Coughs
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Coughs (pronunciation: /kɒf/) 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 is of imitative origin.
Types of Coughs
There are several types of coughs, including:
- Dry cough: A dry cough does not bring up any phlegm or mucus. It is often caused by irritation or inflammation in the throat.
- Wet cough: A wet cough, also known as a productive cough, brings up mucus or phlegm. It is often a symptom of a respiratory infection or a chronic lung condition.
- Whooping cough: Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial disease. It causes uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe.
- Chronic cough: A chronic cough is a cough that lasts over 8 weeks in adults or over 4 weeks in children.
Causes
Coughs can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Common cold: The common cold is a viral infection of your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). It's usually harmless, although it might not feel that way.
- Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
- Asthma: Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
Treatment
Treatment for a cough will depend on its underlying cause. Treatments may include:
- Cough suppressants: These medications are used to control or suppress the cough reflex.
- Expectorants: These medications help to thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up.
- Antibiotics: If the cough is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.
See Also
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