US Medical Term · symptoms
Cough
Tos
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Cough |
| Spanish (Español) | Tos |
| Chinese (中文) | 咳嗽 |
| Korean (한국어) | 기침 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Ho |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Ubo |
| Portuguese (Português) | Tosse |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ไอ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 咳 |
What it means
A cough is a reflex action that clears your airway of mucus, irritants, or foreign particles. Occasional coughing is normal and protective. A persistent cough lasting more than three weeks should be evaluated by a doctor. Common causes include respiratory infections, allergies, asthma, GERD, postnasal drip, and smoking. Some blood pressure medications can also cause a chronic dry cough. Seek care promptly if your cough produces blood, is accompanied by chest pain or high fever, causes you to vomit, or if you have significant weight loss or night sweats alongside coughing.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I've had a cough that won't go away for the past three weeks.
Llevo tres semanas con una tos que no se me quita.
I cough so hard sometimes that I almost vomit.
A veces toso tan fuerte que casi vomito.
My cough is worse at night and keeps me from sleeping.
La tos empeora de noche y no me deja dormir.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
R05 CoughRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026