Coughs All You Need To Know
Coughs - All You Need To Know
MOST COUGHS
ARE CAUSED BY
COLDS AND FLU
but there can be other reasons why you can develop one
Read on for all the cough information you need: causes, symptoms, and what’s good for them.Read on for some of the cough-related information you need: causes, symptoms, and what you can do to help ease them..
WHAT CAUSES
A COUGH?
A cough is a normal reflex action used to clear away foreign particles from the airway.
It may surprise you to know that coughing is a rather complex process, involving the nervous system (including your brain), the lungs, and abdominal muscles.
A cough reflex starts when cough receptors in the throat and airways are triggered. This sends a message to the brain for the lungs to take a deep breath, and then forcefully expel the air (with the help of the abdominal muscles).
A cough is a common symptom of a cold or flu.
Cold and flu are viral infections that affect your nose, throat, and upper airways—illnesses known as upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). When the sinuses become inflamed (as they can when you have a cold or flu) the increased production of mucus and a post-nasal drip can trigger the cough reflex. While most symptoms of cold and flu resolve on their own in about 7 to 10 days, a cough can take a little longer—up to 3 weeks to resolve.
Aside from cold and flu, there are other causes of cough. If you develop a cough and your symptoms worry you, see your doctor for advice.
THE
DIFFERENT KIND OF COUGHS
You may have heard people describe coughs as either ‘productive’ or ‘dry’. Here’s what they mean.
PRODUCTIVE COUGH
A productive cough (also called a chesty cough) occurs when mucus is produced in the airways. Coughing is your body’s way of getting rid of this mucus from your chest.
POST-INFECTIOUS COUGH
A cough may develop during recovery from an upper respiratory tract infection (like cold and flu) due to the increased sensitivity of the airways. This is called a post-infectious cough.
NON-PRODUCTIVE COUGH
A non-productive cough, also known as a dry cough, does not produce any phlegm or mucus.
WHEN TO
VISIT YOUR DOCTOR
A cough associated with a cold or flu should usually clear up on its own within 10 days to 3 weeks.
However, you should see your doctor if:
You should seek urgent medical assistance if:
You’ve had a persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks
You have chest pain or a rapid heart rate
Your cough is troubling you or gets worse
You’re having difficulty breathing
You’re pregnant
You’re having difficulty breathing
You feel very unwell
You’re immunocompromised
You’re losing weight for no reason
WHEN TO
COPE WITH A COUGH
Here’s a few suggestions to help relieve a cough:
Get plenty of rest.
Drink adequate fluids to prevent dehydration and to help thin any mucus.
You may find a hot drink with lemon and honey may help soothe the throat.
Take an over-the-counter product for the relief of cough. An expectorant cough medicine may help to loosen and thin the mucus, making it easier to cough up. A cough suppressant (also called an antitussive cough medicine) may help reduce coughing by suppressing the cough reflex.
Lemsip has a range of over-the-counter cold and flu relief products, designed specifically for the symptoms you are experiencing. You can pick them up from your local pharmacy or supermarket. Talk to your pharmacist about which product is best for you.
This article is for general information only and not intended as a substitute for medical advice. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health-related matters, always consult your healthcare professional.
This medicine may not be right for you. Read the label before purchase. Follow the directions for use. Incorrect use could be harmful. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.