Coughs

Cough
Specialty	Pulmonology
Symptoms	Expulsion of air from the lungs with a sharp sound
Complications	Insomnia, Headache, Urinary incontinence, Rib fracture
Duration	Acute: <3 weeks; Subacute: 3–8 weeks; Chronic: >8 weeks
Causes	Infection, Allergy, Asthma, COPD, GERD, Smoking, Air pollution
Diagnostic method	Based on symptoms, imaging, Spirometry
Treatment	Depends on underlying cause
Medication	Cough suppressants, Expectorants, Inhalers
Frequency	Common

A cough is a common reflex action that clears the throat of mucus or foreign irritants. Coughing to clear the throat is typically an infrequent action, though a number of conditions can cause more frequent bouts of coughing. Generally, a cough is classified as acute, subacute, or chronic based on its duration.

Causes

Coughs can be caused by a variety of conditions, both temporary and persistent. Common causes include:

• Infections such as the common cold, Influenza, and Pneumonia
• Chronic lung diseases such as Asthma, COPD, and Bronchiectasis
• Environmental factors such as Smoking and exposure to Air pollution
• GERD, where stomach acids back up into the esophagus
• Allergic reactions to dust, pollen, or other particles

Symptoms and Complications

The primary symptom of a cough is the sudden, forceful expulsion of air from the lungs. Depending on the cause and severity, it may be accompanied by symptoms such as Fever, fatigue, and a runny nose. Complications can include Insomnia, due to disruption of sleep, and physical issues such as Headaches or Urinary incontinence.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of a cough is primarily based on the duration and accompanying symptoms. Medical professionals may also use tools such as chest X-rays and Spirometry to determine the underlying cause. Treatment varies widely and is tailored to the specific cause. It may include:

• Over-the-counter or prescription cough medicines, including Cough suppressants and Expectorants
• Inhalers and other treatments for asthma or COPD
• Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or managing allergies

Prevention

Preventative measures for coughs depend on the underlying cause. General strategies include avoiding known allergens, quitting smoking, and maintaining good hygiene to prevent infections.

See Also

• Common cold
• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis