Table 12–6 Signs and Symptoms of Disorders Associated With Cough

Disorder Signs and Symptoms

Acute bronchitis Purulent sputum; cough that lasts 1–3 weeks; mild dyspnea, mild bronchospasm and
wheezing; usually afebrile, although a low-grade fever may be present

Asthma Wheezing or chest tightness; shortness of breath, coughing predominantly at night; cough
in response to specific irritants, such as dust, smoke, or pollen

Chronic bronchitis Productive cough most days of the month at least 3 months of the year for at least 2
consecutive years

COPD Persistent, progressive dyspnea; chronic cough (may be intermittent or unproductive),

chronic sputum production

GERD Heartburn; sour taste in mouth; worsening of symptoms in supine position; improvement
with acid-lowering drugs

HF Fatigue; dependent edema; breathlessness

Lower respiratory Fever (mild to high); thick, purulent, discolored phlegm; tachypnea, tachycardia
tract infection

UACS Mucus drainage from nose; frequent throat clearing

Viral URTI Sneezing; sore throat; rhinorrhea; low-grade fever

Key: COPD = Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; GERD = gastroesophageal reflux

disease; HF = heart failure; UACS = upper airway cough syndrome; URTI = upper
respiratory tract infection.

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