Cough is among the most frequent symptoms, which is experienced by individuals of any age. It is the natural body reflex, which aids in clearing the body airways of mucus, dust, smoke, or other irritants. Though the majority of coughs are acute and temporary, there are persistent ones which may also signal about an underlying health condition. The cause of the cough can be infection, allergy, environment, and chronic diseases. Knowledge on the various kinds of cough, their causes, symptoms, and cure will help manage the disease adequately and know when it should be treated by a doctor.


What Is Cough?

Cough is the sudden violent expulsion of air in the lungs. It serves as a defense mechanism in order to maintain the throat and airways in a clean state. Cough may be either infrequent or frequent, slight or intense and may be either productive or dry.

A cough can either clear on its own or it may need treatment depending on the cause and the duration of cough. Cough is most often related to cough and cold, yet, in most instances, it may be attributed to allergies, asthma or chronic respiratory illnesses.


What Causes a Cough?

Coughs can have a lot of causes that go both ways as some are considered minor irritants and others are serious illnesses. The right cough treatment is determined by identifying the cause. Common causes include:


  • Viral diseases like #cold or flu.
  • Allergies, cough of allergies.
  • Contact with smoke, pollution or dust.
  • Post-nasal drip
  • Acid reflux (GERD)
  • Asthma or respiratory diseases of the lungs.

Some drugs, including ACE blockers.


Various Types of Cough

The classification of coughs depends on the nature, duration and cause.


  • Dry Cough: Dry cough does not produce mucus, it is usually irritative. It is usually an allergy, viral or irritation of the throat.
  • Wet Cough: The wet cough or productive cough is a cough that results in the production of mucus or phlegm. It normally takes place with chest infections or respiratory diseases.
  • Chronic Cough: A chronic cough persists over a period of over eight weeks and in adults, chronic cough can be explained by asthma, smoking and acid reflux.
  • Persistent Cough: Persistent cough is a cough that continues over a period of weeks and is not able to be cured with any normal therapeutic interventions. It normally involves health evaluation.
  • Night Cough: Night cough improves at night and can be disruptive to sleep. It is normally associated with asthma, allergies or acid reflux.

Common Symptoms Associated With Cough

Cough can either occur independently or in combination with other symptoms depending on the cause. Common symptoms include:


  • Soreness or irritation of the throat.
  • Chest discomfort
  • Mucus production
  • Wheezing or dyspnea.
  • Fatigue
  • Fever (in infections)

The symptoms will be useful in distinguishing a mild cough as a symptom of a more serious condition.


Cough in Children vs Adults

There may be a difference in the causes of cough in children and cough in adults as well as its severity. The cough in children is commonly caused by the viral infection or allergy or cold air. Their immune systems are still young and hence easily affected by infections.


In adults, it is more likely that the cough has been caused by smoking, chronic respiratory diseases or long-term conditions. Cough that goes on several weeks in adults cannot be overlooked particularly when it is chronic or progressing.


Read More: How To Get Rid Of Cough - Top 10 Tips


How Cough Is Diagnosed?

The diagnosis is based on the length, nature and related symptoms of the cough. Physical examination and medical history are the most common places that doctors will start. The methods of diagnostics may include:


  • Chest X-ray
  • Lung function tests
  • Allergy testing
  • Blood tests
  • Sputum analysis

The tests are used to detect infections, allergies or chronic lung diseases.


Treatment Options for Cough

The therapy depends upon the cause and severity of cough. Medical Treatment Doctors can prescribe:


  • Suppressants or expectorants Cough medicine
  • Antibiotics (against bacterial infections only)
  • Antihistamines against allergies.
  • Asthma inhalers used to treat cough.

Home Remedies of Cough Mild coughs will generally react to Home remedies for cough, such as:


  • Warm fluids and herbal teas
  • Honey to soothe the throat
  • Steam inhalation
  • Rinsing with warm salt water.
  • Rest and hydration

When Is a Cough Serious?

Cough can be regarded as an emergency condition when it takes much time or is accompanied by some serious symptoms. This should be taken to the doctor when there is:


  • Blood in mucus
  • Severe chest pain
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • High or persistent fever
  • Difficulty breathing

These symptoms can be a symptom of a more severe underlying problem.


Prevention Tips

All coughs cannot be avoided, but some of the actions can decrease the risk. Prevention tips that should be made available include:


  • Prevention of smoking and second hand smoke.
  • Treating allergies appropriately.
  • Washing hands regularly
  • Staying hydrated
  • Vaccination against respiratory diseases.

When to See a Doctor?

A visit to the doctor is necessary when the cough persists longer than three weeks, when there is a progressive aggravation or when the cough is distracting normal life. Infants, older people or those with chronic illnesses also need medical advice.


Conclusion

A cough is a normal reflex which is useful in the defense of respiratory system. Most coughs are temporary and no harm; however, they can be persistent, and this chronic cough should be diagnosed and treated accordingly. It is possible to manage cough, preventing complications by comprehending the reasons, identifying the symptoms in their early stages and selecting the necessary treatment means.


Please book an appointment with the best Pulmonologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and all major cities of Pakistan through Instacare, or call our helpline 03171777509 to find a certified doctor for your illness.