Chronic and Acute Coughs Topic Guide

Acid reflux (GERD) is a condition in which the acid contents of the stomach go back up into the esophagus. Learn about symptoms, home remedies, treatment, and foods to avoid.

Bronchitis is a disease of the respiratory system in which the bronchial passages become inflamed. There are two types of bronchitis, acute and chronic. Symptoms of acute bronchitis include frequent cough with mucus, lack of energy, wheezing, and possible fever. Treatment may require medication such as bronchial inhalers and predinsone. Supportive treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms with fever reducers, cough suppressants, and rest. Treatment may be more aggressive in patients with pre-existing conditions such as emphysema, COPD, or cigarette smoking.

Asthma is a disease that affects the breathing passages of the lungs (bronchioles). Asthma may be caused by genes and environmental factors. Asthma causes wheezing, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. Treatment includes avoidance of triggers and medications to control and prevent symptoms.

Children account for 47.8% of asthma-related visits to the emergency department. Asthma symptoms include wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. Treatment focuses on managing the child's symptoms and preventing future asthma attacks with medicines that provide the best results with the fewest side effects.

Bacterial pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. People with pneumonia usually experience coughing, fever, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Pneumonia is a leading cause of death from infection.

A mutation to the bird flu virus could result in an influenza strain that afflicts not only birds, but humans, too. So far, the only humans to contract bird flu have been in contact with infected birds and other contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, pneumonia, eye infection, muscle aches, and cough. Antiviral drugs are a form of treatment that lessens the length and severity of the flu.

The term bronchial adenoma describes tumors arising from mucous glands and ducts of the trachea windpipe or large airways of the lungs. These tend to grow slower than typical lung cancers, and one type can be truly benign.

Bronchiectasis is a condition in which the bronchial tubes of the lung become damaged. Inflammation from infection or other causes destroys the smooth muscles of the bronchial tubes. Bronchiectasis is a form of COPD (which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis). There are three primary types of bronchiectasis: 1) cylindrical bronchiectasis; 2) saccular bronchiectasis; and 3) cystic bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis may also be acquired or congenital. The most common symptoms of bronchiectasis are recurrent cough and sputum production. There is no cure for bronchiectasis. Treatment is often geared toward controlling the symptoms of bronchiectasis.

Bronchoscopy is performed to view the inside of a person's airway and lungs. There are two types of bronchoscopy, 1) rigid bronchoscopy and 2) flexible bronchoscopy. Risk of bronchoscopy are few, but include chest pain, cough, collapsed lung, or pleurisy.

Carcinoid lung tumors are an uncommon group of lung tumors. A carcinoid lung tumor can not be classified as benign or malignant. They are often referred to as "midway" tumors, or "cancers in slow motion." Common symptoms of a carcinoid lung tumor include: coughing (sometimes with blood), shortness of breath, fever, chest pain, and more. Treatment for a carcinoid lung tumor in general is surgery.

Chemical pneumonia is a type of lung irritation. Many substances can cause chemical pneumonia including liquids, gasses, dust, fumes, and lung aspiration. Symptoms and signs of chemical pneumonia include burning eyes, lips, mouth, throat, dry cough, nausea, abdominal pain, chest pain, headache, and pleuritis. Treatment of chemical pneumonia depends on the toxic and amount of exposure.

Chest X-ray is a common procedure ordered to diagnose certain diseases and conditions such as pneumonia, congestive heart failure, emphysema, lung masses or nodules, tuberculosis, pleurisy, fractures, aortic aneurysms, or enlarged heart. Chest X-ray is a non-invasive and safe diagnostic procedure.

Bronchitis is inflammation of the air passages in the lungs. There are several viruses and bacteria that cause bronchitis. Exposure to pollutants or tobacco smoke are also risks. Bronchitis is contagious if it is viral or bacterial. It is not contagious if it is due to smoking, air pollution, and other inhaled irritants. Symptoms of bronchitis include cough, sore throat, wheezing, fever, chills, etc. Treatment for bronchitis depends on the cause.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung condition in which there is a long-lasting obstruction of the airways, and occurs with emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and/or asthma. Causes of COPD include cigarette smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke and environmental tobacco smoke, Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, airway hyper-responsiveness, and air pollution. Symptoms of COPD include a productive cough and acute chest illness, shortness of breath, wheezing, heart failure, cyanosis, and weight loss. Treatment of COPD includes medications, oxygen therapy, surgery, and lung transplant.

Most symptoms and signs of cancer may also be explained by harmless conditions, so it's important to limit one's risk factors and undergo appropriate cancer screening. Common cancer symptoms and signs are a change in bowel habits or urination, persistent cough, blood in the stool, urine, or saliva, lump in the breast or testicle, hoarseness, swollen glands, a change in a wart or mole, unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, and headaches.

The cold is the most commonly occurring illness in the entire world, with more than 1 billion colds per year reported in the United States alone. Symptoms and signs include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, sneezing, and runny nose. Treatment involves drinking plenty of fluids and taking cough, fever, and pain medications.

