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Diagnose Cause of Cough

Your doctor will diagnose the cause of your cough based on your medical history, a physical exam and test results.

    Medical History of Patient

Your doctor will likely ask questions about your cough. Doctor may ask how long you've had the cough, whether you're coughing anything up (such as mucus, a slimy substance), and how much you cough.

Your doctor also may ask the following questions:

    Physical Exam

To check for signs of problems related to cough, your doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to your lungs. Doctor will listen for wheezing, which is a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe, plus other abnormal sounds.

    Diagnostic Tests

Your doctor may recommend tests based on results of your medical history and physical exam. For example, if you have symptoms of GERD, your doctor may recommend a pH probe. This test measures the acid level of fluid in your throat.

Other tests may include: