Cough: Difference between revisions
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Cough | |||
| image = [[File:Coughing_icon.svg|alt=Icon of a person coughing]] | |||
| image_size = 150px | |||
| alt = Icon of a person coughing | |||
| caption = Icon representing a person coughing | |||
| field = [[Pulmonology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Coughing]], [[sore throat]], [[chest pain]] | |||
| complications = [[Pneumonia]], [[rib fracture]], [[syncope]] | |||
| onset = Sudden or gradual | |||
| duration = Acute (<3 weeks), subacute (3–8 weeks), chronic (>8 weeks) | |||
| causes = [[Infection]], [[allergy]], [[gastroesophageal reflux disease|GERD]], [[asthma]], [[smoking]] | |||
| risks = [[Smoking]], [[air pollution]], [[occupational hazards]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[chest X-ray]], [[spirometry]] | |||
| differential = [[Asthma]], [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease|COPD]], [[heart failure]] | |||
| prevention = Avoiding [[smoking]], [[vaccination]], [[hand hygiene]] | |||
| treatment = [[Cough suppressant]], [[antibiotics]] (if bacterial), [[antihistamines]], [[inhalers]] | |||
| medication = [[Dextromethorphan]], [[codeine]], [[antihistamines]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Very common | |||
| deaths = Rarely directly causes death | |||
}} | |||
{{SI}} | {{SI}} | ||
'''Cough''' represents a critical reflex action aimed at maintaining clear airways, vital for optimal respiratory function. It becomes a symptom of concern when it is chronic or when it suggests an underlying disease or disorder. | '''Cough''' represents a critical reflex action aimed at maintaining clear airways, vital for optimal respiratory function. It becomes a symptom of concern when it is chronic or when it suggests an underlying disease or disorder. | ||
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[[File:Symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 2.0.svg|thumb|Symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 2.0]] | [[File:Symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 2.0.svg|thumb|Symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 2.0]] | ||
A cough can be classified as either dry or productive. A productive cough leads to the expulsion of [[mucus]], also known as phlegm or sputum. On the other hand, a dry cough does not produce mucus. | A cough can be classified as either dry or productive. A productive cough leads to the expulsion of [[mucus]], also known as phlegm or sputum. On the other hand, a dry cough does not produce mucus. | ||
Furthermore, coughs can be categorized into acute or chronic based on their duration. Acute coughs, commonly resulting from a cold, flu, or sinus infection, are sudden in onset and typically resolve within 2 to 3 weeks. Chronic coughs persist for more than 2 to 3 weeks and may signal a more serious condition. | Furthermore, coughs can be categorized into acute or chronic based on their duration. Acute coughs, commonly resulting from a cold, flu, or sinus infection, are sudden in onset and typically resolve within 2 to 3 weeks. Chronic coughs persist for more than 2 to 3 weeks and may signal a more serious condition. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Several factors can trigger a cough, including: | Several factors can trigger a cough, including: | ||
* Recent [[upper airway infections]] such as the common cold and flu | * Recent [[upper airway infections]] such as the common cold and flu | ||
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* Cigarette smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke or air pollutants | * Cigarette smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke or air pollutants | ||
* Certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors used for blood pressure control | * Certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors used for blood pressure control | ||
== Self-Care and Management == | == Self-Care and Management == | ||
Several home remedies can alleviate a cough: | Several home remedies can alleviate a cough: | ||
* Cough lozenges or hard candy may help dry, tickling coughs. However, these should not be given to a child under 3 years old due to the risk of choking. | * Cough lozenges or hard candy may help dry, tickling coughs. However, these should not be given to a child under 3 years old due to the risk of choking. | ||
* A vaporizer or a steamy shower may increase air humidity and help soothe a dry cough. | * A vaporizer or a steamy shower may increase air humidity and help soothe a dry cough. | ||
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* Over-the-counter medications, such as guaifenesin and decongestants, can assist in mucus expulsion and clearing postnasal drip, respectively. | * Over-the-counter medications, such as guaifenesin and decongestants, can assist in mucus expulsion and clearing postnasal drip, respectively. | ||
* Despite its discomfort, a cough is often a beneficial response aiding the body's healing process. Therefore, using cough suppressants may not always be recommended. Patients should consult a healthcare provider before starting any over-the-counter cough medicine. Furthermore, patients should not expect antibiotics for viral infections, as they are ineffective against viruses and will not alleviate a cough due to allergies. | * Despite its discomfort, a cough is often a beneficial response aiding the body's healing process. Therefore, using cough suppressants may not always be recommended. Patients should consult a healthcare provider before starting any over-the-counter cough medicine. Furthermore, patients should not expect antibiotics for viral infections, as they are ineffective against viruses and will not alleviate a cough due to allergies. | ||
