Cough

A sudden, audible expulsion of air from the lungs through a partially closed glottis, preceded by inhalation.

Also called: Cough, Coughing.

Not sure what cough might be related to? See the lab tests that healthcare providers may use to investigate cough, and the conditions they help explore.
Explore relevant lab tests
Associations

Conditions associated with cough

The following conditions have been associated with cough in medical literature. This is informational and not a diagnosis.

Allergic Asthma

Asthma triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander....

Respiratory

Alport syndrome

Alport syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Alveolar echinococcosis

Alveolar echinococcosis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

American trypanosomiasis

American trypanosomiasis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Amoebiasis due to Entamoeba histolytica

Amoebiasis due to Entamoeba histolytica is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms an...

General

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Anti-glomerular basement membrane disease

Anti-glomerular basement membrane disease is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms ...

General

Antisynthetase syndrome

Antisynthetase syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Asthma

A chronic inflammatory condition of the airways that causes episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightn...

Respiratory

Autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis

Autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms ...

General

Avian influenza

Avian influenza is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Babesiosis

Babesiosis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Beta-ketothiolase deficiency

Beta-ketothiolase deficiency is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, usually viral, causing a productive cough that can last several weeks....

Respiratory

Bronchogenic cyst

Bronchogenic cyst is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Castleman disease

Castleman disease is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1E

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1E is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and si...

General

Chronic Sinusitis

Inflammation of the sinuses lasting more than 12 weeks, causing nasal congestion, facial pressure, and postnas...

Respiratory

Chronic graft versus host disease

Chronic graft versus host disease is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and sign...

General

Classic Hodgkin lymphoma

Classic Hodgkin lymphoma is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Cocaine intoxication

Cocaine intoxication is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Coccidioidomycosis

Coccidioidomycosis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Common Cold

A mild viral infection of the nose and throat causing runny nose, congestion, sneezing, and sore throat....

Infectious

Congenital tracheomalacia

Congenital tracheomalacia is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Cryptococcosis

Cryptococcosis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia

Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs...

General

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Ebola hemorrhagic fever

Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Emanuel syndrome

Emanuel syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a medical condition that may be associated with various sympt...

General

Erdheim-Chester disease

Erdheim-Chester disease is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Goodpasture syndrome

Goodpasture syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs...

General

Hemorrhagic fever-renal syndrome

Hemorrhagic fever-renal syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs...

General

Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, Okinawa type

Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, Okinawa type is a medical condition that may be associated with vario...

General

High altitude pulmonary edema

High altitude pulmonary edema is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Hughes-Stovin syndrome

Hughes-Stovin syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis

Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms a...

General

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and ...

General

Tests

Tests providers may use to investigate cough

When investigating cough, a healthcare provider may order one or more of the following laboratory tests. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.

Allergy Testing

Identifies environmental, food, or animal allergies....

Sample: Blood

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

Measures inflammation in the body....

Sample: Blood

CBC with Differential

Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...

Sample: Blood

Cbc, Cmp, Ua, Thyroid, & Lipid Health Tests

Our standard health test panel includes thyroid testing, a CBC, CMP, Urinalysis, & Lipid Panel. These lab test...

Sample: Blood

Chest X-Ray

Imaging of the chest to evaluate lungs and heart....

Sample: Imaging

Complete Blood Count Test Cbc Test With Differential

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) test helps to give an overall view of general health and screens for a broad scop...

Sample: Blood

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...

Sample: Blood

Crp Test C-Reactive Protein

This blood test measures levels of CRP to help indicate if cases of inflammation or infection are occurring. I...

Sample: Blood

Hepatitis Panel

Screens for hepatitis A, B, and C infections....

Sample: Blood

High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP)

Assesses low-level inflammation and cardiovascular risk....

Sample: Blood

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)

Measures total IgE and can help evaluate allergic conditions....

Sample: Blood

Influenza Test

Detects influenza A and B viruses....

Sample: Nasal or throat swab

Related

Symptoms commonly seen alongside cough

When to seek care

Seek care from a qualified healthcare provider if cough is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the symptom cough mean?

Cough is a health sign or symptom described in medical literature. A sudden, audible expulsion of air from the lungs through a partially closed glottis, preceded by inhalation.

Which conditions are associated with cough?

Cough has been reported in association with 92 conditions in the medical literature we index, including Allergic Asthma, Alport syndrome, Alveolar echinococcosis, American trypanosomiasis, Amoebiasis due to Entamoeba histolytica. These associations do not mean you have any of these conditions.

Should I see a doctor about cough?

You should discuss any persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider. This website does not provide diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms or signs of a medical emergency, seek care immediately.

Educational content only: The information on Symptom Database.com is for educational purposes and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider. Read our full disclaimer.