Cough: Causes, Types, and Remedies

Coughing is a natural response to irritation in the respiratory tract, particularly in the bronchi, often linked to respiratory infections or allergies. Cough medications should be used with caution.

What is Cough in Adults?

Coughing is a defense mechanism of the body triggered by irritation in the respiratory tract (throat, trachea, bronchi) or sometimes the ears. It helps clear bronchial secretions, facilitating breathing. Cough is a common reason for medical consultations and can be caused by various conditions such as flu, cold, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, respiratory allergies, or even heart problems in older adults. Chronic cough is often associated with smoking and is a symptom of chronic bronchitis.

Types of Cough in Adults

Coughs are categorized into two types:

• Dry cough: No mucus production.
• Wet (productive) cough: Produces mucus and helps clear the airways, aiding recovery.

Both types can become exhausting, especially during coughing fits. If a cough persists beyond three weeks, medical advice is necessary.

Potential Complications of Cough

Severe coughing can irritate the throat and cause insomnia if it occurs at night. Infections causing cough usually do not lead to further complications. However, complications depend on the underlying cause rather than the cough itself.

Diseases That Can Cause Cough in Adults

• Flu: Often accompanied by fever, headaches, or body aches.
• Respiratory infections: Such as colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, or whooping cough.
• Asthma: Characterized by wheezing and potentially severe breathing difficulties during an attack.
• Chronic bronchitis: Persistent wet cough with mucus production lasting several months annually.
• Respiratory allergies
• Heart problems: Especially in older adults.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Acid reflux can cause a dry cough.

Other Causes of Cough

• Inhaling foreign objects can trigger repeated coughing fits.
• Irritants like cold air, smoke, or dust can cause coughing.
• Nervousness or tics may also lead to coughing episodes.
• Certain medications (e.g., for hypertension) may cause chronic cough as a side effect.

How to Prevent Cough

The best way to prevent coughing is by addressing its root cause. For example, many respiratory conditions associated with coughing are linked to smoking. Quitting smoking—or better yet, never starting—can significantly reduce the risk of these conditions.

What to Do in Case of Cough?

• If you experience nighttime coughing fits, elevate your head with pillows or raise your bed's headrest.
• Humidify your environment using a humidifier or place a damp cloth on a radiator.
• For dry cough: Use antitussive medication but limit treatment to a few days only.
• For wet cough: Mucus-thinning medications may help facilitate secretion clearance.
• Avoid taking medication if the cause of the cough is unknown.
• Soothe mild irritation-related coughs with honey: prepare tea with equal parts lemon juice and hot water sweetened with honey.
• If pregnant, consult your doctor before taking any cough medication. Wet coughs during pregnancy are usually untreated unless caused by an infection; dry coughs are treated only if significantly uncomfortable under medical supervision.

What Does the Doctor Do for Cough?

The doctor examines the patient by inspecting the throat and listening to lung sounds. To diagnose the cause of the cough, they inquire about its type, triggers, associated symptoms (fever, shortness of breath, pain), and ongoing medications. In rare cases, blood tests or chest X-rays may be required if pneumonia is suspected.

If the cough is productive and well-tolerated, it is considered beneficial. The doctor may prescribe bronchial fluidifiers to help clear mucus. Antitussive medications are prescribed only for dry coughs and are not recommended for wet coughs.

Treatments for Cough in Adults

The treatment for cough depends on its type and underlying cause:

1. Dry Cough: Medications known as antitussives are used to relieve dry cough. These work by reducing the cough reflex through action on the brain's cough centers. Such medications should not be used for more than a few days without medical advice.
2. Cough Due to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): If the cough is caused by acid reflux, treatment involves the use of antacids to manage the condition.
3. Wet Cough: Syrups containing bronchial fluidifiers can be used to reduce the viscosity of mucus and facilitate its expulsion. However, their use is rarely essential.