Description

Cough is a symptom that has been experienced by every human and is an essential protective and defensive act whose action secures the removal of mucus, noxious substances and infections from the larynx, trachea and larger bronchi. Coughing is the most efficient mechanism for clearing the upper airways and can be an innate inbuilt defense mechanism. Too much coughing can damage the breathing passages and make sleep and daily activities difficult.

Frequent coughing usually indicates the presence of a disease. Many viruses and bacteria benefit, from an evolutionary perspective, by causing the host to cough, which helps to spread the disease to new hosts. Most of the time, irregular coughing is caused by a respiratory tract infection but can also be triggered by choking, smoking, air pollution, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, post-nasal drip, chronic bronchitis, lung tumors, heart failure and medications such as ACE inhibitors.

There are two types of coughs: Productive and Nonproductive.

Nonproductive, or dry coughs: Occur when the airway passages are irritated by the first stages of a cold or bacterial & viral infection.

Productive Cough: As the body reacts to the illness, it produces mucus or phlegm, which will be expectorated by a productive, or wet cough.