What is cough
Cough is a natural protective reflex aimed at expelling mucus, bacteria, and other foreign substances from the respiratory system. It serves as the body's innate defense mechanism, clearing the lungs and airways of irritants.
There are two main types of cough: acute, which typically lasts less than three weeks, and chronic, persisting for three to eight weeks. Various factors can trigger coughing, including upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, pneumonia, asthma, and other medical conditions. Depending on the underlying cause, cough may present alongside symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, hoarseness, or chest pain.
In acute cases, natural remedies for coughs offer natural relief. Practices such as steam inhalation, gargling with salt water, and using humidifiers can alleviate symptoms. Additionally, consuming warm water and avoiding foods known to exacerbate cough, such as oily dishes, can aid in recovery.
For chronic cough treatment may involve prescribed antibiotics and medications tailored to the specific cause and duration of the cough. Addressing the underlying issue contributing to the chronic cough is essential for effective management.
What are the types of cough?
Coughs can be categorized into several types based on their characteristics and underlying causes:
- Acute Cough: This type of cough is short-term and usually lasts less than three weeks. It is often associated with common respiratory infections like the flu or colds.
- Chronic Cough: Chronic cough persists for an extended period, typically lasting more than eight weeks. It can be indicative of underlying medical conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or allergies.
- Dry Cough: Also known as a non-productive cough, a dry cough does not produce mucus or phlegm. It can result from irritation or inflammation in the throat and airways due to conditions like allergies, asthma, or viral infections.
- Wet or Productive Cough: This type of cough is characterized by the production of mucus or phlegm. It helps clear the airways of excess secretions and is commonly associated with respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia.
- Barking Cough: Often seen in children with croup, a barking cough is characterized by a harsh, bark-like sound caused by inflammation of the upper airways.
- Whooping Cough (Pertussis): This highly contagious bacterial infection causes severe coughing fits, often accompanied by a "whooping" sound when inhaling. Vaccination is crucial for preventing whooping cough, especially in infants and young children.
- Psychogenic Cough: Sometimes referred to as habit cough or tic cough, this type of cough has no underlying physical cause and is believed to be triggered by psychological factors.
Understanding the type of cough and its associated symptoms can help determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment strategies. If cough symptoms persist or worsen, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and management plan.
Symptoms Of Cough
Cough is not a disease but a natural defense mechanism of the body, aimed at expelling mucus, bacteria, and other irritants from the airways. The symptoms of cough can vary depending on its type and the underlying cause.
- Whooping Sound: A whooping cough is characterized by violent coughing fits, often accompanied by a distinctive whooping sound and difficulty breathing. It's a serious condition that requires medical attention.
- Staccato Cough: This type of cough involves repetitive, short bursts of coughing and may indicate a lung or bronchial infection such as pneumonia.
- Hoarseness of Voice: Hoarseness of voice may occur with coughs of psychogenic origin or when the laryngeal nerve is affected.
- Cough Following Exercise: Coughing during or after exercise, along with wheezing and shortness of breath, is common in asthma patients.
- Itchy and Dry Throat: An itchy and dry throat accompanying cough can be a symptom of bacterial or viral infection, hay fever, or allergies.
- Production of Sputum: Coughing accompanied by the production of thick mucus, known as phlegm, indicates infection in the lungs or upper respiratory tract.
- Night Cough: Conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause mucus to accumulate in the throat, leading to coughing at night.
- Seasonal Cough with Watery Eyes: Dry, cold weather or allergy seasons can trigger seasonal allergies, resulting in coughing, itchy throat, and watery eyes.
- Dyspnea: Coughing accompanied by difficulty breathing, known as dyspnea, is common in patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory illnesses.
Understanding these symptoms of cough can help identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment measures. If cough symptoms persist or worsen, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management.
Causes of Cough
Coughing can happen for many reasons. A short-term cough usually lasts less than 3 weeks, while a long-lasting one can go on for 3 to 8 weeks. Here's an overview of the diverse factors contributing to coughing:
I. Causes of acute or short-term cough
1. Acute viral or bacterial upper respiratory infection
The most common reason for coughing is when you catch a cold or flu. These are caused by viruses that infect your upper respiratory tract. When you have one of these infections, you might also have a fever, a sore throat, and a runny nose. Sometimes, coughing can also happen because of bacterial infections.