Croup is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that typically affects children under 3 years of age. Symptoms include: a barking cough, cold, and low-grade fever. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be given to treat a fever or sore throat, and mist, humidified air, and exposure to cold air are routinely recommended by physicians. Severe croup may require hospitalization.

Emphysema a long-term, progressive disease of the lungs. The most common symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath. Causes and risk factors for emphysema include cigarette smoking, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, air pollution, abnormal airway reactivity, gender, and age. Treatment includes medication, lifestyle changes (quitting smoking), surgery, and lung transplantation.

Children may become infected with influenza by inhaling infected droplets in the air or if they come in contact with secretions from an infected person. Symptoms in children include a high-grade fever up to 104 F, chills, headaches, sore throat, cough, and muscle aches. Treatment of flu in children involves rest, increased fluid intake, treating fever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, using a humidifier, and using a rubber suction bulb to remove nasal secretions in younger children.

Acid reflux (GERD) is caused by lifestyle factors (alcohol, obesity), medication, diet, medical conditions, and eating habits. Symptoms of acid reflux (GERD) include bad breath, hoarseness, chronic cough, bitter taste in the mouth, wheezing, and a feeling of tightness in the throat. Treatment of acid reflux include lifestyle modifications and medication.

Heart failure is an inability of the heart to pump blood adequately. Early symptoms and signs of heart failure include shortness of breath, peripheral edema, exercise intolerance, weight gain, increased urination, fatigue, pleural effusion, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.

Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by a dimorphic fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum. Symptoms and signs include mouth ulcers, flu-like symptoms, seizures, and encephalopathy. The majority of infections require no treatment.

Flu (influenza) is an acute infection of the nose and throat airways. This infection may spread to the lungs. Flu is the most frequent cause of acute respiratory infection in people of all ages. Symptoms of the flu include fever, severe aches and pains, headache, dry cough, sore throat, and at times vomiting and nausea. Treatment for the flu includes home remedies such as OTC pain relievers, rest, and hydration. Medical treatment for the flu includes antiviral medications.

Interstitial lung disease, is a term to describe a certain lung condition. Causes of interstitial lung disease include lung infection, exposure to toxins in the environment (asbestos for example), medications (chemotherapy), radiation therapy, and chronic autoimmune disorders. Common symptoms of interstitial lung disease include a dry cough and shortness of breath. Diagnosis and treatment depend upon the cause of the condition.

Laryngitis means inflammation or swelling of the voice box (larynx). Laryngitis can be caused by overusing the voice, bacterial or fungal, infections, or infections like TB or syphilis. Laryngitis is contagious if it is caused by viral or bacterial infections. Common symptoms of laryngitis include hoarseness, a feeling of tickling in the throat, fever, cough, congestion, or clearing the throat often. Some home remedies may be effective for treating laryngitis. If laryngitis does not resolve after a couple of weeks, medical care should be sought.

Legionella bacteria cause both Legionnaire's disease and Pontiac fever. Legionnaire's disease causes severe pneumonia, while Pontiac fever is a self-limited illness. Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever early symptoms include headache, fever, chills, and myalgia. Antibiotics are the typical treatment for Legionnaires' disease.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. Symptoms and signs include coughing up blood, chest pain, wheezing, and chronic respiratory infections. Treatment depends upon the tumor stage, type of lung cancer, and the patient's overall physical condition.

Asthma is a chronic (long-term, ongoing) inflammation of the breathing passages (bronchi) of the lungs. Certain industrial products and conditions can cause and irritate breathing problems.

Pneumonia is inflammation of one or both lungs with consolidation. Pneumonia is frequently but not always caused by infection. The infection may be bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic. Symptoms may include fever, chills, cough with sputum production, chest pain, and shortness of breath. The pandemic COVID-19 coronavirus causes viral pneumonia in a percentage of people who contract the virus.

In lung cancer, lung cells exhibit abnormal and uncontrolled growth starting the lungs, while asthma is caused by inflammation and/or mucus that decreases or blocks the breathing passages (bronchioles) of the lungs. Asthma is usually an acute problem triggered by many different substances mainly affecting the lungs, while lung cancer is considered, once detected, an ongoing disease that can metastasize (spread) to other organs like the liver, bones or the brain.

Lung cancer occurs when healthy cells in lung tissue become abnormal and then multiply causing cancerous (malignant) tumors in the lung(s). Pneumonia is a bacterial, viral, or rarely, a fungal infection in the lung(s). The most common, similar signs and symptoms of lung cancer and pneumonia are cough, chest pain or discomfort, and shortness of breath. Both lung diseases also can cause signs and symptoms like coughing up blood, wheezing, pleural effusion, and lethargy.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control identified two cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the U.S. in 2014. This is a dangerous disease that in one outbreak had a 36% mortality rate.

