The symptom checker reviewed by doctors

Choose a symptom and answer simple questions using our physician-reviewed
symptom checker to find more information on your health issue.

  • Symptom
  • Assessment
  • Results

Has your cough begun recently? Consider recent exposures you may have experienced, including new pets, new environments, new medications, etc.

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Are you very short of breath, and are you coughing up pink, frothy mucus?

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Possible Diagnosis

Your symptoms may be from a serious condition called PULMONARY EDEMA (fluid in the lungs).

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Does your cough produce clear or pale yellow mucus?

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Possible Diagnosis

You likely have a viral infection, which includes the FLU.

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Does your cough produce yellow, tan, or green mucus?

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Possible Diagnosis

You may have an infection of the airways, such as CHRONIC BRONCHITIS. If you have a fever with shaking chills and are very ill, you may have a more serious infection, such as PNEUMONIA.

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Does the cough come with shortness of breath and wheezing?

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Possible Diagnosis

These symptoms may be a sign of ASTHMA, a closure or restriction of the airways.

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Do you have heart problems? Also, do you have swelling in your legs and/or shortness of breath when you are active or after you have been lying down?

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Possible Diagnosis

Persistent coughing can be caused by CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, especially when there is a buildup of fluid in the lungs, as well as in the legs, feet, and/or ankles.

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Have you recently started coughing up blood or bloody sputum?

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Have you recently started having sharp chest pain, rapid heartbeat, swelling of the legs and sudden shortness of breath?

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Possible Diagnosis

Bloody mucus with these symptoms may mean that a blood clot has moved from your leg to your lungs. This is called PULMONARY EMBOLISM. You may also have developed an infection called PNEUMONIA.

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Do you have a fever, chills and night sweats along with chest pain when you cough or take a deep breath?

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Possible Diagnosis

These symptoms may be caused by TUBERCULOSIS or another type of infection.

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Have you unintentionally lost weight?

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Possible Diagnosis

This may be a sign of a serious illness, such as LUNG CANCER. Other signs of lung cancer may include a cough that produces bloody sputum, shortness of breath and wheezing.

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Did you inhale dust, particles, or an object?

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Possible Diagnosis

Irritation of the airways will cause coughing to attempt to clear the object or irritation out of the airway.

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Has you cough lasted longer than 6 weeks?

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Possible Diagnosis

This is known as CHRONIC COUGH. The three most common causes are UPPER AIRWAY COUGH SYNDROME, ASTHMA, and ACID REFLUX.

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Self Care

Have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room or call an ambulance right away.

Self Care

If it is within 48-72 hours from the beginning of symptoms, there are medications that your doctor can prescribe if you test positive for, or they suspect the FLU. If it is outside the 48-72-hour window or it is not the flu, then symptomatic treatment (treating cough, headache, sinus congestion, sore throat, etc. can be accomplished with an over-the-counter cough and cold medication). Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water. Call your doctor if you have a high fever (>101.5°F) or your symptoms persist for more than 5 days.

Self Care

See your doctor or go to the closest emergency room if you are having trouble breathing. Your doctor can prescribe medicine to relieve your symptoms. Get plenty of rest, and drink lots of fluids. If you smoke, stop smoking.

Self Care

Asthma can be dangerous and should be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. Make sure that you get your annual influenza vaccination. If you feel that you can’t catch your breath or can’t stop coughing, then have someone drive you to the closest emergency room or call an ambulance.

Self Care

See your doctor.

Self Care

Have someone drive you to the closest emergency room or call an ambulance.

Self Care

Have someone drive you to the closest emergency room or call an ambulance.

Self Care

See your doctor right away.

Self Care

If you smoke, stop smoking. If the coughing is severe or if you don’t believe the irritant has been cleared from your airway, see your doctor or go to the emergency room right away.

Self Care

UPPER AIRWAY COUGH SYNDROME is usually due to environmental exposures, such as ALLERGIC RHINITIS. This can be caused by triggers like pollen, weeds, cat/dog dander, mold, dust, etc. Treat with antihistamines and see your doctor. for consideration of an inhaled nasal steroid and potentially allergy shots.

Your cough may be a symptom of ASTHMA, a closure or restriction of the airways.

ASTHMA can be dangerous and should be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. Make sure that you get your annual influenza vaccination. If you feel that you can’t catch your breath or can’t stop coughing, then have someone drive you to the closest emergency room or call an ambulance.

Your symptoms may be associated with heartburn, a sour taste in your mouth, or a burning sensation in the back of your throat. This can lead to ACID REFLUX. You can try over-the-counter antacids. See your doctor if symptoms are present most days of the week.

For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think your problem is serious, call your doctor right away.

DISCLAIMER

Symptom Checker content is provided for informational purposes only. This tool may leverage certain generative artificial intelligence tools to generate results, but you should not rely on this tool as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health or the information provided when you use this tool, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your healthcare professional because of something you may have read using this tool or on the FamilyDoctor.org website. Use this content solely at your own risk. If you think you may have a medical emergency, dial 911.