Common Cough | An Overview of Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

A cough is a very common symptom, and can be a sign of anything from a minor cold to something more serious. While coughing is often uncomfortable and annoying, it's an important reflex that helps us clear our airways. Sometimes the cough may be associated with mucus(sputum), then it may be called as productive cough. This article will explain the causes of coughing, its symptoms, and potential treatments for the discomfort it causes.

What Causes Coughing?

The most common cause of coughing is the common cold or flu. Viruses like these can cause inflammation in your airways which leads to excessive mucus production. This triggers the body’s natural reflex to expel the mucus through coughing. Other possible causes include asthma, allergies, pneumonia, bronchitis, acid reflux disease, smoking or inhaling second-hand smoke, or even heart failure.

Symptoms of Coughing

The main symptom of coughing is obviously the cough itself — this can range from a dry hacking sound to a wet productive cough that produces sputum or phlegm. Other symptoms depend on what’s causing your cough; if you have a cold or flu you might also experience sore throat, runny nose, fever and chills, fatigue and body aches.

If your cough is caused by allergies you may also experience sneezing and watery eyes as well as wheezing when breathing out. If your doctor suspects asthma they may ask about shortness of breath or chest pain when coughing too.

Types of Coughing

Dry Cough

A dry cough is one that does not produce phlegm or mucus. It is usually associated with viral infections like the common cold and can last up to three weeks.

Wet Cough

A wet cough produces mucus or phlegm which is usually associated with bacterial infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia. If you have a wet cough that is accompanied by fever, chills, chest pain or shortness of breath then you should seek medical attention immediately as this could be a sign of something more serious.

Medication for Coughing

• Over-the-counter medications may help ease some of the discomfort associated with coughing; for example ibuprofen and paracetamol can reduce fever and body aches while antihistamines might provide relief from an allergic reaction.

• Expectorants are helpful if you have a productive cough with thick mucus production; they work by thinning out the mucus so that it’s easier to expel through coughing up sputum or phlegm.

• Decongestants are useful for reducing nasal congestion that comes along with colds or allergies; however they should be used with caution because they can raise blood pressure if taken in large doses over long periods of time.

• Steam inhalations, can be easily done at home 3 to4 times a day by using wicks, Amruthanjan or jandubam in hot water.

• Lastly there are antitussives which are specifically designed to suppress coughing - however these should only be used when absolutely necessary since suppressing your body’s natural reflex could make your condition worse in some cases!

Conclusion

Coughing is a common symptom of many illnesses but it can indicate something more serious in some cases so it’s important to pay attention to its accompanying symptoms and seek medical advice if necessary. There are various over-the-counter medications available including antihistamines, decongestants, expectorants, mucolytics and antitussives/cough suppressants which can help relieve coughing symptoms depending on their cause.

Additionally there are natural remedies such as drinking warm fluids, gargling salt water, steam inhalation etc., which can also help reduce coughing symptoms without needing any medication. Ultimately though it’s best to speak with your doctor who will be able

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