Cough Quiz: What Type of Cough Do You Have?
Quick, free cough symptom checker. Discover your type with instant results.
Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Caryn GeorgeUpdated Aug 24, 2025
This cough quiz helps you identify your cough type and spot common triggers. Answer a few questions to get simple tips you can try today and signs to watch for. If symptoms overlap, explore our do i have asthma quiz, check the cold vs allergies quiz, or compare with the copd or asthma quiz.
Which best describes the sound of your cough?
Do you cough up any mucus or phlegm?
When do you notice your cough is most severe?
Do you experience sneezing or a runny nose along with your cough?
Does cold air or dry environments trigger your cough?
Have you experienced wheezing or chest tightness when coughing?
How long has your cough persisted?
What color is any phlegm you produce?
Does your cough improve with hydration or humidifiers?
Do you also experience acid reflux symptoms alongside coughing?
Have you been diagnosed with asthma or allergies previously?
Does your cough worsen when you lie down or at night?
How do cough medicines affect your cough?
Do you notice a barking quality or difficulty filling your lungs?
Have you recently been around anyone with a similar cough?
Asthmatic Cough
You have a cough accompanied by wheezing or chest tightness, often triggered by exercise, cold air, or allergens. This suggests an asthmatic component narrowing your airways during coughing episodes. You may find relief using a prescribed bronchodilator or inhaler. Tip: Monitor your triggers, use inhaled medications as directed, and consult your doctor.
Dry Irritant Cough
You have a dry, non-productive cough that feels like a persistent throat tickle. You often cough without producing mucus, especially in dry or cold environments. This type of cough can result from viral irritation or environmental triggers. Tip: Use a humidifier and stay well hydrated to soothe your throat.
Postnasal Drip Cough
Your cough is driven by postnasal drip, causing clear or watery mucus to irritate your throat. You often experience sneezing, a runny nose, or frequent throat clearing along with coughing. Seasonal allergies or sinus issues commonly underlie this cough type. Tip: Try nasal saline rinses and antihistamines to reduce dripping.
Whooping (Pertussis-Like) Cough
Your cough involves severe, repetitive fits ending in a characteristic whooping sound and sometimes vomiting. This pattern is consistent with pertussis (whooping cough) or similar infections and often lasts over two weeks. It requires prompt medical attention to prevent complications. Tip: Seek evaluation from a healthcare professional; antibiotics and vaccination may be needed.
Moist Productive Cough
You exhibit a moist, productive cough accompanied by thick or discolored phlegm. You likely have congestion in your airways as your body clears mucus. This cough can stem from bronchitis or other chest infections. Tip: Stay hydrated, use expectorants, and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist.
Profiles
Below are the outcome profiles you'll see after completing our cough checker quiz - each helps you identify your cough type and offers targeted relief tips.
- The Dry Defender -
This outcome pops up when you score high on persistent, tickly cough symptoms. As part of our cough checker, you'll learn why a dry cough happens and how to soothe throat irritation with honey, steam therapy, and gentle cough suppressants. Ready to calm that scratchy sensation? Try our tips now!
- The Mucus Mover -
If you're hacking up phlegm or noticing chest congestion in this cough symptom quiz, you're a Mucus Mover. We'll show you how to thin mucus with expectorants, stay hydrated, and use warm fluids to clear airways. Follow these steps to move that mucus along and breathe easier!
- The Allergy Alarm -
Triggered by pollen, dust, or pet dander, the Allergy Alarm cough emerges with sneezing and itchy eyes. This "what type of cough do I have" quiz result highlights antihistamine options, air purifier advice, and nasal rinses to tackle allergic triggers. Time to identify your cough type and beat those seasonal sniffles.
- The Whoop Watcher -
Characterized by a distinctive "whooping" sound, this outcome flags potential pertussis concerns. Our cough checker encourages you to seek medical evaluation, explore prescribed antibiotics or cough management strategies, and protect loved ones by staying informed. Don't ignore the whoop - act with urgency.
- The Chronic Caller -
A long-lasting cough that lingers beyond eight weeks earns you the Chronic Caller badge. This outcome from our cough symptom quiz explains possible underlying causes - GERD, asthma, or medication side effects - and guides you to consult a healthcare professional for targeted solutions. Ready to end the cough that just won't quit?
