Cough Symptoms

Overview

A cough is a naturally occurring breathing reflex. People cough to clear breathing passages from irritable foreign materials. Coughs also dislodge mucous from the lungs and airways. There are three parts to a cough. When coughing, a person will inhale, exhale, and then release air forcefully from the lungs. You can recognize a cough by its distinctive sound.

There are two kinds of coughs: productive coughs and unproductive coughs. Productive coughs clear mucus from air passages and lungs. These coughs occur when you are sick from a virus, bacterial infection, chronic disease, or allergies. Smokers also experience productive coughs. Nonproductive coughs occur when there is no mucous. You might have a nonproductive cough for weeks after your other cold symptoms have subsided, or your may have spasms from irritated bronchial tubes. Nonproductive coughs also occur when there are particles lodged in your airways. You are at risk if you work around chemicals, dust, and fumes. Some high blood pressure medications cause nonproductive coughs. If you experience frequent unproductive coughing, you may be at risk for asthma. Other nonproductive coughs result from blocked airways.

Several complications result from coughing. If a person experiences decreased blood flow due to coughing, they may faint. If you are coughing at night, then you might have trouble getting a full night's rest. Cough induced vomiting, defecation, or urination may also occur.

Persisting coughs may indicate more serious conditions. For example, whooping cough and Tuberculosis are highly contagious diseases that could result in death. If you have persisting fever or if your coughing does not subside after a few days, you should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment options. You may need to undergo blood tests, allergy tests, breathing tests, or chest x-rays.

Treatment

Your treatment will vary based on your diagnosis. If your condition is minor, you might not require any treatment at all. Over the counter dextromethorphan- based medications will be sufficient in alleviating your symptoms. You could try cough lozenges, teas, or sprays in addition to your medications. If your cough is severe, your doctor might prescribe codeine. Bacterial infections will require an antibiotic treatment. You may receive your antibiotics in pill or liquid form.

More serious conditions will require more extensive treatment. If you have asthma, you may need inhalers or steroids, and you will have to find a specialist to work with. Tuberculosis may require treatment for weeks or months. If your condition is serious, you may need immediate injections or intravenous (IV) medications.

You may receive no diagnosis, and your doctor might ask to monitor your cough for several weeks. If you are concerned about your cough, do not take any chances. You do not want your existing condition to persist or worsen by remaining undiagnosed.