COUGH

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Symptom Definition

• A cough is the sound made when the cough reflex suddenly expels air and secretions from the lungs.
• A coughing spasm is longer than 5 minutes of continuous coughing.

Causes

• Most are part of a cold, a viral infection of the large airway (viral bronchitis).
• Other common causes: croup, asthma, allergic cough.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Barky cough and hoarseness, see CROUP.
• Previous diagnosis of asthma, see ASTHMA ATTACK.
• Wheezing but no previous diagnosis of asthma, see WHEEZING.

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.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2002

See Other Topics:

• Asthma Attack
• Croup
• Wheezing (other than Asthma)

View Anatomic Index of Topics