Non-small-cell lung cancer is one of two types of lung cancer. Non-small-cell lung cancer symptoms and signs include coughing, shortness of breath, spitting blood, chest pain, pneumonia, and other respiratory symptoms. Treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery. The prognosis and life expectancy are good if the disease is caught in the early stages.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is highly contagious and causes respiratory tract infections in young children. RSV symptoms and signs include cough, sneezing, wheezing, earache, sore throat, fever, and a stuffy or runny nose. RSV has no specific treatment.

Secondhand tobacco smoke exposure has been proven to cause lung cancer, other cancers, heart disease, heart attack, respiratory illnesses, asthma, ear infections, SIDS, and other diseases. Eliminating all exposure to secondhand smoke is the only way to avoid risk of diseases and conditions caused by secondhand smoke.

Chronic and acute sinus infections and sinusitis is a condition in which the sinuses become inflamed and/or infected. Sinus infection symptoms and signs include bad breath, runny or stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, facial pain and swelling, tooth pain, ringing in the ears, sinus headache, fever, sore throat, and cough.

When cells of the lung start growing rapidly in an uncontrolled manner, the condition is called lung cancer. Lung cancer can affect any part of the lung. Small-cell lung cancer is one of two major types of lung cancer, the other being non-small-cell lung cancer.

The number one cause of death related to fires is smoke inhalation. An estimated 50%-80% of fire deaths are the result of smoke inhalation injuries rather than burns. Smoke inhalation can damage lungs through simple asphyxiation, chemical asphyxiation, and compounds that damage lung tissues.

Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of death and illness among Americans. Effects of smoking can cause cancers, emphysema, bronchitis, COPD, chronic cough, and more. Smoking cessation includes nicotine replacement therapy and behavioral therapy.

Smoking cigarettes and other forms of tobacco is terrible for anyone's health, and it's even worse for those suffering diabetes. Smoking cessation programs are readily available and should be used.

Sore throats are generally named for the anatomical site affected, such as: the pharynx, tonsils, adenoids, larynx, and epiglottis. Sore throat treatment depends on the cause, infection, viral, or fungal.

Strep throat is a disease caused by infection with streptococcal bacteria. Strep throat is contagious. Strep throat symptoms include fever, pain, redness, and swelling of the throat and tonsils, swollen lymph nodes, white or yellow patches on the back of the throat. Treatment for strep throat includes home remedies to sooth symptoms such as throat lozenges, OTC medications, herbal teas to sooth the throat, and hydration. Medical treatment for strep throat includes antibiotics to prevent complications.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can cause the throat to be come red and swollen with visible white patches. Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and other problems. Viral infections can sometimes be confused with strep throat.

Prior to 2009, swine flu was a form of influenza that predominately affected swine. The virus was not easily transmitted to humans. However, the swine flu virus has mutated, allowing for person-to-person transmission. Swine flu symptoms include fever, sore throat, and cough. Infected individuals may also experience fatigue, headache, chills, or body aches. Lab testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis of swine flu. Treatment may involve oseltamivir or zanimivir.

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the glands of the throat, which results in a sore throat. Tonsillitis is either viral or bacterial. Tonsillitis is contagious. Symptoms of tonsillitis include sore throat, fever, pain when swallowing, headache, nausea, vomiting, cough, runny nose, hoarseness, ear pain, and redness of the eyes. Tonsillitis can be treated with antibiotics. Sometimes it is necessary to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy).

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection, typically of the lungs, that is caused by either bacteria or fungus. Though treatments have have greatly evolved over the years, TB is still a major health problem worldwide.

An upper respiratory tract infection is generally caused by a virus and treatment is directed at managing the symptoms of the infection. Viral infections are not responsive to antibiotics. The most common upper respiratory tract infection is the common cold. Upper respiratory infections are contagious thus prevention measures such as frequent hand washing and avoiding other that are ill are the most effective.

Not infrequently, there is a news report of another outbreak of swine flu, where a type of influenza A that normally infects pigs crosses over and infects a human. Actually, however, "swine flu" no longer exists, since the infection is now called a "variant influenza virus" infection. The type of virus is often named based on its genetic makeup.

Pneumonia is an infection or inflammation of the lungs. It can be in just one part of the lungs, or it can involve many parts. Symptoms of viral pneumonia include low-grade fever, coughing up mucus, tiredness, and muscle aches. A percentage of people who contract the deadly COVID-19 develop severe lung symptoms that may include viral pneumonia. The best treatment for viral pneumonia of any cause is to rest and keep the patient hydrated.

Cigarette smoking is a leading contributor to death and illness among Americans and drinking alcohol remains the number one drug problem in the U.S. There is growing evidence for genetic and biologic predispositions for alcoholism.

Both smoking and obesity are leading contributors to illness and death in the U.S. Smokers have a greater risk of cancer heart attack, respiratory illness (emphysema, COPD, pneumonia), high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, and aortic aneurysms. Obesity can increase a person’s risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and depression.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is an infectious vaccine-preventable disease marked by spasms of coughing punctuated by a characteristic "whoop" sound. Treatment involves isolating the infected individual until he or she has received five days of antibiotics, including azithromycin, clarithromycin, or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Patients can use a cool-mist humidifier, and monitoring for dehydration.