== When to Seek Medical Attention == | == When to Seek Medical Attention == | ||
Patients should immediately seek medical care if they experience: | Patients should immediately seek medical care if they experience: | ||
* Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing | * Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing | ||
* Hives or a swollen face or throat with difficulty swallowing | * Hives or a swollen face or throat with difficulty swallowing | ||
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* Fever, which may suggest a bacterial infection | * Fever, which may suggest a bacterial infection | ||
* Thick, foul-smelling, yellowish-green phlegm, another possible sign of a bacterial infection | * Thick, foul-smelling, yellowish-green phlegm, another possible sign of a bacterial infection | ||
Symptoms suggestive of congestive heart failure, such as a history of heart disease, leg swelling, or a cough that worsens upon lying down | Symptoms suggestive of congestive heart failure, such as a history of heart disease, leg swelling, or a cough that worsens upon lying down | ||
* Exposure to someone with [[tuberculosis]] | * Exposure to someone with [[tuberculosis]] | ||
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* Cough persisting for longer than 10-14 days | * Cough persisting for longer than 10-14 days | ||
* Cough in an infant less than 3 months old | * Cough in an infant less than 3 months old | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnostic investigations can include a physical examination, focusing on the ears, nose, throat, and chest, and may include further diagnostic tests such as: | Diagnostic investigations can include a physical examination, focusing on the ears, nose, throat, and chest, and may include further diagnostic tests such as: | ||
* Bronchoscopy | * Bronchoscopy | ||
* Lung scan | * Lung scan | ||
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* Sputum analysis, if the cough produces sputum | * Sputum analysis, if the cough produces sputum | ||
* Chest X-ray | * Chest X-ray | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Preventive measures include avoiding smoke and exposure to allergens. For seasonal allergies, individuals should try to stay indoors on high-allergen days, and those with year-round allergies should consider using dust mite covers, air purifiers, and avoiding pets and other known triggers. | Preventive measures include avoiding smoke and exposure to allergens. For seasonal allergies, individuals should try to stay indoors on high-allergen days, and those with year-round allergies should consider using dust mite covers, air purifiers, and avoiding pets and other known triggers. | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
Irwin RS, Madison JM. The diagnosis and treatment of cough. New England Journal of Medicine. 2000 Dec 7;343(23):1715-21. | Irwin RS, Madison JM. The diagnosis and treatment of cough. New England Journal of Medicine. 2000 Dec 7;343(23):1715-21. | ||
Braman SS. Chronic cough due to acute bronchitis: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest. 2006 Jan 1;129(1):95S-103S. | Braman SS. Chronic cough due to acute bronchitis: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest. 2006 Jan 1;129(1):95S-103S. | ||
Pratter MR. Chronic upper airway cough syndrome secondary to rhinosinus diseases (previously referred to as postnasal drip syndrome): ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest. 2006 Jan 1;129(1):63S-71S. | Pratter MR. Chronic upper airway cough syndrome secondary to rhinosinus diseases (previously referred to as postnasal drip syndrome): ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest. 2006 Jan 1;129(1):63S-71S. | ||
== External links == <!--T:24--> | == External links == <!--T:24--> | ||
*[http://familydoctor.org/handouts/237.html FamilyDoctor.org – Chronic cough: causes and cures] | *[http://familydoctor.org/handouts/237.html FamilyDoctor.org – Chronic cough: causes and cures] | ||
Latest revision as of 23:53, 5 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Cough | |
|---|---|
| Icon of a person coughing | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Coughing, sore throat, chest pain |
| Complications | Pneumonia, rib fracture, syncope |
| Onset | Sudden or gradual |
| Duration | Acute (<3 weeks), subacute (3–8 weeks), chronic (>8 weeks) |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Infection, allergy, GERD, asthma, smoking |
| Risks | Smoking, air pollution, occupational hazards |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, chest X-ray, spirometry |
| Differential diagnosis | Asthma, COPD, heart failure |
| Prevention | Avoiding smoking, vaccination, hand hygiene |
| Treatment | Cough suppressant, antibiotics (if bacterial), antihistamines, inhalers |
| Medication | Dextromethorphan, codeine, antihistamines |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Very common |
| Deaths | Rarely directly causes death |
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
Cough represents a critical reflex action aimed at maintaining clear airways, vital for optimal respiratory function. It becomes a symptom of concern when it is chronic or when it suggests an underlying disease or disorder.