2. Inhalation of irritants or allergens
Breathing in things like dust, smoke, strong fumes, mold, pollen, or pet fur can irritate your upper respiratory tract and make you start coughing.
3. Acute rhinosinusitis
When you have acute rhinosinusitis, it means the lining of your sinuses is swollen and infected. This can make mucus gather in the back of your throat, making it feel itchy. Some people cough a lot to try to clear their throats, while others may find themselves coughing uncontrollably.
4. Pertussis or whooping cough
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, can make you cough very hard, and sometimes you might gasp for air afterward. It's caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis that affects your breathing tubes.
5. Lower respiratory tract infections
These are really bad infections caused by viruses or bacteria. They can make your airways swell up in bronchitis or even infect your lungs with pneumonia. You'll probably have a deep cough that doesn't go away easily, along with a fever.
II. Causes of chronic Cough or persistent cough
Identifying the cause of a chronic cough can be challenging and typically requires evaluation by a specialist such as a cough expert or a pulmonologist. Potential factors contributing to a persistent cough include:
- Upper Airway Cough Syndrome: Also known as post-nasal drip, this condition occurs when excessive mucus from the nose drips down the back of the throat, leading to irritation and coughing. It can be triggered by allergies, sinus infections, or other irritants.
- Hay Fever or Allergic Rhinitis: Allergic reactions to substances such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold can lead to inflammation of the nasal passages and increased mucus production. This excess mucus can drip down the throat, causing irritation and a persistent cough, along with symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose.
- Chronic Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses, often due to bacterial or viral infections, can result in persistent post-nasal drip. This drainage of mucus down the throat can trigger coughing as the body attempts to clear the irritation.
- Chronic Bronchitis: In this condition, the bronchial tubes become inflamed and produce excess mucus, leading to a productive cough that lasts for at least three months. Chronic bronchitis is commonly associated with smoking or exposure to irritants like air pollution.
- Post-Infectious Cough: Following a respiratory infection such as the flu or bronchitis, cough receptors in the airways may remain sensitive and hyperactive, leading to ongoing coughing even after the infection has resolved.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. This can trigger a chronic cough, particularly when lying down or after eating, as acid reflux worsens in these positions.
- Asthma: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways characterized by episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Coughing may be a prominent symptom, especially during asthma exacerbations or in response to triggers such as allergens or exercise.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD encompasses chronic bronchitis and emphysema, both of which are characterized by airflow limitation and difficulty breathing. Chronic bronchitis involves inflammation and mucus production in the bronchial tubes, leading to a persistent cough, while emphysema involves damage to the air sacs in the lungs, leading to air trapping and shortness of breath.
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): In CHF, the heart's ability to pump blood effectively is impaired, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This fluid buildup can cause coughing, particularly when lying down, as the excess fluid puts pressure on the lungs and triggers cough receptors.
- Intolerance to ACE Inhibitor Medicine: ACE inhibitors are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. However, some individuals may develop a persistent dry cough as a side effect of these medications. The exact mechanism behind ACE inhibitor-induced cough is not fully understood but may involve increased levels of bradykinin, a substance that can irritate the airways.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing and disrupted sleep patterns. Coughing may occur as the body attempts to clear the airway obstruction and restore normal breathing.
- Throat Disorders: Conditions affecting the throat, such as croup in children, can cause distinctive types of coughing. Croup is characterized by a barking cough and a harsh sound called stridor when breathing in, often due to viral infections causing inflammation of the larynx and trachea.
- Psychosomatic Cough: Sometimes, coughing may be triggered or exacerbated by psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, or depression, rather than underlying medical conditions. Psychosomatic coughing may manifest as a habitual response to emotional distress, with no identifiable physical cause.
Understanding the specific cause of a chronic cough is crucial for appropriate management and treatment of chronic cough. Healthcare providers, including pulmonologists and cough specialists, may conduct various diagnostic tests and evaluations to identify the underlying condition and develop an individualized treatment plan. Treatment strategies may include medications, lifestyle modifications, avoidance of triggers, and management of underlying medical conditions to alleviate cough symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
III. Other less common causes of cough
- Foreign Body Inhalation: Sometimes, food or objects can accidentally enter the windpipe instead of the food pipe, triggering a cough as the body tries to expel the foreign material.
- Tuberculosis (TB): TB is characterized by persistent coughing lasting three weeks or more, often accompanied by coughing up blood or mucus, chest pain, and discomfort while breathing or coughing.
