Understanding Cough Causes and Remedies

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What does a cough mean?

Dry, moist, productive, hacking, chesty, whooping, barking, throaty. These are just some of the terms people use to describe their cough. While we're deep into cold and flu season, it's one of the most common reasons people see their family doctor. But what is a cough anyway? And what's the best way to get rid of it? What is a cough?

What is a cough & how does it work?

A cough is a natural reflex that is your body’s way of removing irritants from your upper (throat) and lower (lungs) airways. A cough helps your body heal and protect itself. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.

What causes a cough?

There are several possible causes of a cough. Coughing is a standard way of clearing your throat. When your airways become clogged with mucus or foreign particles such as smoke or dust, a cough serves as a reflexive reaction that helps clear the particles and make breathing easier.

What causes a cough that persists for weeks?

However, a cough that persists for weeks is usually the result of a medical problem. In many cases, more than one cause is involved. The following causes, alone or in combination, are responsible for the majority of cases of chronic cough: Postnasal drip.

What are the different types of cough?

There are many different types of cough but no one definition that everyone agrees on. This can be confusing as patients classify their cough in descriptive terms like hacking or chesty, while doctors classify them on how long they last: acute (under three weeks), subacute (three to eight weeks) and chronic cough (more than eight weeks).

What Is Cough

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3. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-23/a-guide-to-coughs-and-how-to-treat-them/11334858
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6. https://www.verywellhealth.com/coughing-facts-1298408
7. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/220349
8. https://www.everydayhealth.com/cough/guide/
9. https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/overview