Understanding Coughs: Causes, Types, and Remedies

A reflex action to clear the throat, often a symptom of respiratory conditions or infections.
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Respiratory Health | Infectious Diseases | Allergies | Cough Remedies | Causes Of Cough | Dry Cough
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Coughs FAQ


Image credit: lunginstitute.co.za

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 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.

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 does a cough affect the body?

A cough is your body's way of responding when something irritates your throat or airways. An irritant stimulates nerves that send a message to your brain. The brain then tells muscles in your chest and abdomen to push air out of your lungs to force out the irritant. An occasional cough is normal and healthy.

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).

How many people have a persistent cough?

As many as one in five of us have a persistent cough, which usually doesn't have a serious cause but can be exhausting - especially if it stops us sleeping. What's persistent? Doctors describe a persistent, or 'chronic', cough as one lasting more than eight weeks. Three to eight weeks is 'sub-acute' and less than three weeks is 'acute'.

Coughs References

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