I've been coughing so much that I vomit after coughing.

Patient

Hi, I've been experiencing an issue lately and I was hoping to get some advice.

Triage Assistant

Where does it hurt?

Patient

It's not really pain, but more about a persistent symptom I’m experiencing.

Triage Assistant

Can you describe the symptom you're experiencing?

Patient

Yes, I've been having intense coughing spells that sometimes make me vomit.

Triage Assistant

When did the cough begin?

Patient

It started a couple of weeks ago, but it has gradually gotten worse.

Triage Assistant

How bad is the cough today, on a scale from 0 to 10, with 10 being the most severe?

Patient

I'd say it's about an 8 today. The coughing fits have been pretty frequent and intense.

Triage Assistant

Describe the color of your sputum (phlegm), if any. Is it clear, white, yellow, or green? Or do you have a dry cough with no sputum?

Patient

I've noticed that my sputum is generally clear but sometimes it has a slight white tint to it.

Triage Assistant

Are you coughing up any blood? If so, how much (flecks, streaks, tablespoons, etc.)?

Patient

Luckily, I haven't noticed any blood in my sputum.

Triage Assistant

Are you having difficulty breathing? If yes, how bad is it (mild, moderate, severe)?

Patient

I have some mild difficulty breathing, especially during and after the intense coughing spells.

Triage Assistant

Do you have a fever? If yes, what is your temperature, how was it measured, and when did it start?

Patient

No, I haven't had a fever, at least not that I've noticed. I haven't taken my temperature recently.

Triage Assistant

Do you have any history of heart disease, such as a heart attack or congestive heart failure?

Patient

No, I don't have any history of heart disease.

Triage Assistant

Do you have any history of lung disease, such as asthma, emphysema, or pulmonary embolus?

Dispositions