Healthy Line: Types of cough: What causes a persistent cough?

Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

 

Introduction

Cough is a typical reflex that assists in the removal of irritants, mucus or foreign particles in the throat and the airways. On the one hand, occasional coughing is a natural phenomenon (and even a healthy one), which is necessary to cleanse the throat. On the other hand, frequent or even strong coughing may signify some health problem. Coughs may be acute (less than three weeks), subacute (three to eight weeks), or chronic (more than eight weeks).

The causes, symptoms and prevention methods of coughs should be understood in order to manage this condition. The article offers a detailed discussion of coughs, their different types, the causes of the coughs, its symptoms, and prevention.

 

Types of Coughs

Coughs may be classified according to their duration, quality, and producibility of mucus. The key ones are:

1. Acute Cough

·        Does not last more than three weeks.

·        Is usually a result of infections (common cold, flu, pneumonia).

·        May also be due to irritants such as smoke or dust.

2. Subacute Cough

·        Lasts three to eight weeks.

·        This is usually a sequel of respiratory infections (post-infectious cough).

3. Chronic Cough

·        Takes over eight weeks.

·        Linked to such conditions as asthma, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or chronic bronchitis.

4. Dry Cough (Non-Productive Cough)

·        Does not secrete mucus.

·        Frequently, it is the effect of viral infections, allergies, or asthma.

5. Wet Cough (Productive Cough)

·        Makes mucus or phlegm.

·        Expended in the bacterium infections, bronchitis or pneumonia.

6. Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

·        A very contagious bacterial disease.

·        Produces violent coughing paroxysms followed by a "whooping" inhalation.

7. Barking Cough

·        Commonly noted in croup (a viral infection of children).

·        Like a bark of a seal.

8. Nighttime Cough

·        Made worse at night.

·        Asthma, GERD or postnasal drip are common.

 

                 

Causes of Cough

The causes of cough vary in type and severity, including such factors as mild irritants, as well as medical conditions. The most frequent ones are:

1. Infections

·        Common Cold & Flu - The throat is irritated and postnasal drainage is produced by viral infections.

·        Pneumonia - Bacterial or virus infections of the lungs that cause the buildup of mucus.

·        Bronchitis - This causes inflammation of the bronchial tube, usually because of infection.

·        Sinusitis - Coughing occurs due to postnasal drainage by the sinus.

·        Tuberculosis (TB) - bacteria that cause a cough that is persistent and may have blood in it.

2. Chronic Respiratory Conditions

·        Asthma - The airways become inflamed and this causes coughing (at night).

·        Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - Comprising of chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

·        Cystic Fibrosis A hereditary illness that leads to thick mucus that develops in the lungs.

3. Environmental & Lifestyle Factors

·        Smoking - causes irritation in the lungs causing so-called smoker cough.

·        Air Pollution & Dust - Coughing occurs through inhaling of pollutants.

·        Allergies (Hay Fever) Allergic cough is caused by pollen, pet allergens or mold.

4. Gastrointestinal Causes

·        GERD (Acid Reflux) - The stomach acid re-enters the esophagus and causes irritation in the throat.

5. Medications

·        ACE Inhibitors (e.g. lisinopril) - applied in hypertension with a possible side effect of dry cough.

6. Other Medical Conditions

·        Heart Failure - May result in the accumulation of fluids in the lungs (cardiac cough).

·        Lung Cancer - Coughing that is unending in some cases accompanied by blood.

·        Whooping Cough (Pertussis) A bacterial infection that results in intense attacks of coughing.

 

Symptoms Associated with Cough

Cough is usually combined with some other symptoms which depend on the cause:

Common Symptoms

·        Sore throat

·        Runny or stuffy nose

·        Postnasal drip

·        Hoarseness

Symptoms Indicating Infection

·        Fever & chills

·        Body aches

·        Fatigue

·        Green or yellow mucus (bacterial infection)

Symptoms of Chronic Conditions

·        Wheezing (asthma, COPD)

·        Shortness of breath

·        Heartburn (GERD-related cough)

·        Chest pain (pneumonia, bronchitis, or heart issues)

Warning Signs (Seek Medical Attention)

·        Coughing up blood

·        High fever lasting more than 3 days

·        Difficulty breathing

·        Unexplained weight loss

·        Cough lasting more than 8 weeks

 

Read Also: - The Immune System: Your Body’s Defense Mechanism

Diagnosis of Cough

In case a persistent cough is severe, a doctor can conduct the following diagnostic tests:

1. Medical History & Physical Exam

·        Inquiries concerning the duration, type and causes of cough.

·        Stethoscope of the lungs.

2. Imaging Tests

·        Chest X-ray- Examines the presence of pneumonia, TB or lung tumors.

·        CT Scan- Gives clear images of the lungs and airways.

3. Lung Function Tests

·        Spirometry- The lung capacity is measured (used in the diagnosis of asthma or COPD).

4. Lab Tests

·        Sputum Test- Testing of mucus to detect infections.

·        Blood Tests - It identifies infections or allergies.

5. Specialized Tests

·        Bronchoscopy- A camera on a tube explores the airways.

·        pH Monitoring- Looks out for acid reflux (GERD).

 

Treatment Options for Cough

Therapy is based on the etiology:

1. Home Remedies & Lifestyle Changes

·        Water intake - warm drinks (tea, soup) help to hydrate the throat.

·        Honey - effective cough remedy (not to be used in children under 1 years).

·        Humidifiers - Damp air helps to decrease irritation of the throat.

·        Prevention of Irritants - Avoid smoking, dust and pollution.

2. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

·        Cough Suppressants (Dextromethorphan) s- used in dry coughs.

·        Expectorants (Guaifenesin) -Relax the phlegm in wet coughs.

·        Antihistamines -They assist with coughs that are related to allergies.

3. Prescription Medications

·        Antibiotics - against bacterial infection (e.g. pneumonia, whooping cough).

·        Inhalers (Bronchodilators / Steroids) - Asthma or COPD.

·        Acid Blockers (PPIs) As treatment of GERD cough.

4. Treating Underlying Conditions

·        Chronic cough can be minimized by controlling asthma, allergies or GERD.

 

Prevention of Cough

Cough can be prevented by trying to avoid irritants and having good respiratory health:

1. Hygiene Practices

·        Frequent washing of hands prevents infections.

·        Stop germs by covering mouth when coughing/sneezing.

2. Avoiding Triggers

·        Stop smoking and second-hand smoking.

·        Limit the allergens (dust, pollen, pet dander).

3. Boosting Immunity

·        Vaccinations (Vaccination Flu shot, pneumonia vaccine, whooping cough vaccine).

·        Healthy food (vitamin C, zinc, probiotics).

4. Managing Chronic Conditions

·        Treat asthma/allergies using prescribed drugs.

·        Use diet and medications to treat GERD.

 

When to See a doctor?

Most coughs are self-limiting, but the following are indications of a requirement of medical care:

·        Cough exceeds 3 weeks.

·        Mucus has blood.

·        There is persistent high fever.

·        It becomes difficult to breathe or there is chest pain.

·        The cough is accompanied by unexplained weight loss.

 

Conclusion

Coughing is a normal defense method, but when it persists or is too intense, it could be an indication of an underlying health condition. The issue of coughs can be controlled and lessened by learning the causes, identifying symptoms and taking preventive measures. When a cough is persistent or aggravated, it is always important to visit a medical practitioner to help in the diagnosis and treatment.

People can reduce their exposure to irritants and good hygiene; chronic conditions and they can prevent troublesome coughs and improve respiratory health.