Coughing can be a reflex, or an involuntary response.
Most of the time, coughing is not something to worry about.
It can, however, be a sign that you should probably see a doctor.
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This can be an effect of several health conditions, includingstroke,Parkinson’s disease, andmultiple sclerosis.
Recap
Your central nervous system and respiratory muscles work together to keep your airways clear.
Cough Triggers
There are several things that can activate your coughing reflex.
Some can also be reasons for a voluntary cough, when you cough on purpose.
(Think of forcing a cough in an effort to break up chest congestion.)
A person whose airway is partially blocked may still be choking even if they are coughing or making sounds.
They will need the Heimlich maneuver as soon as possible.
Knowing how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on someone who is choking can save their life.
The common cold and the flu are examples of upper respiratory tract infections brought on by a virus.
Lower respiratory infections, likebronchitisorpneumonia, may be because of bacteria or viruses.
As part of your body’simmune responseto infection,inflammationbuilds in your airways.
Inflammation and mucus in your airways will cause you to cough.
Most respiratory infections clear up within seven to 10 days.
But if it doesn’t, it can progress to bronchitis, laryngitis, or pneumonia.
Environnmental Allergens
In the United States, around 19 million people have allergic rhinitis.
This is in response to the immune system reading these allergens as harmful, although they’re really not.
Breathing in air pollution can cause inflammation in your nasal and sinus tissues along with postnasal drip.
As with allergens, avoiding air pollutants is difficult because you could’t control what’s in the air.
Medical Conditions
Chronic medical conditions that affect your lungs can cause coughing during flare-ups.
This includesasthma, a disease that affects around 262 million people worldwide.
These irritants trigger coughing,wheezing, andchest tightening.
Many people with asthma need to keep aninhaleron them at all times.
People with COPD also useinhalersto force their airways open during flare-ups.
People with COPD and asthma often cough during flare-ups when their airways tighten due to inflammation.
Coughing is also a common symptom of respiratory tract infections.
Acute vs. Should you decide to see your doctor, this information will help them make a diagnosis.
In fact, one study found that the average length of time an acute cough lasts is 18 days.
Acute coughs usually clear up on their own without medical attention.
You should visit your doctor if your phlegm is yellowish-green.
A cough that does not bring up phlegm is known as a dry cough.
Again, this throw in of cough is not usually something to worry about.
See your doctor if your cough lasts longer than three weeks.
Call 911 if you cough up blood or are in distress.
But they are a safe and healthy way to relieve your symptoms and help you stay hydrated.
OTC Medicine
Most respiratory infections that cause coughing will clear up on their own.
Your doctor may prescribe a stronger medication instead.
In some cases, antihistamines may also be prescribed for people withasthma.
Your doctor may prescribeantibiotic medicineto help clear up a stubborn respiratory tract infection triggered by bacteria.
Some OTC medications provide cough relief by blocking the cough reflex itself.
Prescriptions such as an antibiotic, antihistamine, or inhaled corticosteroid may be used in some cases.
When an irritant activates those nerves, they signal your brain to trigger your cough reflex.
Coughing is a symptom of numerous health conditions, ranging from the common cold to asthma and pulmonary embolism.
Out of consideration for those around you, stay at home and rest when you are sick.
Cover your mouth with the inside of your elbow when you cough, instead of using your hand.
And if you should probably leave the house, consider wearing a face mask.
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