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Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments | Health Guide

Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Overview

A cough is your body’s natural way of keeping your airways clear. It helps remove irritants like dust, mucus, or foreign particles from your throat and lungs. You might have a cough because of conditions like asthma, a common cold, the flu, or a respiratory infection. Sometimes, people cough because they have trouble swallowing, which can cause food or liquid to go down the wrong way.

Causes of Coughs

  • Irritants or Allergens: Smoke, strong smells (like cleaners and perfumes), mold, dust, pollen, and pet dander can trigger a cough.
  • Medications: Certain blood pressure medications, such as ACE inhibitors, can cause coughing.
  • Medical Conditions: Conditions such as colds, flu, bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, whooping cough, asthma, allergies, chronic bronchitis, COPD, GERD, throat disorders, postnasal drip, and heart failure.

Symptoms of Coughs

  • Acute Cough: Starts suddenly and lasts for two to three weeks.
  • Subacute Cough: Lingers after an infection and lasts three to eight weeks.
  • Chronic Cough: Persists longer than eight weeks.
  • Refractory Cough: A chronic cough that doesn’t respond to treatment.
Types of Coughs:
  • Productive (Wet) Cough: Brings up mucus.
  • Non-Productive (Dry) Cough: Doesn’t bring up mucus.
  • Whooping Cough: Caused by a bacterial infection, produces a "whooping" sound.
  • Barking Cough: Often a sign of croup, common in children.
  • Wheezing Cough: Common with blocked airways, infections, or asthma.

Treatment and Prevention

  • Medications: Antibiotics, antivirals, or GERD medications based on the cause.
  • Hydration: Drinking water and using a vaporizer can ease irritation.
  • Over-the-Counter Remedies: Cough syrups, honey, and cough drops.
  • Prevention: Avoid irritants, get vaccinated, and maintain hygiene.

When to Consult a Physician

Contact a doctor if your cough is persistent or accompanied by symptoms like wheezing, fever, chills, or trouble breathing. Immediate care is recommended for severe symptoms.

FAQs

  • Q: How can I stop coughing at night?

    A: Use extra pillows, drink warm tea with honey, and keep your room humidified.

  • Q: When should I see a doctor for a cough?

    A: If your cough persists longer than 8 weeks, or is accompanied by severe symptoms like chest pain or difficulty breathing.

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