Understanding Coughing: Causes and Remedies

Coughing is a reflex action that helps clear the throat and airways from irritants, mucus, or foreign particles.

Coughing FAQ

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.

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.

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.

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 hacking cough?

A hacking cough isn’t really a type of cough, but a description of the sound of the cough. Some people describe a cough that is loud, rough, and hoarse as “hacking.” People often think of hacking coughs as dry coughs. Dry hacking coughs are often due to: But hacking coughs can also bring up mucus, depending on the cause.

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 are the different types of cough?

They include: Productive cough. Also called a wet cough, this cough brings up mucus or phlegm. Non-productive cough. This is a dry cough that doesn’t bring up mucus or phlegm. Acute cough. It comes on suddenly and lasts for 2-3 weeks. Subacute cough. This type lingers after you’ve had an infection and can last 3-3 weeks. Chronic cough.