or vomiting
- Experience difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Cough up blood or bloody phlegm
Because flu and COVID-19 symptoms are so similar, it is important you self-isolate for at least 14 days, outside from seeking medical care. If you live with others, even pets, you should try to find an area of the home, away from others, where you can quarantine. Learn more about the steps you can take if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
