Results for: Persistent 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.
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (Common Cold)
A viral infection causing inflammation of the nasal passages and throat, often leading to a lingering cough.
Acute Bronchitis
Inflammation of the bronchial tubes usually caused by viruses, resulting in a persistent cough that may produce mucus.
Post‑nasal Drip (Upper Airway Cough Syndrome)
Mucus dripping down the back of the throat irritates the cough reflex, often lasting weeks after a cold or allergies.
Asthma
Chronic airway hyper‑responsiveness that can cause a dry or wheezy cough, especially at night or after exercise.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus and throat, irritating the airway and producing a chronic cough.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
A progressive lung disease, most often due to smoking, that causes a persistent productive cough.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
A bacterial infection characterized by severe coughing fits that can last for weeks or months.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergy‑induced inflammation of the nasal passages leads to post‑nasal drip and a lingering cough.
Bronchiectasis
Permanent dilation of bronchi causing chronic cough with thick sputum and recurrent infections.
Lung Cancer
Malignant growth in lung tissue that may present as a persistent, sometimes bloody, cough.
Tuberculosis (TB)
A bacterial infection of the lungs that often causes a chronic cough, weight loss, and night sweats.
Interstitial Lung Disease
A group of disorders causing lung scarring, leading to a dry, persistent cough and shortness of breath.
Medication‑Induced Cough (e.g., ACE Inhibitors)
Certain drugs can cause a dry, irritating cough as a side effect.
Foreign Body Aspiration
Inhalation of an object into the airway can cause a sudden, persistent cough and possible choking.
Chronic Sinusitis
Long‑standing sinus inflammation leads to mucus drainage and a lingering cough.
Heart Failure (Pulmonary Congestion)
Fluid buildup in the lungs from heart dysfunction can cause a chronic, often productive cough.
Sarcoidosis
An inflammatory disease that can affect the lungs, producing a dry cough and shortness of breath.
Pulmonary Embolism (Chronic)
A blood clot in the lung arteries may cause a persistent cough along with chest pain and breathlessness.
Vocal Cord Dysfunction
Abnormal vocal cord movement during breathing can mimic asthma and cause a chronic cough.
Environmental Irritants (e.g., Smoke, Pollution)
Exposure to irritants can inflame the airway, leading to a persistent cough that improves when exposure stops.
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