Related Information

•	Acute Bronchitis

•	Acute Sinusitis

•	Anaphylaxis

•	Asthma

•	Bronchoscopy

•	Candidiasis

•	Chronic Laryngitis

•	Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

•	Chronic Sinusitis (in Adults)

•	Common Cold (Viral Rhinitis)

•	Congestive Heart Failure

•	Flu (Influenza)

•	Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

•	Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)

•	Infectious Mononucleosis

•	Laryngitis

•	Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)

•	Peritonsillar Abscess

•	Pleurisy and Pleural Effusion

•	Pneumonia

•	Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)

•	Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa)

Coughs and Colds

Upper and lower respiratory tract infections commonly cause several symptoms simultaneously. Even so, one symptom probably dominates your illness. Identifying your most dominant symptom can be a good way for us to get started.

What is your most bothersome symptom from the list below?

Cough, wheeze, or breathing difficulty.

Sore throat.

Runny nose, stuffy nose or sneezing.

Hoarse voice or lost voice.

Ear pain.

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Online Medical Reviewer: McDonald, Thad, MD
Date Last Reviewed: 5/4/2006
Date Last Modified: 3/30/2006

Source: from Harvard Health Decision Guides, Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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Symptom Checker content copyright © 2006 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell. Use of content is subject to Terms & Conditions and Medical Disclaimer. More information on Harvard Medical School's publications and services is available at http://www.health.harvard.edu.