Logan Reid
Coughing is a natural reflex that helps the body remove irritants from the airways and prevent lung infection. While some coughs are temporary and harmless, others can be indicative of a more serious underlying medical issue. A healthcare provider can help diagnose the cause of a cough through a medical history, physical exam, and various tests. Treatment for a cough depends on its cause, and can include antibiotics, antiviral medication, or breathing treatments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To remove irritants from the upper (throat) and lower (lungs) airways and prevent lung infection |
| Types | Acute, Subacute, Productive (Wet), Non-Productive (Dry), Whooping, Barking, Wheezing, Daytime, Nighttime (Nocturnal), Cough with Vomiting |
| Causes | Smoke, Pollen, Viruses, Allergies, Asthma, Respiratory Illnesses (Cold, Flu, COVID-19), Reflux (GORD), Sleep Apnea, Certain Medicines, Heart Failure, Lung Issues, Digestive Issues, Pregnancy |
| Diagnosis | Medical History, Physical Exam, Tests (Spirometry, Chest X-Ray, Lung Function), Lifestyle Discussion |
| Treatment | Antibiotics, Corticosteroids, Over-the-Counter Medications, Cough Drops, Warm Drinks, Humidifiers, Steam, Honey, Quit Smoking, Face Masks, Ventilation, Cleaning Air |
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What You'll Learn
- Coughing is a reflex to keep airways clear
- Types of coughs: acute, subacute, chronic, refractory, productive, non-productive
- Causes of coughing: respiratory illnesses, allergies, viruses, smoke, medication, GERD
- Cough treatments: antibiotics, breathing treatments, cough drops, honey, humidifier, steam
- When to seek medical attention: cough lasting over 8 weeks, fever, breathing problems, bloody phlegm?
Coughing is a reflex to keep airways clear
Coughing is a natural and important reflex that helps to protect the airways and lungs. It is the body's way of removing irritants from the upper (throat) and lower (lungs) airways. Coughing helps the body heal and protect itself. The cough reflex occurs when stimulation of cough receptors in the respiratory tract by dust or other foreign particles produces a cough, which causes rapidly moving air that usually removes the foreign material before it reaches the lungs.
The throat and airways are equipped with these cough receptors, as well as a thin layer of mucus that coats and protects the airways. When a trigger is inhaled, the cough receptors recognize it as it gets stuck in the mucus lining the airways. These receptors then send a message to the brain, which signals the muscles of the chest wall and abdomen to rapidly and forcefully take a deep breath in and out to expel the trigger. Coughing can propel air and particles out of the lungs and throat at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour, and this process is almost instantaneous and highly effective.
Occasional coughing is a normal and healthy function of the body. It is normal and helpful to cough in certain situations, such as when something goes "down the wrong way" during eating or drinking. This is called aspiration, and it occurs when food or drink enters the lungs instead of the stomach due to swallowing difficulties or other digestive or lung issues. However, if coughing is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, headache, drowsiness, shortness of breath, or difficulty sleeping, it may be a sign of a more serious problem, especially if it lasts longer than two to three weeks.
There are many types of coughs, including acute and chronic coughs, which differ in duration and underlying causes. Wet or productive coughs bring up mucus or phlegm, while dry or non-productive coughs do not. Certain coughs, such as whooping, wheezing, or barking, may indicate a more significant condition. A persistent cough could be a symptom of a respiratory infection, asthma, or other chronic lung diseases. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of a cough and receive appropriate treatment.
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Types of coughs: acute, subacute, chronic, refractory, productive, non-productive
Coughs are a natural reflex that helps the body remove irritants from the upper (throat) and lower (lungs) airways. Coughs can be classified into several types based on their duration, how they feel or sound, or the conditions that cause them.
Acute Cough
An acute cough begins suddenly and lasts for up to two to three weeks. It is commonly caused by a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract but may also be due to an acute underlying cardiorespiratory disorder.
Subacute Cough
A subacute cough typically lasts between three and eight weeks. It often occurs after an infection and may be secondary to asthma or bacterial sinusitis. Most subacute coughs resolve without treatment.
Chronic Cough
A chronic cough lasts longer than eight weeks. It may be caused by diverse underlying conditions, ranging from respiratory to gastrointestinal disorders. Examples include upper airway cough syndrome (also known as postnasal drip syndrome), asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), tuberculosis, and sarcoidosis.
Refractory Cough
A refractory cough is a type of chronic cough that has not responded to treatment. It may be considered idiopathic, meaning its cause is unknown. Nonopioid medications such as gabapentin or pregabalin have been found to be effective in improving quality of life in patients with refractory cough.
Productive Cough
Also known as a wet cough, a productive cough brings up mucus or phlegm.
Non-Productive Cough
A non-productive cough, or dry cough, does not bring up any mucus or phlegm.
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Causes of coughing: respiratory illnesses, allergies, viruses, smoke, medication, GERD
Coughing is a common symptom with a wide range of causes, from mild to severe. Here are some of the most common causes of coughing:
Respiratory Illnesses
Respiratory illnesses are a common cause of coughing. The common cold, for example, is caused by various viruses, including rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and influenza, and often includes coughing as a symptom. Bronchitis, another respiratory illness, is an inflammation of the airways leading to the lungs, resulting in a persistent cough that can last for weeks. Acute bronchitis is typically caused by a virus, while chronic bronchitis is often the result of smoking.
