Cough
About This Condition
A cough is a symptom of many diseases. Most coughs come from simple viral infections, such as the common cold. Sometimes, but not always, mucus is produced with the cough. If the color is green or yellow, it may be a hint of a bacterial infection, although this is not always a reliable indicator. If the color is red, there may be bleeding in the lungs. Any cough that produces blood or blood-stained mucus, as well as any cough that lasts more than two weeks, requires a visit to a medical professional for diagnosis.
Other Therapies
People with coughs lasting longer than a week, or associated with a fever, rash, or a persistent headache should talk to their doctor. A chronic, persistent cough requires medical attention in order to determine the underlying cause.