Cough: Symptoms

What other symptoms might occur with a cough?

A cough often occurs in conjunction with other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Other symptoms include fever, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Some symptoms, such as sounds the lungs make while you’re breathing, changes in blood pressure, and low blood oxygen levels may only be evident using certain instruments in the doctor’s office or hospital.

Common symptoms may occur along with cough

Cough may occur with other symptoms including:

• Coughing up clear, yellow, light brown, or green mucus

• Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, sore throat, headache, aches and pains)

• Hoarse voice

• Nausea

• Runny nose (nasal congestion)

• Sore throat

• Swollen neck lymph nodes

• Vomiting

• Wheezing

Other symptoms may occur along with cough

Cough may occur with other less common symptoms including:

• Bad breath

• Bleeding gums

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue

• Joint pain

• Loss of appetite

• Rash

• Unexplained weight loss

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, a cough may occur with other symptoms and certain combinations of symptoms that might indicate a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following symptoms:

• Coughing up blood or blood-tinged mucus or spit

• Coughing up pink, frothy mucus

• Difficulty speaking

• Frequent urination

• High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

• Leg or ankle swelling

• Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)

• Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, and choking

• Severe pain upon swallowing

• Very painful cough or pain while breathing deeply