Allergies
Allergies can also trigger coughing. When an individual with allergies breathes in an allergen, their immune system overreacts, causing an allergy cough. Allergy coughs are typically dry and non-productive, without mucus or phlegm. Common allergens that can cause coughing include tree and grass pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mould. Allergy-induced coughing can sometimes be challenging to differentiate from coughing associated with other conditions, such as asthma or an upper respiratory tract infection.
Viruses
Viruses are a significant cause of coughing. In addition to causing the common cold, viruses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, and coronaviruses can lead to coughing. Viral infections can affect the respiratory system, resulting in inflammation and irritation, triggering coughing as the body attempts to clear mucus and irritants.
Smoke
Smoke is a well-known cause of coughing. Smoking cigarettes or being exposed to secondhand smoke can lead to a persistent "smoker's cough." The chemicals in tobacco interfere with the function of cilia, tiny hair-like structures that help filter toxins from the airways. This interference leads to inflammation and a build-up of toxins in the lungs, resulting in coughing. Smoking is also a significant risk factor for developing lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses.
Medication
Certain medications can induce coughing as a side effect. For example, drugs like ACE inhibitors, statins, lisinopril, simvastatin, and carvedilol are known to cause coughing in some individuals. The specific mechanisms behind drug-induced coughing vary, but it is believed that some medications affect the muscles in the oesophagus, making it easier for stomach acid to come up and potentially causing coughing.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
GERD is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. It can lead to a chronic, persistent cough, often worse at night. GERD-related coughing is typically dry and non-productive, without mucus. It can be challenging to distinguish from coughing caused by allergies or postnasal drip, and it often coexists with other GERD symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux.
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Cough treatments: antibiotics, breathing treatments, cough drops, honey, humidifier, steam
Coughing is a protective reflex that helps the body clear the airways of foreign particles like dust and mucus. While coughing is typically a symptom of the common cold or viral respiratory infections, it can sometimes indicate a more serious problem like pneumonia or heart failure.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are not usually required for a cough, as most coughs are caused by viruses, and antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. Even if you're coughing up yellow or green phlegm, it could be caused by a virus. If your cough has lasted longer than three weeks, you should see a healthcare professional, who may prescribe antibiotics if necessary.
Breathing treatments
Hospitalised patients with respiratory conditions, particularly those who have undergone chest or abdominal surgery, should perform breathing exercises to prevent further issues and complications.
Cough drops
Cough drops are designed to reduce the cough reflex and expel irritants from the airways. They can help soothe throat irritation, but they are not much more effective than hard candy when it comes to relieving a cough. Some research suggests that ingesting too much menthol, a common ingredient in cough drops, may worsen coughing.
Honey
Honey is an ingredient in some cough drops, and it helps to moisturize the throat and provide a soothing, protective layer.
Humidifier
Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which helps to thin the mucus, making it easier to cough up. They can also soothe dry and irritated tissues in the nose and throat, and reduce inflammation in the airways. Using a humidifier alongside essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint can help open airways and reduce coughing.
Steam
Steam inhalation can help loosen mucus and decrease irritation in the sinuses and nasal passages. It won't directly treat an illness, but it can help relieve symptoms like a stuffy nose due to the common cold. Steam therapy involves filling a bowl with boiling water and leaning over it with a towel draped over your head. It is important to take care when doing steam inhalation, as there is a risk of scalding.
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When to seek medical attention: cough lasting over 8 weeks, fever, breathing problems, bloody phlegm
Coughing is usually nothing to worry about and can be caused by environmental factors such as dust, smoke, cold air, or allergens. However, there are certain instances where a cough can signal a more severe condition and medical attention should be sought.
A dry cough, one that does not bring up mucus, can sometimes indicate something more serious such as asthma or lung cancer. A chronic cough is typically defined as one that lasts for more than eight weeks and can be caused by allergies, asthma, smoking, or acid reflux. If your cough has lasted for several weeks and is not letting up, you should consider seeking medical attention.
Other symptoms accompanying a cough can also be indicators of a more serious condition. A fever, fatigue, body aches, and breathing problems alongside a cough could be a sign of COVID-19, bronchitis, or pneumonia. A "whooping" sound when breathing in could indicate whooping cough, a highly contagious and potentially deadly bacterial infection, especially for infants and young children. A barking sound when coughing could be a sign of croup.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, or your cough is impacting your daily life, it is recommended that you seek medical attention. A doctor can prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat the underlying cause of your cough.
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Frequently asked questions
Hospitals often provide disposable tissues for patients to cough into. Some hospitals may also provide paper bags for patients to cough into, especially if they are experiencing a coughing fit.
If you have a persistent cough that lasts more than 8 weeks, you should consult a doctor. Additionally, if your cough is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, headache, drowsiness, shortness of breath, or bloody phlegm, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
Treatment for a cough depends on its underlying cause. Hospitals can provide antibiotics or antiviral medications for infections. For GERD, diet changes or proton pump inhibitors may be recommended. Hospitals may also offer breathing treatments, such as corticosteroids.
