A cough is a reflex action that clears the throat of foreign irritants or mucus and is a common symptom that everyone experiences. Coughs can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), and while they can be a mere annoyance, they can also signify an underlying health condition.
This guide will delve into the reasons behind a cough, how it is diagnosed, and the various treatment options available.
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What are the common causes of a cough?
Coughs can be caused by a myriad of factors. Common causes include viral infections (like the common cold or flu), bacterial infections, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and smoking. Occasionally, a cough can be a symptom of a more serious condition, like lung cancer or heart failure.
What should I do if I have a cough?
If you have a mild cough due to a cold or allergies, rest, staying hydrated, and over-the-counter cough remedies might help. However, if your cough is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other worrisome symptoms like high fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, seek medical help promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should see a doctor if your cough lasts more than three weeks, produces discolored or bloody mucus, is accompanied by fever, wheezing, or Shortness of Breath, or if you have underlying health conditions like asthma or COPD.
There are various tests a doctor might use to determine the cause of a cough. Chest X-rays can help identify lung conditions. A sputum test can diagnose bacterial infections. Spirometry can assess lung function and diagnose conditions like asthma or COPD. In some cases, a CT scan or bronchoscopy might be necessary.
Spirometry is a test that measures how well your lungs work by measuring how much air you inhale, how much you exhale, and how quickly you exhale. This test is often used to diagnose or manage conditions like asthma, COPD, or other conditions that affect breathing.
Staying hydrated, using a humidifier, avoiding irritants like tobacco smoke, and taking over-the-counter cough remedies can help manage a cough at home. However, it's important to see a doctor if your cough is severe, doesn't improve after a few weeks, or is accompanied by other serious symptoms.
Medications for cough depend on the cause. Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections. Inhaled corticosteroids are often used for asthma-related cough. Antihistamines and decongestants can help with a cough due to allergies. If the cough is due to GERD, antacids or other acid-reducing medications might be recommended.
Certain types of coughs can be prevented. Vaccinations can prevent coughs due to pertussis (whooping cough) or the flu. Quitting smoking can prevent a chronic cough. Managing asthma and allergies effectively and avoiding irritants can also help prevent coughing.
If you have a persistent cough, you should initially see a primary care doctor. Depending on the suspected cause of the cough, you may be referred to a pulmonologist (lung specialist), allergist, or gastroenterologist for further evaluation.
