Overview

What is a cough?

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.

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What are the types of cough?

There are many types of cough. Some of the names for coughs describe how long they last, while other types describe how they feel or sound, and other types are actual conditions.

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Additional Common Questions

Types of coughs may be related to how long they last

Acute cough begins suddenly and lasts for two to three weeks.
Subacute cough is one that stays around after you’ve had an infection and lasts three to eight weeks.
Chronic cough lasts longer than eight weeks. Long-lasting coughs may also be called persistent coughs.
Refractory cough is a chronic cough that hasn’t responded to treatment.

Types of coughs may be related to mucus

A productive cough, or a wet cough, is a cough that brings up mucus or phlegm.
A non-productive cough, or a dry cough, doesn’t bring up mucus or phlegm.

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A note from Cleveland Clinic

Having a cough often means nothing serious. It’s normal (and helpful) to cough in certain situations. Coughing helps you get rid of things in your throat and airways that are irritating or making it harder to breathe. If you also have other symptoms like trouble breathing, fever, trouble eating or sleeping, or you’re coughing up bloody or colored sputum, call your healthcare provider for advice. Because young kids can’t tell us what they're feeling, it’s a good idea to call your child’s provider if they have a cough and fever or a cough that sounds uncomfortable or concerning to you.

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Medically Reviewed.Last updated on 12/05/2024.

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References

Cleveland Clinic's health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability, and up-to-date clinical standards.

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