See a healthcare professional for a medical evaluation
Review symptoms such as cough, mucus, wheezing, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath
Check symptom duration and whether they followed a cold or respiratory infection
Measure vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, and oxygen saturation
Listen to the lungs with a stethoscope for wheezing, crackles, or reduced airflow
Assess for signs of pneumonia, asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions
Review smoking history, vaping, recent infections, and exposure to irritants
Perform a physical examination of the nose, throat, chest, and breathing pattern
Order a chest X-ray if pneumonia or another lung condition is suspected
Consider pulse oximetry if breathing difficulty is present
Use spirometry or lung function testing if asthma or COPD is suspected
Test for viral or bacterial infections when indicated
Rule out other causes of cough such as allergies, postnasal drip, GERD, or heart disease
Seek urgent care if there is severe shortness of breath, chest pain, blue lips, confusion, or high fever