- Lung Cancer: Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lung grow uncontrollably. It is frequently linked to long-term smoking and can present with symptoms such as chronic coughing.
- Cystic Fibrosis: This genetic disorder affects the lungs and leads to chronic coughing due to the buildup of thick mucus in the airways.
- Bronchiectasis: In this condition, the airways in the lungs become permanently damaged and widened, causing excessive mucus accumulation and persistent coughing.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, typically originating from the legs. This can result in sudden shortness of breath and a persistent dry cough.
- Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung): A pneumothorax happens when air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This can occur spontaneously or due to chest injury, medical procedures, or underlying lung conditions, and may manifest with symptoms such as sudden chest pain, dry cough, and difficulty breathing.
Risk Factors For Cough
You're more likely to experience coughing if you have any of the following conditions or habits:
- Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of developing a chronic cough due to irritation of the airways and increased mucus production.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions to substances such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander can trigger coughing by causing inflammation and excess mucus production.
- Asthma: Asthma is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is often caused by smoking and can result in chronic coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus can irritate the throat and trigger coughing, particularly when lying down or after eating.
- Congestive Heart Failure: Reduced heart function can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, causing coughing, especially when lying down.
Prevention & Diagnosis Of Cough
Diagnosis of cough typically doesn't require extensive procedures for acute cases and can rely on symptom-based treatment. However, when there are suspected underlying issues, your doctor may suggest the following diagnostic procedures:
- Chest X-ray: This imaging test is utilized when a cough is severe or if the patient appears very ill. It's also commonly employed for diagnosing chronic coughs, providing a detailed examination of the lungs and surrounding structures.
- Bronchoscopy: This procedure offers direct visualization of the vocal cords, trachea, and airway passage. It's invaluable for ruling out any masses or abnormalities in the throat or airways.
- Blood and Skin Tests: These tests aid in identifying allergies as a potential cause of your cough, guiding your doctor in determining appropriate treatment strategies.
- Phlegm or Mucus Analysis: Analyzing phlegm or mucus can provide valuable insights into bacterial infections or conditions such as tuberculosis that may be contributing to the cough.
- Biopsy: If necessary, a biopsy or bronchoalveolar lavage may be performed to collect tissue samples for analysis, particularly to investigate the presence of cancer or infections.
- Echocardiogram: This test assesses the heart's structure and function, assisting in ruling out any heart-related issues that may be contributing to the cough.
- CT Scan: A CT scan offers detailed images of the chest area, aiding in the identification of structural abnormalities or conditions affecting the lungs.
- Gastroesophageal Studies: These tests evaluate speech and swallowing functions to assess for aspiration or gastroesophageal reflux, natural occurrences that can contribute to chronic coughing.
Prevention Of Cough
Understanding the triggers of coughing can empower you to take preventive measures. Here are some strategies to help prevent coughing:
- Get Vaccinated: Seasonal flu shots are recommended, especially for those with allergies. Additionally, individuals aged 65 and above should ensure they receive the pneumococcal vaccine for added protection against cough and respiratory infections.
- Practice Good Hand Hygiene: Regular handwashing is essential in preventing common illnesses like coughs and colds. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before eating or touching your face. When clean water is unavailable, carry hand sanitizer for convenience, especially when traveling.
- Avoid Close Contact with Sick Individuals: Steer clear of people who are ill, particularly during the first two weeks of their illness when they are most contagious. This reduces the risk of contracting infections that can lead to coughing.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Belongings: Refrain from sharing items such as towels or utensils with individuals who are sick to minimize the spread of illness and prevent coughing.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Incorporate a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber to support overall health and bolster your immune system, reducing the likelihood of coughing and other respiratory issues.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking is a major contributor to chronic coughing. Consider quitting smoking with the help of available cessation products and support services to improve respiratory health and reduce coughing episodes. Taking these steps can effectively contribute to the prevention of cough and related respiratory conditions.
Treatment Of Cough
The treatment of cough often involves various medications aimed at addressing specific symptoms and underlying causes. Here are some common treatment measures:
- Cough Suppressants: These medications are used to reduce the intensity of cough by suppressing the cough reflex. Examples include dextromethorphan, levocloperastine, and codeine.
