Signs and Symptoms:

Three kinds of coughs:

1. Productive. This brings up mucus or phlegm.
2. Nonproductive. This is a dry cough.
3. Reflex. This is a cough that comes from a problem somewhere else, like the ear or stomach.

[Go to Self-Care Prevention]

Still not sure? Ask yourself with these questions.

1. With coughing do you have signs of severe allergic reaction?

• A hard time breathing or swallowing
• Severe swelling all over, or of the face, lips, tongue, and/ or throat
• Obstructed airway
• Wheezing
• Dizziness, weakness

If yes to one of these symptoms described above, please get immediate care.

If no, continue on to the next question.

2. With coughing, do you have any of these problems?

• Trouble breathing and/or you are not able to say more than 4 to 5 words between breaths
• Fainting
• You cough up true red blood

If yes to one of these symptoms described above, please get immediate care.

If no, continue on to the next question.

3. Do you have a very sudden onset of coughing from inhaling a small object?

If yes to one of these symptoms described above, please get immediate care.

If no, continue on to the next question.

4. With a cough, do you have any of these problems?

• An itchy, red splotchy rash
• A fever of 102 F or higher
• Your chest hurts only when you cough and the pain goes away when you sit up or lean forward.
• You cough up green, yellow, or bloody-colored mucus
• You lose weight for no reason, feel tired, and sweat a lot at night.

If yes to one of these symptoms described above, please see your doctor.

If no, continue on to the next question.

5. Does you cough last for more than 3 weeks without getting better?

If yes to one of these symptoms described above, please see your doctor.

If no to all questions, use self-care prevention.