Cough

Coughing is the body's way of keeping the throat and airways clear. It can be chronic or acute. Chronic coughing can be due to asthma, COPD, cold, flu or smoking.

Treatment for cough includes taking medication. Common drug classes used to treat cough are antihistamine / non-narcotic antitussive combinations, antihistamine / opioid combinations, non-narcotic antitussives, opioid / anticholinergic combinations, opioid / phenothiazine combinations, expectorants, expectorant / opioid combinations, expectorant / opioid / sudafed combinations, expectorant / non-narcotic antitussive combinations, and antihistamine / opioid / sudafed combinations.

Coughing can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are some common causes:

Acute Causes:

• Common cold
• Influenza (flu)
• Inhaling an irritant (such as smoke, dust, chemicals or a foreign body)
• Pneumonia — an infection in one or both lungs

Chronic Causes:

• Allergies
• Asthma (most common in children)
• Bronchitis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Postnasal drip

Other Causes:

• Acute sinusitis
• Bronchiectasis (a chronic lung condition in which abnormal widening of bronchial tubes inhibits mucus clearing)
• Chronic sinusitis
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Emphysema
• Heart failure
• Laryngitis
• Lung cancer
• Medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• Neuromuscular diseases that weaken the coordination of upper airway and swallowing muscles
• Pulmonary embolism — a blood clot in an artery in the lung
• Tuberculosis

Coughing is a natural reflex that helps your body remove irritants from your airways. Here are some symptoms that may accompany a cough:

• A runny or stuffy nose
• A feeling of liquid running down the back of your throat (postnasal drip)
• Frequent throat clearing and sore throat
• Hoarseness
• Wheezing and shortness of breath
• Heartburn or a sour taste in your mouth
• In rare cases, coughing up blood
• Fever
• Chills
• Body aches
• Sore throat
• Nausea
• Vomiting

A chronic cough can interrupt your sleep and leave you feeling exhausted. Severe cases of chronic cough can cause vomiting, lightheadedness, and even rib fractures2. If you have a cough that lingers for weeks, especially one that brings up sputum or blood, disturbs your sleep, or affects school or work, it’s recommended to see a doctor.

The most common causes of a chronic cough are tobacco use, postnasal drip, asthma, and acid reflux. However, a cough can also linger long after other symptoms of pneumonia, flu, a cold, or other infection of the upper respiratory tract have gone away. A common but under-recognized cause of a chronic cough in adults is pertussis, also known as whooping cough. Chronic cough can also occur with fungal infections of the lung, tuberculosis (TB) infection, or lung infection with nontuberculous mycobacterial organisms.

Treating a cough effectively involves addressing the underlying cause. Here are some general and specific treatments for cough:

General Treatments:

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can thin the mucus in your throat and make it easier to cough up.
• Honey: Honey can soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. You can take a tablespoon as needed, or stir it into a warm drink. Please note that honey should not be given to babies under age 11.
• Hot Drinks: Hot drinks can ease cold symptoms, including a cough. The heat helps to lower congestion.
• Gargle with Saltwater: This can help to remove mucus and soothe your throat.
• Avoid Irritants: Smoke, dust, and other irritants can make a cough worse. If possible, try to avoid these triggers.
• Elevate Your Head: If a cold or an allergy is causing your cough, try raising your head when you sleep. This can help to reduce mucus pooling in your throat.
• Cough Drops or Hard Candy: These can help to soothe a dry cough and sore throat.
• Humidifier: Using a humidifier can moisten your nasal, throat, and airway tissues, making them less irritated and reducing your need to cough.

Specific Treatments:

• Medications: Depending on the cause of your cough, different medications may be recommended. These can include antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants for allergies and postnasal drip; inhaled asthma drugs to reduce inflammation and open up your airways; and antibiotics for bacterial, fungal, or mycobacterial infections.
• Switching Medications: If you’re taking an ACE inhibitor medication, which can cause coughing as a side effect, your doctor may switch you to another medication.

When to See a Doctor: If your cough persists for more than a few weeks, is causing you distress, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms (like fever, weight loss, or coughing up blood), it’s important to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider can help to determine the underlying cause of your cough and recommend appropriate treatment