Cough

Introduction

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, 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 that lasts between 3 and 8 weeks, improving by the end of that period, is a subacute cough. A persistent cough that lasts more than eight weeks is a chronic cough. Coughing can have a number of causes, and it is important to determine the underlying reason to ensure appropriate treatment.

A person covering their mouth while coughing, indicating a proper coughing etiquette to prevent the spread of airborne diseases.

Causes

Coughing can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Infections

Infections such as the common cold, flu, and pneumonia are common causes of coughing. These infections are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and body aches.

Chronic Conditions

Chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, and GERD can also cause coughing. These conditions often cause a persistent cough that may produce mucus.

Allergies

Allergic reactions can also cause coughing. This is often due to the body's response to allergens, which can irritate the throat and cause a cough.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors such as exposure to tobacco smoke, dust, or other irritants can cause a cough. This type of cough is often dry and can be chronic.

Symptoms

Coughing is a symptom in itself, but it can be accompanied by other symptoms depending on the underlying cause. These may include:

- Shortness of breath - Chest pain - Wheezing - Sore throat - Hoarseness - Runny or stuffy nose - Fatigue - Fever - Night sweats

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a cough is based primarily on the person's history and physical examination. The doctor will ask about the duration and nature of the cough, as well as any accompanying symptoms. They may also ask about any known exposures or conditions that might cause a cough.

In some cases, additional tests may be needed to determine the cause of the cough. These can include:

- Chest X-rays: This can help identify lung conditions that might be causing the cough. - Spirometry: This test measures how much air you can breathe in and out, and how fast you can do it. It can help diagnose conditions such as asthma and COPD. - Bronchoscopy: This procedure involves inserting a thin tube with a light and camera into the lungs to examine the airways. - Allergy tests: These can help identify if an allergy is causing the cough.

Treatment

The treatment of a cough depends on its underlying cause. In many cases, treating the cause will alleviate the cough. For example, antibiotics may be prescribed for a bacterial infection, while asthma may be managed with inhaled corticosteroids.

Over-the-counter cough suppressants and expectorants may also be used to help manage symptoms. However, these should not be used for long periods without consulting a healthcare provider.

In some cases, a cough may persist despite treatment. This is known as a chronic refractory cough. In these cases, a variety of treatments may be tried, including speech therapy, neuromodulators, and in some cases, surgery.

Prevention

Preventing a cough largely involves avoiding the factors that can cause it. This can include:

- Avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke and other irritants - Managing chronic conditions such as asthma and GERD - Getting vaccinated against infections such as the flu and pneumonia - Practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the spread of infections