When things such as mucus, germs or dust irritate your throat and airways, your body automatically responds by coughing. Similar to other reflexes such as sneezing or blinking, coughing helps protect your body.
An occasional cough is a normal healthy function of your body. Your throat and airways are equipped with nerves that sense irritants and seek to dispel them.
This response is almost instantaneous and very effective. Throats and lungs normally produce a small amount of mucus to keep the airway moist and to have a thin covering layer that works as a protective barrier against irritants and germs you may breathe in. Some infrequent coughing helps mobilize mucus and has no damaging effects on your body. Coughing also allows for the rapid removal of any unwelcome particles you accidentally breathe in.
There are many different types of coughs with distinct characteristics that can help your doctor identify what underlying issue may be causing it. If a cough brings up phlegm or mucus it is called a productive cough and could suggest pneumonia, bronchitis or the flu. The color of the mucus can signal a more serious problem. You should see a doctor if your cough brings up yellowish-green phlegm or blood. Acute cough is the least serious type of cough. It only lasts for three weeks or less and will most likely clear up on its own.
This type of cough will not need medical attention. Coughs that make certain sounds, like whooping, wheezing or barking, may also signal a bigger problem. Chronic coughs last longer than eight weeks and can be the sign of a more serious or chronic lung disease. Learn more about possible causes. A cough caused by a viral infection that persists for more than a couple of weeks will probably require medical attention.
The doctor may order some diagnostic tests, such as a chest X-ray; a sample of phlegm may be sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine what is causing the infection. The patient may be asked to breathe in and out of a tube attached to a machine; this helps the doctor determine whether the airways have an obstruction this test is called spirometry , which is common in asthma or emphysema.
The best way to treat a cough caused by a viral infection is to let the immune system deal with it — generally, such coughs clear up on their own. If a doctor is treating a cough, they will focus on the cause; for example, if it is due to an ACE inhibitor, it may be discontinued.
However, there is not much research into cough medicines and how much they can actually reduce symptoms. Treatments are mostly aimed at making the patient feel a little bit better but generally do not decrease the length of the cough. Honey — it coats the throat, resulting in less irritation and possibly less coughing. Honey is a demulcent something that soothes. Cough medications — some may help associated symptoms, such as fever or a stuffy nose. However, there is no compelling evidence that cough medicines are effective in making the cough go away faster.
A variety of cough medicine is available for purchase online. For small children, it is a good idea to talk to a doctor before giving OTC cough medicine. Some ingredients in cough medicines, such as codeine, can be dangerous for small children.
There is no evidence that cough medicines help children, and they can actually be dangerous due to the side effects. Cough suppressants — these suppress the cough reflex and are generally only prescribed for a dry cough.
Examples include pholcodine, dextromethorphan, and antihistamines. Expectorants — these help bring up mucus and other material from the trachea, bronchi, and lungs. An example is guaifenesin guaiphenesin , which thins the mucus and also lubricates the irritated respiratory tract, helping to drain the airways. Cough expectorants are available to purchase over-the-counter or online. In summary, coughs can be annoying and uncomfortable but, for the most part, they will clear up on their own.
You can take it up to every four hours for non-drowsy cough relief. The synchronized waves of repetitive swaying motion of small hair-like structures called cilia helps move the mucus up and out of the airways and lungs. VapoRub has helped relieve coughs for over years.
The menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil release soothing medicated vapors to suppress coughs. Apply it to the chest and throat to temporarily relieve cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation associated with the common cold.
For help with overnight symptoms, keep a glass of water handy by your bedside. A cough that persists, comes back, or occurs with fever, rash or persistent headache could be a signal of a more serious issue requiring medical attention. You should consult your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. If you have a cough, the last thing you want to do is spread it to a friend or family member.
Having strong immune defenses will go a long way toward helping you fight off next cough, cold, or flu coming your way. And one of the best building blocks to a strong cold- and flu-fighting immune system is sleep. Some of the simplest methods for preventing person-to-person or object-to-person transmission are also the most effective. Central nervous mechanisms of cough. Pulm Pharmacol Ther, Storms W, Farrar JR. Guaifenesin in rhinitis.
Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. Mucolytics, expectorants, and mucokinetic medications. Respir Care, Sleep habits and susceptibility to the common cold. Arch Intern Med,
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