New QA article-Rani

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.

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.

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.

Types of coughs that have distinct sounds and are related to specific conditions

• Whooping. Pertussis, or whooping cough, is an infection that causes a cough that sounds like a “whoop.”
• Barking. A cough that sounds like barking can be a sign of croup.
• Wheezing. This type of cough often happens when you have blocked airways. It can be associated with an infection, like a cold, or chronic conditions, like asthma.

Types of coughs related to when you cough

• Daytime cough.
• Nighttime (nocturnal) cough.
• Cough with vomiting. This often happens with children. They cough so hard that they gag and sometimes vomit.

Who is more likely to experience a cough?

Anyone can get a cough. A cough is the most common symptom reported in healthcare providers' offices.

However, some people are more likely to get coughs than others. These include those who:

• Smoke substances (like tobacco or marijuana).
• Vape.
• Have chronic illnesses, especially those involving the lungs or nervous system.
• Have allergies.
• Are children. Kids get sick often, especially if they’re in daycare or school.

What are the most common causes of a cough?

There are many things that can make you cough. Some of them include:

Irritants or allergens

• Smoke.
• Strong smells (like cleaners and perfumes).
• Mold.
• Dust.
• Pollen.
• Pet dander.
• Mucus.
• Certain medications, like the blood pressure medications known as ACE inhibitors.

Medical conditions that can cause acute and subacute cough

• Cold.
• Flu.
• Acute bronchitis or bronchiolitis.
• Sinusitis.
• Pneumonia.
• Whooping cough (also called pertussis).
• Asthma.
• Allergies.
• Acute second- or third-hand smoke exposure.

Medical conditions that can cause chronic cough

• Chronic bronchitis.
• Asthma.
• Allergies.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung conditions.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Throat disorders, including vocal cord disorders.
• Postnasal drip.
• Heart failure and other cardiac conditions.