Understanding and Treating Cough

A reflex action to clear your airways of mucus and irritants, which can be caused by various factors.
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Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Cough FAQ


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What is a cough & how does it work?

A cough is a sudden expulsion of air through the large breathing passages which can help clear them of fluids, irritants, foreign particles and microbes.

What causes a cough?

There are several possible causes of a cough. Coughing is a standard way of clearing your throat. When your airways become clogged with mucus or foreign particles such as smoke or dust, a cough serves as a reflexive reaction that helps clear the particles and make breathing easier.

How long does a cough last?

Respiratory tract infections are usually caused by a virus and may last for 1 to 2 weeks. Antiviral medications such as those for the flu are most effective when you take them within 2 days of your symptoms starting. Smoking is another common cause of coughing. A cough caused by smoking is almost always a chronic cough with a distinctive sound.

Is a cough a sign of a medical condition?

A cough is relatively painless, but it can be irritating or distracting to others, and the effort of coughing can leave you feeling achy and fatigued. An occasional cough is normal and nothing to worry about, but a cough that lasts for several weeks or more or one that produces discolored or bloody mucus may be a sign of a medical condition. (1)

How long does a cough last in adults?

Find out more about coughs in adults, when you can use self-care, and what to do if your cough worsens and you need medical help. Most coughs clear up within 3 weeks and don't require any treatment. A dry cough means it's tickly and doesn't produce any phlegm (thick mucus). A chesty cough means phlegm is produced to help clear your airways.

What is a cough reflex?

A cough is an automatic (reflex) muscle action that forces air up and out of your lower airways (lungs) and upper airways (windpipe, nose and mouth). Everyone coughs occasionally to 'clear their throat'. The cough reflex protects the airways and lungs. Coughing occurs if the airways are partially blocked by mucus (for example, during a cold).

What is the purpose of a cough?

The function of a cough is to clear material from the airways and to protect the lungs from particles that have been inhaled. People may cough on purpose (voluntarily) or spontaneously (involuntarily). (See also Cough in Children .)

Cough References

If you want to know more about Cough, consider exploring links below:

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