Expert: Sue Enlow - 6/16/2005

Question
I'm not sure if you're the right person to ask this, But what kind of "diseases" or health problems have coughing symptoms. I've been coughing for over a week, a month ago it started, but just barely. and lately  I've been coughing heavily. I have a runny nose in the mornings but thats all. My throat feels kind of soar SOMETIMES, and sometimes it feels like there something stuck in it.

Answer
Hi Dan,

Thank you for your question. Coughing is a very general symptom that can be applied to so many different diseases, that it's surprising to most people. Coughing can be caused by everything from allergies, colds, sinus infections, and flu, to more chronic lung diseases like sinusitis, asthma, and COPD. Your sore throat may be from sinus drainage, an infection, or even from the cough itself. The diseases I've listed here are not exclusive. There are still many more that can cause coughing. I only list these as the more common diseases. Since you've had this cough for some time now, I assume that you've tried treating the symptoms without success. It would be a good idea to go and see your doctor to rule out any of the chronic lung diseases, and to diagnose and treat the problem.

You could have what's called sinusitis. That's where you have long term sinus problems with congestion and maybe some pain or headaches. This is usually diagnosed with a CT scan. Allergies are becoming more common and are easy to diagnose with allergy testing. Once you identify the ‘triggers' that cause allergies, you can learn to avoid them. If your doctor suspects a chronic lung disease, he or she may order a test called a Pulmonary Function Test or PFT. This test can show how well your lungs are working.

I hope that this has been helpful. If you think of anything else, please don't hesitate to ask.

Sue Enlow