- Expectorants & Mucolytics: These are prescribed for coughs with excessive mucus secretion to help increase mucus clearance. They work by thinning the mucus in the air passages, making it easier to cough up and clear the airways. Guaifenesin is a commonly used expectorant.
- Antibiotics: If the cough is due to chronic infectious upper respiratory infections, antibiotics may be prescribed. Amoxicillin clavulanate is a common antibiotic used for cough caused by bacterial infections.
- Bronchodilators: These medications are used for conditions like asthma or bronchoconstriction to provide relief by dilating the airways. Examples include salbutamol, budesonide, doxofylline, montelukast, and theophylline.
If additional symptoms accompany the cough, such as allergic reactions or pain on coughing, your doctor may also prescribe:
- Antiallergic Medications (Antihistamines): These are used to alleviate symptoms of allergies that may contribute to coughing.
- Pain Medications (Analgesics): These medications help relieve pain associated with coughing or any discomfort experienced during coughing episodes.
Overall, treatment for cough varies depending on the specific symptoms, underlying causes, and individual patient factors. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and cough treatment recommendations.
Home-care For Cough
In addition to medications, you can also try various home remedies for cough relief. These natural remedies can help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery. Here are some tips to consider:
- Stay Hydrated: One of the most effective home remedies for cough is to drink plenty of fluids such as coconut water, fruit juices, or infused waters to keep yourself hydrated. Fluids play a crucial role in thinning mucus, making it easier to expel from the respiratory tract. Additionally, warm liquids like tea or soup can provide soothing relief to a sore throat, helping to alleviate discomfort associated with coughing. By staying well-hydrated and incorporating these nourishing beverages into your routine, you can promote respiratory health and ease cough symptoms naturally.
- Honey: Honey, renowned for its soothing properties, stands as one of the most effective natural remedies for cough. Incorporating honey into your routine can provide relief from cough symptoms. You can mix honey in warm water for a comforting drink or simply consume a spoonful to ease a sore throat. However, it's vital to exercise caution, particularly with young children. Honey should not be given to infants under 1 year old due to the risk of botulism, a serious bacterial infection. By utilizing honey as a natural remedy for cough, you can harness its therapeutic benefits while promoting respiratory comfort.
- Salt Water Gargle: One of the effective natural remedies for cough is gargling with salt water or a mixture of povidone-iodine and water. This simple yet potent remedy can help remove mucus from the throat and soothe irritation. Gargling with salt water creates an osmotic effect, drawing out excess mucus and reducing inflammation in the throat. Similarly, povidone-iodine has antiseptic properties that can help combat bacteria and viruses, promoting throat health and easing cough symptoms. Incorporating these natural gargles into your daily routine can provide relief from coughing and support respiratory wellness in a safe and effective manner.
- Elevate Your Head: One of the effective cough remedies is to prop yourself up with extra pillows while sleeping, particularly at night. Elevating your head can help reduce coughing episodes by preventing post-nasal drip and mucus buildup in the throat. This simple adjustment can provide relief and improve sleep quality for individuals experiencing nighttime coughing fits. By incorporating this remedy into your bedtime routine, you can effectively manage cough symptoms and promote restful sleep.
- Humidify the Air: In addition to using the best medicine for cough, incorporating home remedies can also provide relief. One effective method is to use a cool mist humidifier in your room or work area, or take a steamy shower to moisten the air. This natural approach can help break up mucus buildup in the respiratory tract and ease coughing discomfort. By combining these home remedies with appropriate medication, you can effectively manage cough symptoms and promote respiratory wellness.
In addition to these home remedies for cough, certain Ayurvedic herbs can provide relief from cough symptoms and boost the immune system. These natural remedies for cough are often found in herbal cough syrups and are effective for both dry cough treatment and wet coughs treatment. By incorporating these home remedies and natural treatments into your routine, you can effectively manage cough symptoms and promote healing in a safe and holistic manner.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider Regarding a Cough
If you or your child have a chronic disease, it's important to contact your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
In general, reach out to your healthcare provider if you experience a persistent cough accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Wheezing (audible noise when breathing out)
- Fever exceeding 101.5 Fahrenheit or lasting more than a day or two
- Chills
- Production of phlegm (thick mucus, also known as sputum), particularly if it is yellow, green, or bloody
Seek immediate medical attention by going to the emergency room or calling 911 if you:
- Feel like you're choking
- Experience difficulty breathing
- Notice a significant amount of blood when coughing
- Have severe chest pain