Cough: what is this, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Cough

Cough is a common symptom, which can occur for various reasons. This is a reflex action of the respiratory system of the body, helps clear mucus from the airways, foreign particles and irritants. But coughing too hard can mean, that you have a disease or disorder.

Some types of cough are dry. Others are productive. A productive cough is a cough that produces mucus. Mucus is also called phlegm or phlegm.

Cough can be acute or chronic:

• Acute cough usually starts quickly and is often due to a cold , flu or sinus infections. They usually go through 3 of the week.
• Subacute cough lasts from 3 to 8 weeks.
• Chronic cough lasts longer 8 weeks.

Causes of cough

The most common causes of cough are the common cold, flu and allergies. Other causes of cough include the following:

Common causes of cough are:

• Allergies , that involve the nose or sinuses
• Asthma and COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis)
• Colds and flu
• Pulmonary infections, such as pneumonia or acute bronchitis
• Sinusitis with postnasal syndrome
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Other causes include:

• ACE inhibitors (medicines, used to treat high blood pressure , heart failure or kidney disease )
• Cigarette smoking or secondhand smoke exposure (or smoking other substances, like marijuana)
• Lung cancer
• Lung disease, such as bronchiectasis or interstitial lung disease
• Sometimes no specific cause is found

Symptoms of cough

The most common cough symptom is dry, staccato sound, that occurs when trying to cough. Other symptoms, which may accompany cough, include:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Pain or tightness in the chest
• Feeling of fullness in the chest
• Production of thick mucus
• In severe cases, coughing up dark-colored blood or liquid

When to contact a healthcare professional

You should see a doctor, if you are coughing up blood or your chest pain does not go away. This may indicate a more serious underlying condition., such as pneumonia or heart failure. If you have a fever or congestion in your chest, that don't go away after a few days, you should also see a doctor.

Questions, that your doctor may ask

When examining a patient with a cough, a healthcare professional may ask the following questions::

• When did the cough start??
• Cough dry or productive?
• Are there any other symptoms, such as fever or chest pain?
• Have you been in contact with anyone, who has a respiratory infection?
• Do you have any allergies?
• Do you smoke?
• You have recently been exposed to any irritants, such as dust or chemicals?
• Are you taking any medications?

Diagnosis Cough

Your doctor will use your symptoms, medical history and physical examination, to determine the cause of your cough. They may also order additional tests., such as a chest x-ray or blood tests, to help diagnose the condition.

Cough treatment

Cough treatment depends on the underlying cause. If your cough is caused by a cold or flu, it can go away on its own with plenty of rest and drinking. Antibiotics won't help a cold or flu, because these diseases are caused by viruses, not bacteria.

Other cough treatments depend on the underlying cause. Bronchodilators may be used to treat asthma, and postnasal drip can be treated with antihistamines or nasal decongestants. If your cough is caused by GERD, medicines to reduce stomach acid can help you. If you have heart failure, your doctor may recommend diuretics, to reduce fluid buildup in the lungs.

home remedy for cough

If you have asthma or other chronic lung disease, make sure, that you are taking medication, prescribed by your doctor.

Here are some tips, to help relieve cough:

• If you have a dry tickling cough, try cough drops. Never give them to a younger child 3 years, because they can cause suffocation.
• Use an inhaler or take a steam shower, to increase air humidity and soothe dry throat.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids help loosen mucus in the throat, making it easier to expectorate.
• Do not smoke and stay away from secondhand smoke.

Medicines, which you can buy yourself, include:

• Guaifenesin helps thin mucus. Follow the instructions on the package for, how much to take. Do not take more than the recommended amount. If you are taking this medicine, drink plenty of fluids.
• Decongestants help clear a runny nose and relieve post-nasal drip. Consult your doctor, before taking decongestants, if you have high blood pressure.
• Talk to your child's doctor, before giving to children aged 6 years and younger over-the-counter cough medicine, even if it's for kids. These medicines, probably, do not work for children and may have serious side effects.

If you have seasonal allergies, e.g. hay fever:

• Stay at home during the day or time of day (usually in the morning), when the level of allergens in the air is high.
• Keep windows closed and use air conditioning.
• DO NOT use fans, sucking in air from outside.
• Take a shower and change after walking outside.

If you have allergies all year round, cover pillows and mattress with dust mite covers, use an air purifier and avoid pets with fur and other triggers.

Treat the root cause (as stated above) as directed by your physician.

Preventing a cough

The best way to prevent a cough is to take steps to improve your overall health and boost your immune system.. This includes adequate rest., regular exercise, hand washing and a balanced diet. You should also avoid exposure to irritants, such as smoke and pollutants, and get an annual flu shot.

Conclusion

Coughing is a reflex action, which helps to clear the airways of mucus, irritants and foreign particles. This is one of the most common symptoms., that people face, and often it is not serious. However, in some cases, coughing may be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition., such as pneumonia or bronchitis. Treatment for a cough depends on the underlying cause and may include medication, lifestyle changes and avoidance of exposure to irritants. The best way to prevent a cough is to improve your overall health and boost your immune system..

Used sources and literature

Chung KF, Mazzone SB. Cough. In: Broaddus VC, King TE, Serious JD, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel’s Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 37.

force m. Approach to the patient with respiratory disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 77.