Often a cough comes on as the last symptom of a retreating cold or viral flu. However, a cough can by triggered by reasons ranging from environmental to chronic illnesses. For instance, a simple cough is very different from Whooping Cough also called Pertussis which is a serious bacterial infection. In this article, we only look at a cough caused by common triggers such as cold and flu. And why do we cough? Coughing is a way in which our body gets rid of foreign particles, irritants, microbes, mucus and bacteria — among other allergens from the throat.
Coughing, by forcing air out of the lungs under high pressure, attempts to clear the throat of these foreign particles. There are two types of cough — a dry cough which is itchy and a chesty cough also called a productive cough because it generates phlegm. Finding effective treatment for a cough hinges on locating the cause. It is, therefore, best that if you do not know what is causing your cough, and the symptoms persist for more than 3 days, you see your GP.
Other common causes of a cough include heart failure, whooping cough and lung inflammation. Often a cough seems minor, and it may be, but if you do not know the cause of a cough, see your GP immediately. Do not attempt to self-diagnose. Only a GP is qualified to diagnose the cause and the potential risk, and prescribe treatment. This blog is brought to you by DoctorDoctor who provides access to in-home after-hours medical care for GPs and their patients in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, and Brisbane.
Medical information published on this website is of a general nature only and not intended to be a substitute for informed healthcare professional advice or clinical care. Use a cool mist humidifier or take a steamy shower to moisturize the air. Call your doctor or healthcare provider if your cough doesn't go away after a few weeks or if it involves the following symptoms: 1 Coughing up thick mucus that is green to yellow in color Wheezing Fever Shortness of breath Fainting Ankle swelling or weight loss Call for emergency medical care if you or your child is: Choking or vomiting Having difficulty breathing or swallowing Experiencing chest pain Coughing up bloody or pink-tinged phlegm, which can be caused by a variety of lung conditions 8 Learn More About the Complications of Cold and Flu: How They Affect Your Body in the Short and Long Term.
Cough is the most common symptom that patients report when they visit healthcare providers. Mayo Clinic The Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization that focuses on clinical practice, education, and research. Additional reporting by Jennifer D'Angelo Friedman.
Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking. Mayo Clinic. June 21, April Cleveland Clinic. March 30, April 30, Chronic Cough. July 9, Recommendations for the Management of Cough in Adults. September Common Colds: Protect Yourself and Others. February 11, Coughing Up Blood. April 7, Assessment and Management of Chronic Cough. Comparative Effectiveness Reviews.
January Symptoms of Coronavirus. By clicking the link s above, you will be taken to an external website that is independently operated and not managed by GSK.
GSK assumes no responsibility for the content on the website. If you do not wish to leave this website, do not click on the links above. This product contains acetaminophen; do not take it with other medicines that also contain acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is contained in many medicines to treat pain, fever, symptoms of cold and flu, and sleep medicines. If you have liver or kidney disease, talk to your doctor before taking acetaminophen.
Do not take more than the recommended dose, as this may be harmful, including serious harm to your liver. An acute cough frequently goes along with a common cold. Cough is a reflex that requires a number of different sensors, nerves, and muscles to work together Figure 1.
When these receptors are stimulated, they send a signal to sensory nerve fibers, such as those found in the vagus nerve. During a cold, mucus production in the airways increases, and coughing is how the body expels excess mucus from accumulating in the airways and lungs. Cough also can result from another common cold symptom, postnasal drip. This type of irritation also signals the brain to trigger the cough reflex. For many people, postnasal drip is especially annoying at night.
There are different ways that nonprescription products can help to relieve a cough and chest congestion Table 1.
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