What kind of cough is alarming?

Call your doctor if your cough (or your child's cough) doesn't go away after a few weeks or if it also involves any one of these: Coughing up thick, greenish-yellow phlegm. Wheezing. Experiencing a fever.

How do I know if my cough is serious?

However, if the cough is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, headache, drowsiness or shortness of breath it should be brought to a doctor's attention. Coughs that make certain sounds, like whooping, wheezing or barking, may also signal a bigger problem.

When should a cough be alarming?

Reasons to See a Doctor About a Cough

Cough causing headache. Nonstop cough. Long-lasting dry cough (lasts for weeks) Coughing up mucus, phlegm or blood.

What kind of cough is worrisome?

If it persists, a cough that's worse at night can be a sign of asthma or gastroesophageal reflux. “A chronic wet-sounding cough is worrisome from an aerodigestive perspective because it can indicate aspiration, or the inhalation of food or liquid into the lungs,” says Dr. Simoneau.

What are the 4 types of cough?

The four main types of coughs are: wet, dry, paroxysmal and croup. Most coughs do go away on their own. Home remedies and over-the-counter cough medicines can help relieve symptoms.

Understanding the different kinds of coughs

What does TB cough sound like?

A cough with a brassy timbre, for example, has been found to be such a strong characteristic of lymphoid gland tuberculosis that it may suffice as a diagnosis tool in itself (Korpáš et al 1996).

What is an abnormal cough?

While an occasional cough is normal, a cough that persists may be a sign of a medical problem. A cough is considered "acute" if it lasts less than three weeks. It is considered "chronic" if it lasts longer than eight weeks (four weeks in children).

How do I know if my cough is pneumonia?

The signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include:

Cough, which may produce greenish, yellow or even bloody mucus. Fever, sweating and shaking chills. Shortness of breath. Rapid, shallow breathing.

What does pneumonia cough sound like?

It might sound deeper or louder than other coughs and may or may not produce either green, yellow, or bloody mucus. Whether you suspect your cough is due to pneumonia or not, if you are experiencing a severe cough, you should talk to a healthcare provider to figure out the best treatment for you.

Can a bad cough be serious?

See a GP if:

you've had a cough for more than 3 weeks (persistent cough) you're losing weight for no reason. you have a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy or diabetes.

How do I stop uncontrollable coughing?

Is dry cough symptoms of TB?

People with TB disease (also known as active TB) have disease signs. They may have a cough that doesn't go away. When they cough, they may bring up mucus with blood in it. Or they may have a “dry” cough (no mucus).

Why is my cough not going away?

Common causes for chronic cough include asthma, postnasal drip and acid reflux. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. If you're an adult with a cough that's lasted more than two months or if your child's cough lasts more than four weeks, you should contact a healthcare provider to find out why.

When does a cough need antibiotics?

Antibiotics aren't recommended for many chest infections, because they only work if the infection is caused by bacteria, rather than a virus. Your GP will usually only prescribe antibiotics if they think you have pneumonia, or you're at risk of complications such as fluid building up around the lungs (pleurisy).

What are the first warning signs of pneumonia?

When is a cough a chest infection?

The main symptoms of a chest infection can include: a persistent cough. coughing up yellow or green phlegm (thick mucus), or coughing up blood. breathlessness or rapid and shallow breathing.

What does chest infection sound like?

Swelling, blockages or mucus in your airways can create abnormal lung sounds. These include rhonchi, wheezing, stridor, crackles (rales) and pleural rub.

What are the signs of lung infection?

A lung infection happens when a virus, bacteria, or fungus gets into the lungs. Immune cells race to the airways to fight the infection, causing inflammation. Chest congestion, difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, and fever are the result.

What are 3 symptoms of bronchitis?

What does an allergy cough sound like?

The cough is typically dry and non-productive, meaning it doesn't bring up mucus. It is sometimes described as having a "barking" or "hacking" sound. Tree and grass pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or mold are just a few allergens that can cause an allergy cough.

Should I be worried about my cough?

Speak to a GP if:

your cough is particularly severe. you cough up blood. you experience shortness of breath, breathing difficulties or chest pain. you have any other worrying symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, a persistent change in your voice, or lumps or swellings in your neck.

What is a heart cough?

What is a heart cough? In heart failure, your heart muscle has dysfunction that might be due to weak contraction or stiffness. This can allow fluid to back up in your lungs, creating a condition called pulmonary edema. Your body coughs persistently in an effort to eliminate the excess fluid.