Cough Directory
Coughing is the body's way of removing foreign material or mucus from the lungs and upper airways or of reacting to an irritated airway. Coughs have distinctive traits you can learn to recognize. A cough is only a symptom, not a disease, and often the importance of your cough can be determined only when other symptoms are evaluated. Coughs often occur with bacterial and viral respiratory infections, but there are many other causes of cough. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about cough, causes, how to treat a cough, and much more.
Medical Reference
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Cough Medicine and Cough Syrups
Need something to stop that cough? Learn more about the ingredients and purposes of the various types of cough syrup and cough medicine so you get the right treatment.
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Soothe a Baby or Toddler's Cough or Cold Without Medicine
How to care for babies and toddlers who have coughs or colds. Natural remedies are safe and can soothe. Simple home remedies give babies fast relief from cough and cold symptoms.
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13 Ways to Ease a Cough From Colds or the Flu
Learn how to feel better when a cold or flu gives you a cough or sore throat and when to see a doctor.
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Hemoptysis (Coughing Up Blood)
Coughing up blood, also known as hemoptysis, can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Learn more about the causes, diagnostic tests, and treatments for hemoptysis.
Features
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Soothe Your Nighttime Cough
Are you up at night coughing because of a cold or flu? Find out how to soothe your nighttime cough.
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6 Tips to Help You Breathe Easier (and Sleep Better) When You’re Sick
Too stuffy to sleep? Try these tricks to breathe easier and sleep better when you’re sick.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The virus that causes COVID-19 is a new (novel) strain of coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. It causes mild flu-like symptoms, but severe cases can be fatal. Learn how to spot symptoms, prevent spreading of the disease, and find out what to do if you think you have it.
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What Your Mucus Says About Your Health
Snot, mucus, phlegm -- call it what you want, it’s still gross. It also means your body is keeping you healthy.
Video
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Myths & Facts about Snot and Mucus
Get the facts on mucus and snot, the different mucus colors and what they mean in this informative myth vs fact video.
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How COVID-19 Affects Children and Teenagers
Are children naturally immune to coronavirus? How much are they contributing to the spread? WebMD’s Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, unpacks the evidence with pediatrician Alok Patel, from what factors may make children more resilient to what parents should know.
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When to Visit the ER if You Show COVID-19 Symptoms
Should you rush to the ER if you think you have coronavirus? WebMD’s Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, talks with emergency physician Corey Slovis about what symptoms call for a test, how to socially distance yourself from others at the hospital, and what to expect if you have a non-COVID-19 medical emergency.
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Cough Medicine Abuse in Teens
There's a growing epidemic of teen abuse of over-the-counter cough medicine. It's dangerous, even deadly. Could your teen be in danger?
Slideshows & Images
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Tips for Calming Your Cough
Can't stop coughing? See home cough remedies and other cough treatments. And find out when it's time to see a doctor for your cough.
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Home Remedies for Sick Children
Children need special care when they’re home sick with colds or flu. Here’s how you can care for them.
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Cold & Flu Treatment: Medication and Home Remedies for Children Slideshow
WebMD offers helpful tips to safely choose and use over-the-counter medicines and other remedies to help you treat your child’s cold or flu.
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Soothe a Child's Cold or Flu
Does your child have the cold or flu? See how to ease your child's cold or flu. Help symptoms like cough, sore throat, and stuffiness.
Blogs
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Coronavirus in Context: How Hospitals Will Prepare for Surge of COVID-19 Cases
WebMD's Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, speaks with the President of the Society of Critical Care Medicine
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What Is a 'Silent Spreader'?
In the avalanche of new terminology related to coronavirus, you might be hearing about 'silent spreaders' - but what does that term really mean? ...
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What to Eat to Boost Your Immune System
Wouldn’t it be nice if eating a particular food could magically protect you against all the nasty bugs floating around? (Even better, if ...
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Coronavirus Fears When You Have Diabetes
A couple of nights ago, I did what every scientific expert on COVID-19 virus has warned against: I panicked. After a day spent reading ...
Quizzes
Health Tools
Expert Commentary
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A Teenager’s Story of OTC Drug Abuse
A teenager in rehab talks about how abusing over-the-counter medicines led to harder drugs and eventually her arrest.
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How Parents Can Prevent Teen OTC Drug Abuse
A drug rehab counselor talks about how parents can prevent those first steps to teenage drug addiction.