A cough is a common reflex action that clears the throat and breathing passages of foreign particles, microbes, irritants, fluids, and mucus. It is a normal part of the body’s defense mechanism, but a cough can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
Types of Cough
Coughs are commonly classified based on their duration:- Acute Cough: Lasts less than three weeks and is often caused by common respiratory infections such as the cold or flu.
- Subacute Cough: Lasts between three and eight weeks, transitioning between acute and chronic cough.
- Chronic Cough: Lasts longer than eight weeks and can be caused by conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or smoking.
Common Causes
The causes of cough vary depending on the type and duration:- Infections: Viral upper respiratory infections (like the common cold), pneumonia, whooping cough.
- Chronic lung conditions: Asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis.
- Environmental: Exposure to irritants such as smoke, dust, or chemical fumes.
- Allergies: Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold.
- Other health conditions: GERD, postnasal drip, sinusitis.
- Medications: Some blood pressure medications like ACE inhibitors.
Symptoms Accompanying Cough
Depending on the cause, a cough might be accompanied by symptoms like:- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth
- Frequent throat clearing
Treatment
Treatment for a cough depends on its underlying cause:- For coughs due to colds or flu, simple home remedies like hydration, warm liquids, and over-the-counter cough syrups may be effective.
- For asthma or allergies, inhalers and other medications can help control symptoms.
- For GERD, lifestyle changes and medications to reduce stomach acid can be helpful.
- Antibiotics are prescribed if a bacterial infection is the cause, though they are ineffective against viruses.