lung and airway disorders
Cough in Adults
Key Points
Most coughs are caused by minor respiratory infections or postnasal drip. Warning signs in people with a cough include shortness of breath, coughing up blood, weight loss, fever that lasts longer than about 1 week, and risk factors for HIV infection or tuberculosis. Doctors can usually make a diagnosis based on results of the medical history and physical examination. Medications (cough suppressants and expectorants) should be used to treat cough only when appropriate—for example, a cough suppressant only when cough is severe or when a doctor recommends it. 