106
FAMILY ILLNESS
Coughing( adults)
For children under 12, see p. 108 A natural defence mechanism, coughing is the body’ s way of clearing the airways of inhaled particles or secretions. Persistent coughing may be due to infection or inflammation in the lungs or to the effects of irritants such as tobacco smoke. Persistent coughing should be investigated by your doctor.
START
How long have you had a cough?
Less than 48 hours
Do you have a fever – a temperature of 100.4 ° F( 38 ° C) or above?
! Coughing up blood
If you cough up sputum that contains streaks of blood on one occasion only, the most likely cause is a small tear in the lining of the windpipe; if you feel well, you need not be concerned. However, if you have more than one such episode, there may be a more serious cause; you should see a doctor without delay.
Over 48 hours
Are you currently taking any prescribed medication?
Medication
No medication
Fever
No fever
Are you coughing up sputum?
Sputum
No sputum
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES A cough is the body’ s way of clearing the lungs.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if your cough continues for more than 1 hour.
Are you a smoker?
Smoker
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR Your symptoms may be a side effect of the medication.
• Continue to take the medication unless advised to stop by your doctor.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR You may have asthma or another chronic lung disorder. Lung cancer is unlikely but should be ruled out.
Nonsmoker
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR if you cannot identify a possible cause for your cough from this chart.