In the 'Symptoms - Respiratory' section of our in-depth questionnaire we ask the following question about a cough that does not produce mucus:
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Do you have a cough that does not produce mucus (a 'dry cough')?
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Your answer |
...indicates |
...and suggests |
| 1. |
"Don't know" |
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| 2. |
"No" |
Lack of nonproductive cough |
A symptom |
| 3. |
"Recent problem for less than a month" |
Recent nonproductive cough |
A symptom |
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"Problem for over a month but less than a year" |
Chronic nonproductive cough |
A symptom |
| 5. |
"Problem for more than a year" |
Chronic nonproductive cough |
A symptom |
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Your answer will affect the likelihoods of the conditions below.
Any answers in green reduce the likelihood of the condition.
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| Answers |
Condition |
Comment |
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4 |
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Pneumonia |
Viral pneumonia often produces a dry cough at the beginning. The cough usually becomes worse and produces a small amount of mucus. Mycoplasma pneumonia is associated with a cough that tends to come in violent attacks, but produces only sparse whitish mucus. |
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3 |
4 |
5 |
Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis) |
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GLOSSARY
Mucus (Mucous)
The viscous, slippery substance that consists chiefly of mucin, water, cells, and inorganic salts and is secreted as a protective lubricant coating by cells and glands of the mucous membranes.
Pneumonia (Pneumonitis)
Inflammation, usually infectious, of the lungs. Unless the result of only moderate chemical or smoke irritation, it is a potentially life-threatening condition. There are so many defenses against an infection this deep in the body that the very presence of pneumonia signals a pathogen of great virulence or impaired or exhausted immunity, or all three. Pneumonitis: Inflammation of the lungs, from whatever cause. It may be concurrent with pneumonia or pleurisy.
Last updated: Feb 28, 2008
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