What is a cough? Coughs, also known as tussis, can have a myriad of causes.

There are three phases to a cough reflex:

An inhalation (breathing in)

An increased pressure in the throat and lungs with the vocal cords closed

An explosive release of air when the vocal cords open, giving a cough its characteristic sound
If somebody coughs a lot, it can be a sign of a disease. Many coughs arecaused by infectious
diseases, like the common cold, but there are also non-infectious causes.

Coughs can be due to pollution/irritation, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), choking,

chronic bronchitis, asthma or emphysema, a tumor in the lung, heart failure, some drugs (e.g.,
ACE inhibitors), post-nasal drip, and smoking.

A doctor will focus on treating the cause of the cough; for example, if it is due to an ACE
inhibitor, it may be discontinued. Codeine, dextromethorphan, and other cough suppressants are
often used by people with coughs. However, there is not much research into cough medicines
and how much they can actually reduce symptoms.

Causes of coughs

The majority of coughs are caused by viruses and clear up without treatment.

Causes of acute (short-term) cough - in most cases, the infection is in the upper respiratory
tract and affects the throat, this is known as a URTI/URI (upper respiratory tract infection).
Examples include flu, the common cold, and laryngitis.

If it is an LRTI (lower respiratory tract infection), the lungs are infected, and/or the airways
lower down from the throat (windpipe). Examples include bronchitis and pneumonia.
 An acute cough can also be caused by hay fever.

Causes of chronic (long-term) cough - a chronic cough may be caused by smoking, mucus
dripping down the throat from the back of the nose (nasal drip), GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux
disease), asthma, and some medications (e.g. ACE-inhibitors).

Chronic coughs in children are most often caused by asthma, but can also be from conditions like
GERD.

Less common causes of chronic cough in adults include TB (tuberculosis, fungal infections of
the lung, and lung cancer.

When to see a doctor

If a cough has persisted for 3 weeks without improvement, a doctor's advice should be sought. In
most cases, there will not be anything serious underlying the cough, but in rare cases, a long-
term cough can be a sign of something that needs treating, such as lung cancer or heart failure.

Other reasons to seek medical advice include:

The cough is getting worse

There are swelling or lumps present in the neck region

Weight loss

Severe coughing

Changes in the sound of the voice

Coughing up blood

Difficulty breathing

Chest pain
 Fevers that are not getting better

Diagnosing a cough

Most often rest and fluids will cure a cough.

If a doctor decides that a cough is caused by the common cold or flu, the general advice will be
to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and let it run its course. In the majority of cases, such coughs clear
up after 1-2 weeks.

A cough caused by a viral infection that persists for more than a couple of weeks will probably
require medical attention.

The doctor may order some diagnostic tests, such as a chest X-ray, a sample of phlegm may be
sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine what is causing the infection.

The patient may be asked to breathe in and out of a tube attached to a machine; this helps the
doctor determine whether the airways have an obstruction (this test is called a spirometry), which
is common in asthma or emphysema.

If asthma is diagnosed, the patient may be prescribed asthma medication.

Sometimes, a doctor may refer the patient to a respiratory specialist.

Treatments and home remedies for coughs

The best way to treat a cough caused by a viral infection is to let the immune system deal with it
- generally, such coughs clear up on their own. According to the National Health Service, United
Kingdom, a homemade remedy with honey and lemon is as good, if not better than most OTC
products sold in pharmacies.

Treatments are mostly aimed at making the patient feel a little bit better and generally do not
decrease the length of the cough.
Honey - it coats the throat, resulting in less irritation and possibly less coughing. Honey is a
demulcent (something that soothes).

Cough medications - some may help associated symptoms, such as fever or a stuffy nose.
However, there is no compelling evidence that cough medicines are effective in making the
cough go away faster.

For small children, it is a good idea to talk to a doctor before giving OTC cough medicine. Some
ingredients in cough medicines can be dangerous for small children.

Cough suppressants - these suppress the cough reflex and are generally only prescribed for a
dry cough. Examples include pholcodine, dextromethorphan, and antihistamines.

Expectorants - these help bring up mucus and other material from the trachea, bronchi, and
lungs. An example is guaifenesin (guaiphenesin), which thins the mucus and also lubricates the
irritated respiratory tract, helping to drain the airways.

preventive measures to avoid a cough

While infrequent coughing is necessary to clear the airways, there are ways you can
prevent catching other coughs.

Quit smoking

Smoking is a common contributor to a chronic cough. It can be very difficult to cure a

smokers cough. There are a wide variety of methods available to help you stop
smoking, from gadgets such as electronic cigarettes to advice groups and support
networks. After you stop smoking, you will be much less likely to catch colds or
suffer from a chronic cough.
Dietary changes

A study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that
people who eat diets high in fruit, fiber, and flavonoids are less likely to suffer from
chronic coughs. If you need help adjusting your diet, your doctor may be able to
advise you or refer you to a dietitian.

Medical conditions

Its advisable to stay away from anyone suffering from contagious illnesses, such
as bronchitis, to avoid coming into contact with germs. You should wash your hands
frequently, and you shouldnt share cutlery, towels, or pillows.

If you have existing medical conditions that increase your chances of developing a
cough, such as GERD or asthma, consult your doctor about different management
strategies. Once the condition is correctly managed, you may find that your cough
disappears, or it may become much less frequent.

Self-treatment

A cough that results from a virus cant be treated with antibiotics. You can, however,
soothe it in the following ways:

Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Elevate your head with extra pillows when sleeping.
Use cough drops to soothe your throat.
Gargle hot salt water regularly to remove mucus and soothe your throat.
Avoid irritants, including smoke and dust.
Add honey or ginger to hot tea to relieve your cough and clear your airway.
Use decongestant sprays to unblock your nose and ease breathing.