Is coughing a symptom of COVID-19 infection?
Disease description:
My father has had a persistent cough recently, but no fever or other symptoms. The family is concerned that he might have contracted the novel coronavirus, but we are unsure whether immediate isolation or medical attention is necessary. Does a cough necessarily indicate a COVID-19 infection? How can the cause be determined?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Ren Yi
Coughing is not a specific symptom of COVID-19 infection; various diseases can cause coughing, and a comprehensive evaluation combining other clinical manifestations is necessary. Before a clear diagnosis is made, do not take medication on your own to avoid delaying treatment or causing adverse reactions. Detailed explanations are as follows:
The typical symptoms of COVID-19 infection are mainly dry cough, fever, and fatigue, with some patients experiencing loss of smell or taste, muscle pain, nasal congestion, and sore throat. If coughing is the only symptom without fever or other symptoms, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is relatively low.
Coughing can also be caused by common colds, influenza, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. For example, the common cold often presents with nasal congestion and runny nose; asthma patients may experience wheezing and chest tightness; allergic diseases may be accompanied by rashes and itchy eyes. When coughing occurs, one should not hastily self-diagnose as having COVID-19 but should consider personal exposure history, epidemiological investigation results, clinical judgment by a physician, and necessary laboratory tests to determine the underlying cause.
If the cough persists for more than two weeks or is accompanied by chest pain, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), shortness of breath, or weight loss, other serious diseases should be considered. In daily life, it is recommended to keep indoor air humidified and avoid irritants such as smoke and dust; drink plenty of water, and try honey water to soothe a sore throat. Individuals with suspected symptoms are advised to seek timely medical attention, take personal protective measures, and avoid cross-infection.
