
Coughing? A cough is supposed to protect you, but it may sometimes be a sign of some severe infection in your body. It is a defensive response that helps keep your airways clear. It is your body's reaction to something irritating your throat or airways. You may be coughing because of asthma, respiratory infection, or swallowing difficulties.
What is a cough?
A cough is your body's way of removing irritants from your throat and lungs. When something irritates the airway, the nerves signal to the brain. The brain then instructs the muscles in your chest and abdomen to push air out of your lungs to force the irritant out. Occasional coughing is normal and healthy. A cough that lasts for several weeks or produces discolored or bloody mucus may indicate a severe condition requiring medical attention.
Types of coughs
There are many types of Coughs. These can be identified in terms of the duration of cough, the sound, and actual medical conditions.
- Acute cough: It is a common cough often seen when you have a cold or flu. It lasts for two to three weeks.
- Subacute cough: The cough that occurs around or after being infected with an infection and lasts for eight weeks.
- Chronic cough: Long-lasting cough which lasts longer than eight weeks.
- Refractory cough: The cough which hasn't responded to treatment.
- Productive cough: They are wet coughs that bring up mucus.
- Non-productive coughs: They are dry coughs that don't bring up mucus.
- Whooping: A "whoop" sounding cough, a sound as an individual inhales forcefully. It is caused by a severe bacterial infection in the respiratory tract.
- Barking: This cough may be caused due to an infection or swelling in the upper airway. As the name suggests, this cough sounds like barking.
- Wheezing: This type of cough is common when your airways are blocked. It can be related to an infection, such as a cold, or a chronic condition like asthma.
Cough can also be distinguished as Daytime cough, Nighttime cough, and cough with vomiting.
Symptoms
If your cough interferes with your daily life or ability to work, or if it is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, do consult a doctor at the earliest
- Breathing difficulties
- Chest Pain
- Greenish-Yellow mucus
- Pink tinted phlegm
- Constant heartburn
- Spitting up blood
- Night sweats or fever
- Sleeping problems
Causes
- Viral Infection
- Irritants
- Allergies or Asthma
- Drips from nose to throat
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Acid Reflux
- Lung Inflammation
- Drugs Side effects
How long does a cough last?
The duration of the cough varies according to diverse types of coughs. According to the disease condition, the duration of the cough is as follows:
- Flu: 3-7 Days
- Common Cold: 10-14 days (about 2 weeks)
- Pneumonia: Cough resolves within 6 weeks (about 1 and a half months)
- Covid 19: It lasts for an average of 19 days (about 2 and a half weeks)
- Whooping Cough: It is called '100-day cough' in some regions of the world. The cough can last up to 10 weeks (about 2 and a half months).
- Barking: Seen in children and takes 3-7 weeks (about 1 and a half months) to clear up.
- Allergies: Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to harmless substances, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander, resulting in a runny nose, watery eyes, or a cough. The duration of allergies can vary. It could be seasonal and chronic, determined by the presence of allergens.
When should you seek help?
Most long-term coughs are harmless. However, you cannot determine the causes on your own. If your cough does not improve after one week, consult a doctor.
Consult your doctor for a detailed medical examination and treatment.