Results for: Cough
Emergency Warning Signs
Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Sudden numbness or weakness in face, arm, or leg
- Sudden confusion or trouble speaking
- Severe allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty swallowing)
- Heavy bleeding that won't stop
- Loss of consciousness
- Signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
20 Possible Conditions
These conditions are listed by likelihood based on the symptom. This is not a diagnosis.
Common Cold
A viral upper respiratory infection causing a dry or productive cough, nasal congestion, and sore throat.
Influenza (Flu)
Acute viral illness with fever, body aches, and a persistent cough that may become productive.
Acute Bronchitis
Inflammation of the bronchial tubes often following a cold, leading to a hacking cough with mucus.
COVID-19
SARS‑CoV‑2 infection presenting with cough, fever, loss of taste or smell, and possible respiratory distress.
Pneumonia
Infection of the lung parenchyma causing fever, chills, chest pain, and a productive cough with possible blood.
Asthma
Chronic airway hyper‑responsiveness that produces wheezing, shortness of breath, and a dry cough, especially at night.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Progressive airflow limitation from smoking or pollutants, leading to a chronic productive cough and dyspnea.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Stomach acid reflux irritates the throat, causing a chronic dry cough that worsens after meals or lying down.
Post‑nasal Drip (Upper Airway Cough Syndrome)
Mucus from the sinuses drips down the throat, triggering a tickling sensation and cough.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Bacterial infection characterized by severe coughing fits followed by a high‑pitched “whoop” on inspiration.
Tuberculosis (TB)
Mycobacterial infection that may cause a chronic cough with night sweats, weight loss, and hemoptysis.
Lung Cancer
Malignant growth in the lungs often presenting with a persistent cough, weight loss, and sometimes blood‑tinged sputum.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergen‑induced inflammation of nasal passages leading to sneezing, itchy eyes, and a cough from post‑nasal drip.
Heart Failure (Pulmonary Congestion)
Fluid buildup in the lungs from cardiac dysfunction causes a dry, persistent cough, especially when lying flat.
Pulmonary Embolism
Blockage of a pulmonary artery can cause sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and a sharp cough.
Interstitial Lung Disease
A group of disorders causing lung scarring, leading to a dry cough and progressive shortness of breath.
Sarcoidosis
Granulomatous disease that often involves the lungs, presenting with a dry cough and bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy.
ACE Inhibitor‑Induced Cough
A side effect of angiotensin‑converting enzyme inhibitors causing a dry, persistent cough in up to 20% of users.
Foreign Body Aspiration
Inhalation of an object into the airway leads to sudden coughing, choking, and possible respiratory distress.
Vocal Cord Dysfunction
Abnormal vocal cord movement during breathing causes a chronic cough and throat clearing, often mistaken for asthma.
When to Seek Emergency Care
While many conditions can be managed with home care or a doctor's visit, some situations require immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care if:
Heart-Related
Chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath
Brain-Related
Severe headache, confusion, or sudden vision changes
High Fever
Fever above 103°F (39.4°C) or fever with stiff neck
Severe Bleeding
Uncontrolled bleeding or coughing up blood
Medical Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, WebMD, CDC, NIH