Definition and Description[edit]
A cough can be classified as either dry or productive. A productive cough leads to the expulsion of mucus, also known as phlegm or sputum. On the other hand, a dry cough does not produce mucus. Furthermore, coughs can be categorized into acute or chronic based on their duration. Acute coughs, commonly resulting from a cold, flu, or sinus infection, are sudden in onset and typically resolve within 2 to 3 weeks. Chronic coughs persist for more than 2 to 3 weeks and may signal a more serious condition.
Causes[edit]
Several factors can trigger a cough, including:
- Recent upper airway infections such as the common cold and flu
- Allergies and asthma
- Lung infections like pneumonia or acute bronchitis
- Chronic lung diseases such as COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis)
- Sinusitis leading to postnasal drip
- Lung diseases such as bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease, or tumors
- GERD
- Cigarette smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke or air pollutants
- Certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors used for blood pressure control
Self-Care and Management[edit]
Several home remedies can alleviate a cough:
- Cough lozenges or hard candy may help dry, tickling coughs. However, these should not be given to a child under 3 years old due to the risk of choking.
- A vaporizer or a steamy shower may increase air humidity and help soothe a dry cough.
- Drinking extra fluids can thin throat secretions, making them easier to cough up.
- Over-the-counter medications, such as guaifenesin and decongestants, can assist in mucus expulsion and clearing postnasal drip, respectively.
- Despite its discomfort, a cough is often a beneficial response aiding the body's healing process. Therefore, using cough suppressants may not always be recommended. Patients should consult a healthcare provider before starting any over-the-counter cough medicine. Furthermore, patients should not expect antibiotics for viral infections, as they are ineffective against viruses and will not alleviate a cough due to allergies.
When to Seek Medical Attention[edit]
Patients should immediately seek medical care if they experience:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Hives or a swollen face or throat with difficulty swallowing
- Violent, sudden-onset cough
- Cough that produces blood
- Fever, which may suggest a bacterial infection
- Thick, foul-smelling, yellowish-green phlegm, another possible sign of a bacterial infection
Symptoms suggestive of congestive heart failure, such as a history of heart disease, leg swelling, or a cough that worsens upon lying down
- Exposure to someone with tuberculosis
- Unintentional weight loss or night sweats
- Cough persisting for longer than 10-14 days
- Cough in an infant less than 3 months old
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnostic investigations can include a physical examination, focusing on the ears, nose, throat, and chest, and may include further diagnostic tests such as:
- Bronchoscopy
- Lung scan
- Pulmonary function tests
- Sputum analysis, if the cough produces sputum
- Chest X-ray
Prevention[edit]
Preventive measures include avoiding smoke and exposure to allergens. For seasonal allergies, individuals should try to stay indoors on high-allergen days, and those with year-round allergies should consider using dust mite covers, air purifiers, and avoiding pets and other known triggers.
References[edit]
Irwin RS, Madison JM. The diagnosis and treatment of cough. New England Journal of Medicine. 2000 Dec 7;343(23):1715-21. Braman SS. Chronic cough due to acute bronchitis: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest. 2006 Jan 1;129(1):95S-103S. Pratter MR. Chronic upper airway cough syndrome secondary to rhinosinus diseases (previously referred to as postnasal drip syndrome): ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest. 2006 Jan 1;129(1):63S-71S.
External links[edit]
- FamilyDoctor.org – Chronic cough: causes and cures
- Asthma cough treatments
- Home Remedy for Cough
- http://www.chestnet.org/patients/guides/cough/p8.php
- FASEB Journal article on theobromine effectiveness as a cough suppressent
- BBC Article about chocolate as cough medicine
- Effective Asthma Action Plan
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