A cough is a common reflex action that clears the throat of mucus or foreign irritants. It is a vital part of the body’s defense mechanism and is often a symptom of various conditions such as cold, flu, allergies, lung diseases, and upper respiratory infections. The intensity and frequency of a cough can vary, and it may be accompanied by other symptoms like fever, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, depending on the cause. There are different types of coughs – dry cough, wet cough, whooping cough, chronic cough, etc., each with different causes and characteristics.
Causes of Cough
A cough may have several causes, including:
1. Infections: These are the most common causes, associated with illnesses like the common cold, influenza, and pneumonia. Some infections like whooping cough are specifically known for causing a severe, hacking cough.
2. Chronic conditions: Conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis often have persistent cough as a symptom. Similarly, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can lead to a chronic dry cough.
3. Allergies: Various allergies, like hay fever or other types of allergic rhinitis, can cause a cough due to the irritation of the respiratory tract.
4. Environmental irritants: Exposure to certain substances such as dust, fumes, and smoke can provoke a cough.
5. Medications: Certain drugs, particularly ACE inhibitors used for high blood pressure, can trigger coughing.
6. Smoking: Smoking is a major cause of chronic cough. Heavy smokers often have what’s referred to as a ‘smoker’s cough’.
7. Medical conditions: Some conditions, like postnasal drip syndrome, cause the body to produce more mucus which can lead to coughing.
This is not an exhaustive list, and any persistent cough should be checked by a healthcare professional to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Risk Factors of Cough
1. Smoking: This is by far the biggest risk factor for chronic cough. Damage caused by chronic exposure to tobacco smoke leads to inflammation and permanent changes in the lung, which can lead to symptoms such as coughing.
2. Asthma: This condition can cause a chronic cough. Often there may be other symptoms such as wheezing or shortness of breath.
3. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: This is a term for a group of lung conditions that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These diseases also cause inflammation and damage in the lungs, resulting in a persistent a cough.
4. Age: Young children and older adults are more susceptible to diseases such as pneumonia or bronchitis, which can result in a cough.
5. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This is a condition where stomach acid flows back up the esophagus. This can irritate the throat and cause a cough.
6. Immune response: Some individuals may have an over-sensitive response to substances such as dust, pollen, or certain chemicals. This can provoke a cough.
7. Infection: Viral or bacterial infections often result in a cough. Once the infection is over, the cough usually goes away. But sometimes the cough remains for weeks after the infection is gone.
8. Environmental factors: People can develop a chronic cough if they’re exposed to environmental irritants such as dust, mold, or chemical fumes over a long period of time.
9. Medications: Certain medicines, particularly a specific type of blood pressure drugs known as ACE inhibitors, can cause chronic cough in some people.
10. Lung diseases: People with certain lung conditions like cystic fibrosis, lung cancer or tuberculosis may also have a persistent cough.
Signs and Symptoms of Cough
Cough can have various signs and symptoms depending on its cause, here are some common symptoms:
1. Frequent coughing: It’s one of the most noticeable signs. This can range from a mild, intermittent cough to a severe cough that disrupts sleep.
2. Chest Pain: This is often due to the continuous coughing and can lead to discomfort in the chest area.
3. Fatigue: Persistent coughing can result in exhaustion due to decreased sleep and overall discomfort.
4. Shortness of breath: If the cough is due to lung or respiratory problems, you might experience difficulty in breathing.
5. Hoarseness: Many people with a persistent cough also have hoarseness.
6. Sore throat: Continuous coughing can irritate the throat leading to a sore throat.
7. Headache: The pressure from coughing can lead to headaches.
8. Mucus production: Coughs often bring up phlegm or mucus that may be clear, white, yellow, green or even bloody. This is also known as a productive cough.
9. Sweating and Fever: In cases like bronchitis or pneumonia, a cough may be accompanied by a fever.
10. Wheezing or whistling sound when you breathe: This generally suggests that the airways are narrowing or getting blocked.
If you have a cough that lasts longer than a week, or is accompanied by other serious symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or blood in your mucus, it is recommended to seek medical attention.
Diagnosis Cough
A cough is a reflex action to clear your airways of mucus, phlegm, and irritants, such as dust or smoke. It’s rarely a sign of anything serious. A “dry cough” means it’s tickly and doesn’t produce any phlegm (thick mucus). A “chesty cough” means phlegm is produced to help clear your airways.
