Coughs

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Chest discomfort or pain that is crushing or squeezing or feels like a heavy weight on the chest
• Chest discomfort or pain that occurs with:
  • Sweating
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Pain that spreads from the chest to the back, neck, jaw, upper abdomen, or one or both shoulders or arms. See an illustration of chest pain.
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • A fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Moderate to severe difficulty breathing:
  • In a child
  • In an adult and older child
• Choking. If choking is present, go to the topic Choking Rescue Procedure. Do not perform the Heimlich maneuver if the person is still coughing or able to speak.

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Note:

If you have a history of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or another chronic breathing problem, compare your symptoms with what is normal for you. Your need for a doctor visit depends on what is normal for you and what you have discussed with your doctor. If your doctor has given you a plan for managing your respiratory problem, seek medical care according to your plan.

If you have the following symptom, evaluate that symptom first:

• A fever: Go to the topic:
  • Fever, Age 4 and Older.
  • Fever, Age 3 and Younger.

Yes	Does your child have a cough?
Yes	Are you wheezing?
Yes	Do you have mild difficulty breathing?
Yes	Do you have pain in the muscles or ribs of the chest (chest wall pain)?
Yes	Are you coughing up bloody sputum that is bright red or rust-colored mucus (hemoptysis)?
Yes	Do you have a productive cough?
Yes	Do you have a dry (nonproductive) cough?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Heartburn: Go to the topic Heartburn.
• Other respiratory or cold symptoms: Go to the topic:
  • Respiratory Problems, Age 11 and Younger.
  • Respiratory Problems, Age 12 and Older.
• Sore throat: Go to the topic Sore Throat.
• Ear problems: Go to the topic:
  • Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger.
  • Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: February 25, 2008
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
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