My Life is Vital™ - What's Making You Cough?

Cold & Flu Center

What's Making You Cough?

Vital Healthcare Group

Cough is one of the most common symptoms of nose and lung diseases. This sudden forceful release of air from the throat is the body's defense mechanism. Coughing helps to rid the body of foreign material, irritation, or obstruction.

A cough can last for a week, or it may extend for weeks or months, depending on the cause.

What causes a cough?

There are many different causes of cough, including postnasal drip, allergies, sinusitis, or heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux or GERD).

Asthma is a common but serious cause of cough that needs medical treatment. Infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia can cause cough. Infections may be viral, bacterial, or fungal. Smoking is another serious cause of cough. Smoking destroys the lining of the breathing tubes, making it difficult for mucus to be expelled.

What are the symptoms of cough?

You may have a dry, nagging, unproductive cough with no mucus. Or you may have a productive cough that brings up mucus or phlegm.

Sometimes wheezing accompanies cough. The wheezing sound signals an obstruction in the lungs or bronchial tubes. If you have a cough that won't go away, it may be a symptom of a more serious problem that needs medical attention.

How is a cough treated?

Drink plenty of clear liquids to keep the mucus thin.

Avoid smoking and smoke-filled environments. Smoke contains irritants that can trigger cough and exacerbate existing conditions such as asthma. This includes wood-burning stoves, so limit your exposure to them when you have a cough. If the air is dry, a warm mist humidifier or vaporizer can moisten the air and help ease congestion and coughing. Be sure to keep the humidifier clean, however, to prevent the growth of bacteria and molds. Sucking on soothing lozenges will help to moisten and coat the throat and reduce the cough.

When to see the doctor

If your cough lasts for more than two weeks, call the doctor. You may have a respiratory infection, allergy, asthma, or pneumonia. If you are coughing up blood, have shortness of breath, or have experienced a fever, sudden weight loss, and fatigue, see your doctor for immediate treatment.