What is coughing?
Coughing is a voluntary or involuntary act or reflex that clears the throat and airway to get rid of irritants, fluids, mucus or germs. Coughing can be a sign of illness, but it usually goes away on its own within three weeks. If the cough is difficult to diagnose, a chest x-ray may be necessary.
There are three phases to coughing, the first is inhalation, the second is increased pressure in the throat and lungs with the vocal cords closed, and the third is an explosive release of air when the vocal cords open.
What causes a cough?
Causes of an acute (short-lived) cough can be from:
- Flu
- Common cold
- Laryngitis
A chronic cough may be caused by:
- Smoking
- Mucus
- Asthma
- Some medications
- Tuberculosis
- Lung cancer
Cough is a voluntary or involuntary act or reflex that clears the throat and respiratory tract.
Diagnosis of chronic cough
If the cough is caused by a cold or the flu, the advice is to rest, drink fluids and let it pass on its own. If, however, it is caused by a viral infection and persists for more than two weeks, medical attention will be needed. A physician can perform diagnostic tests, such as a chest x-ray, and send a sample of phlegm to a laboratory to test for the cause of the infection.
If the cough lasts longer than three weeks and has not improved, it is best to see a doctor.
Treatment of chronic cough
Determining the cause of chronic cough is important for effective treatment. There may be more than one underlying condition that is causing the cough. Medications that can be used to treat chronic cough may include:
- Antihistamines and decongestants which are allergy-related medications.
- The most effective treatment for asthma-related cough is bronchodilators to reduce inflammation and open the airways.
- Antibiotics are prescribed if there is a bacterial infection causing the chronic cough.
- Acid blockers, if caused by acid reflux, you may be given medications that block acid production.
- Cough suppressants that can be purchased over-the-counter, although there is little evidence that they are effective.
Home remedies to help with chronic coughs
The following tips will help relieve a persistent cough:
- Water and warm liquids such as broth, tea or juice can soothe the throat and help thin mucus.
- Cough drops: can soothe throat irritation.
- A humidifier or steam shower, as moisturized air helps.
- Avoid smoking cigarettes, as this irritates the lungs and can make coughing worse.