Coughing could be due to a respiratory infection like the common cold, flu, or bronchitis, an allergy, a respiratory irritant like smoke or dust, a chronic lung condition like asthma or COPD, acid reflux, certain medicines, and in some cases, serious conditions like heart failure or lung cancer.
Chronic cough (cough lasting for over 8 weeks in adults, or over 4 weeks in children), that doesn’t go away may require medical attention. The diagnosis is often based on the symptoms and medical history, as well as a physical examination. In some instances, further tests like chest X-rays, lung function tests, or lab tests may be necessary. A doctor may also refer to a specialist if needed.
Treatment for a cough will depend on the cause. It may range from simple home remedies, over the counter medication, to prescription drugs treating underlying conditions. It’s always recommended to consult a healthcare professional for cough lasting more than a few weeks or accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or blood in phlegm.
Treatment of Cough
The treatment of a cough largely depends on its underlying cause.
1. Home treatment: If you have a common cold or flu, drinking water or warm lemon water with honey can soothe the throat and reduce coughing. Over-the-counter medications like cough suppressants can also help.
2. Medications: Depending on the cause of the cough, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics (for bacterial infections), cough suppressants, expectorants (to help you bring up mucus), or decongestants (for nasal or sinus congestion).
3. Underlying conditions: If the cough is a symptom of a chronic condition like asthma, COPD, or GERD, following the treatment plan for those conditions is necessary. This might include inhalers, steroids, or other medications.
4. Avoid irritants: Smoking, secondhand smoke, dust and environmental toxins can all cause or exacerbate a cough. It’s important to avoid these irritants as much as possible.
5. Physical therapy: For conditions like cystic fibrosis, physical techniques can be used to help clear the airways.
6. Hospitalization: In rare cases, a severe cough might require hospitalization, especially if it’s causing other issues like vomiting, fainting, or preventing you from getting enough sleep.
Always remember to seek medical attention if your cough is severe, lasts for more than a few weeks, or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, weight loss, or difficulty breathing as this could indicate a more serious condition.
Medications commonly used for Cough
There are a variety of medications that are commonly used to treat a cough. The kind of medication required generally depends on the underlying cause of the cough. Here are a few examples:
1. Cough Suppressants: These medications are used to treat dry coughs and include drugs like dextromethorphan and pholcodine. They work by blocking the cough reflex.
2. Expectorants: These are used for productive or “wet” coughs (coughs that produce mucus or phlegm). They work by thinning the mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up the mucus and clear the airways. Guaifenesin is one common expectorant.
3. Mucolytics: These can also be used for productive coughs. They work by breaking down and thinning mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough out. An example is acetylcysteine.
4. Decongestants: These are commonly used in case of coughs due to colds or sinusitis. They help relieve a stuffy nose and make breathing easier. Examples include pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine.
5. Antihistamines: These are commonly used for coughs caused by allergies. They work by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms. Examples include diphenhydramine and certrizine.
6. Inhaled bronchodilators and Corticosteroids: These are used in case of asthma or COPD-related coughs. Bronchodilators like albuterol help relax and open up air passages in the lungs. Corticosteroids like budesonide help reduce inflammation in the lungs.
7. Antiviral and Antibiotic medication: They are used if the cough is caused by a bacterial or viral infection respectively.
Remember, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the cause of the cough and the most appropriate treatment for it. Medications should not be used without a relevant prescription from a professional.
Prevention of Cough
Preventing coughs largely depends on the cause. However, general preventative measures include:
1. Good Hygiene: Frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizers, and avoiding close contact with sick people can help prevent the spread of infections that cause coughs.
2. Vaccinations: Keep up to date with recommended vaccines, especially the flu shot and pneumococcal vaccine for certain individuals.
3. Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can boost your immune system and help prevent infections.
4. No Smoking: Cigarette smoke can irritate the lining of your airways and make you more susceptible to coughs and other respiratory conditions.
5. Pollution Control: Avoid exposure to environmental pollutants and irritants, such as chemical fumes and dust, as they can cause coughs.
6. Hydration: Drinking fluids helps moisten the throat and prevent dehydration, which can cause a dry cough.
7. Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: They can lead to dehydration and worsen cough.
8. Proper Use of Medication: misuse of certain drugs, like ACE inhibitors can cause cough.
Consulting a healthcare professional is important if you are concerned about a persistent cough, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, weight loss, or blood in your phlegm.
Remember, prevention is always the first step to health and wellness.
