What is Cough and How to Deal With It?

Cough is not a disease but it is an involuntary protective reflex. Coughing is body’s important mechanism to remove foreign material from throat and airways.

Air is suddenly expelled at amazingly fast speed (approx. 100miles an hour) from the lungs through the wind pipe. Such a strong force of air clears the throat and lungs from all the foreign particles that enter the airway. Coughing occurs when linings of respiratory tract secrete excessive mucus to protect airways from infection. If infection had occurred then coughing enables to keep airways open and also prevent further infections like pneumonia.

Several events take place in sequence during coughing. The vocal cords open widely as the first step allowing additional air to pass into the lungs. After that epiglottis closes the windpipe (larynx). At this stage the abdominal and rib muscles contract to increase the pressure behind the epiglottis. This increased pressure expels the air forcefully creating a rushing sound as it moves rapidly past the vocal cords. The rushing air with speed and force dislodges the irritant making it possible to breathe comfortably.

It can either be productive Cough (producing phlegm or mucous from the lungs) or nonproductive cough (dry and not producing any mucous or phlegm). Depending on how long it lasts, it can be classified as acute (less than 3 weeks' duration) or chronic (more than three weeks' duration).

Excessive coughing may be indicative of an underlying disease or disorder. Asthma, Acid reflux disease and post-nasal drip are commonly associated with cough. Other causes of cough include chronic bronchitis, heart failure and even medications such as ACE inhibitors.

Cough is an indication that something is irritating the respiratory system. In most cases these irritants are naturally handled by the body mechanism and immune system.

However, in other cases cough can be an indication of serious underlying medical condition. Consider it as a warning signal and take medical help if the cough secretions are colored or are chronic.

Find out more about causes, symptoms, prevention methods and home remedies for cough in the other related articles:

What is Cough and How to Deal With It?

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