Coughing

Coughing 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. In general, a cough that lasts for less than three weeks is an acute cough.

A cough can be a voluntary or an involuntary action. The cough reflex involves three phases: an inhalation, a forced exhalation against a closed glottis, and a violent release of air from the lungs following opening of the glottis, usually accompanied by a distinctive sound.

Causes

Coughing can be caused by a number of conditions, including:

• Infections such as the common cold, flu, or pneumonia
• Allergies
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Smoking
• Certain medications

Treatment

Treatment for a cough will depend on the underlying cause. This may include:

• Antibiotics if the cause is a bacterial infection
• Antihistamines or decongestants for allergies
• Inhalers for asthma
• Acid blockers for GERD
• Cough suppressants for a persistent cough

Prevention

Prevention of a cough will also depend on the underlying cause. Some general prevention methods include:

• Avoiding exposure to allergens
• Quitting smoking
• Getting vaccinated against preventable diseases
• Practicing good hand hygiene

See also

• Common cold
• Flu
• Pneumonia
• Asthma
• COPD
• GERD
• Smoking

Coughing Resources
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