FAQ’s about Cough
1. What causes a cough?
A cough is usually a symptom of various conditions such as common cold, flu, allergies or a chronic lung condition like asthma, COPD. In some rare cases, it might indicate a serious condition like lung cancer or heart problems.
2. Are there different types of coughs?
Yes, there are typically two types of cough: dry and chesty. A dry cough doesn’t produce mucus and is usually linked to cold and flu viruses, allergies, or throat irritants. A chesty cough produces mucus or phlegm and is associated with lower respiratory infections or conditions.
3. How long does a cough last?
A normal cough related to a common cold usually lasts for a week or two. However, it can last for several weeks after the other symptoms have gone. A cough that persists for longer than three to four weeks is considered chronic and should be checked by a doctor.
4. Are cough medicines effective?
Over-the-counter cough medications may provide some relief from coughing, but they do not cure the underlying cause of the cough. If a cough is severe, long-lasting, or accompanied by other worrying symptoms, it’s recommended to see a healthcare provider.
5. When should I see a doctor for a cough?
If your cough lasts more than three weeks, causes shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, or the cough disturbs your sleep, you should seek immediate medical attention.
6. How can I prevent a cough?
You can reduce your risk of getting a cough by avoiding contact with people who are currently sick with a contagious illness, such as the flu or a cold, taking care of your overall health and immune system by maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep, and practicing good hygiene, like frequently washing your hands and avoiding touching your face.
Remember, these FAQs are of general nature and individual health conditions can vary. Always consult a healthcare professional for accurate information.
Useful links
Coughing is a common reflex that helps clear the throat and lung passages of foreign particles, microbes, irritations, or excessive secretions. This action can be a symptom of various health conditions, so it’s important to understand it from a medical perspective. Below are some useful links from medical and scientific journals regarding this topic:
Note that these articles are intended for educational purposes. If you have a persistent cough or any concerning health conditions, it is highly suggested that you seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Complications of Cough
Coughing is a common bodily reflex that helps to expel harmful substances from the respiratory tract. However, when coughing becomes chronic or persistent, it can lead to several complications:
1. Disturbed Sleep: A persistent cough can lead to a significant decrease in sleep quality. Sleep disturbances could indirectly affect one’s daily functioning, mood, and overall quality of life.
2. Physical Inconvenience: Severe coughing can cause discomfort during daily activities and interactions. It may also cause others around the person to feel uncomfortable.
3. Damage to the Throat: Persistent, violent coughing could lead to a sore throat or even physical damage, leading to voice changes, hoarseness, or throat pain.
4. Fatigue and Stress: Constant coughing can lead to strain and fatigue in the body. It could also lead to significant mental stress.
5. Infection Spread: If the cough is caused by a disease (like COVID-19, tuberculosis, etc.), it can spread the disease to others.
6. Abdominal Strain: Regular, constant coughing can put strain on the abdominal muscles, even potentially leading to hernias in severe cases.
7. Rib Fractures: In extremely severe cases, persistent and violent coughing can even lead to rib fractures.
Moreover, a cough can also be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as a respiratory infection, lung disease, heart conditions, and even some forms of cancer. Thus, it’s important to seek medical attention if a cough persists for long periods, is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, or is severe in nature.
Home remedies of Cough
Sure, here are some helpful home remedies you can try to help alleviate cough symptoms:
1. Honey Tea: A study has shown that honey can relieve coughs more effectively than over-the-counter medicines. You can use it by mixing two teaspoons of honey with a warm glass of water or tea.
2. Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam can help to soothe the airways and give you some relief from a persistent cough. You could take a hot shower or bath and allow the bathroom to fill with steam. Stay in this environment for a few minutes until symptoms subside.
3. Hydration: Keeping the throat moist can help to reduce the irritation and scratchiness that accompanies a cough. Drink plenty of water or sip on clear broths to keep hydrated.
4. Salt Water: Gargling with warm salt water can soothe a scratchy throat. The salt water can help to reduce phlegm and mucus. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of water, gargle the solution then spit it out.
5. Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to relax membranes in the airways, which could reduce coughing. Make ginger tea by adding 20-40g of fresh ginger slices to a cup of hot water.
6. Turmeric Milk: Turmeric contains curcumin, an active compound that can effectively treat cough and cold. Warm milk mixed with turmeric and black pepper can be effective against cough.
Remember, while all of these methods are worthwhile, it’s essential to see a healthcare professional if your cough persists for more than a few weeks or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
