COUGH

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Symptom Definition

• Cough is non-productive (dry cough) if there is minimal clear-white or no phlegm (sputum).
• Cough is productive (wet cough) if there is yellow, green, or brown phlegm (sputum).

General Information

• Cough is a very common symptom. It is the fifth most common reason for visits to physicians.
• Smokers may have a chronic cough, especially in the morning.

Why We Cough - A cough has two important functions:

• It serves to clear the airways of infection, mucus, foreign bodies, and other irritants.
• It protects against aspiration of oral and stomach contents.

Common Causes

• Most common cause: postnasal drip syndrome from a cold, from allergic rhinitis, or from sinusitis.
• Other common causes: asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, gastroesophageal reflux, smoking.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• You are coughing because of an ASTHMA ATTACK
• You have a COMMON COLD
• Any CHEST PAIN
• EARACHE is your main concern

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2003

See Other Topics:

• Asthma Attack
• Chest Pain
• Colds
• Earache

View Anatomic Index of Topics