Cough
Cough (/'kɒf/)
A cough is a common reflex action that clears the throat of mucus or foreign irritants. Coughing to clear the throat is typically an infrequent action, although a number of conditions can cause more frequent bouts of coughing.
Etymology
The word "cough" comes from the Old English cohhian, which means "to cough". It is possibly imitative of the sound made when coughing.
Types of Cough
There are three types of cough: acute, subacute, and chronic.
- An Acute cough is one that lasts for less than three weeks. It is most commonly caused by viral upper respiratory infections.
- A Subacute cough lasts between three and eight weeks, and remains after an initial cold or respiratory infection has cleared.
- A Chronic cough is a cough that lasts for eight weeks or longer. It is often a symptom of an underlying condition, such as asthma or GERD.
Causes
Coughs can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Viral infections: These are the most common cause of acute coughs.
- Bacterial infections: These can also cause coughs, although they are less common than viral infections.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions can trigger a cough as the body tries to clear the allergens from the lungs and throat.
- Asthma: This is a common cause of chronic coughs.
Treatment
Treatment for a cough depends on its underlying cause. Treatments may include:
- Antibiotics: If the cough is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.
- Cough suppressants: These medications can help to reduce the urge to cough.
- Expectorants: These medications can help to loosen mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up.
Related Terms
- Bronchitis: This is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs. It often leads to a cough.
- Pneumonia: This is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. A cough is one of its symptoms.
- Tuberculosis: This is a serious bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs. A persistent cough is a common symptom.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cough
- Wikipedia's article - Cough
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