Cough: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of a cough?

A cough can have a variety of symptoms depending on its cause. Common symptoms associated with a cough include:

Dry Cough: A cough that does not produce mucus.
Wet or Productive Cough: A cough that brings up mucus or phlegm.
Persistent Cough: A cough that lasts more than three weeks.
Chest Pain: Pain or discomfort in the chest when coughing.
Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling out of breath.
Sore Throat: Irritation or soreness in the throat due to frequent coughing.
Hoarseness: Changes in voice, such as hoarseness or a raspy voice.
Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling sound when breathing, often associated with respiratory conditions like asthma.
Postnasal Drip: A sensation of mucus dripping down the back of the throat, often causing a cough.
Fatigue: Feeling tired or exhausted, which can be a result of continuous coughing.
Headache: Head pain, which can be triggered by intense or frequent coughing.
Nasal Congestion: A blocked or stuffy nose, which can be related to respiratory infections causing the cough.

If a cough persists for an extended period, is accompanied by severe symptoms, or is associated with other worrying signs such as weight loss, night sweats, or coughing up blood, it is important to seek medical attention.

What are the possible causes of a cough?

A cough can be caused by various factors, and the underlying cause determines the type of cough and the appropriate treatment. Some common causes of a cough include:

Respiratory Infections: Viral infections like the common cold, flu, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can lead to coughing.
Allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, pet dander, or other allergens can cause coughing, often accompanied by other symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose.
Asthma: Asthma can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, particularly in response to triggers like exercise, allergens, or cold air.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, can cause a chronic cough with mucus production.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD can lead to a chronic cough when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, irritating the lining.
Postnasal Drip: Excess mucus from the nose dripping down the back of the throat can trigger a cough.
Smoking: Smoking irritates the lungs and airways, leading to a persistent cough, which often improves after quitting smoking.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to air pollution, smoke, or other irritants can cause coughing.
Medications: Some medications, especially those that affect the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) pathway, can cause a persistent cough as a side effect.
Lung Diseases: Other lung conditions such as interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, or lung cancer can cause a chronic cough.
Heart Failure: In some cases, heart failure can cause a cough, particularly at night or when lying down.
Foreign Object: Inhaled foreign objects can irritate the airways and cause coughing.
Vocal Cord Dysfunction: Dysfunction of the vocal cords can cause coughing, often mistaken for asthma.

If a cough persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What causes cough with phlegm?

A cough with phlegm, also known as a productive cough, is often caused by an underlying respiratory tract infection or inflammation. Here are some common causes:

Viral Infections: Viruses such as the common cold or influenza (flu) can lead to increased mucus production and a productive cough.
Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia can cause a productive cough with thick, colored mucus.
Chronic Bronchitis: A form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to increased mucus production and coughing.
Pneumonia: An infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs, leading to coughing with phlegm, fever, and difficulty breathing.
Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause postnasal drip, leading to a productive cough.
Allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, pet dander, or other allergens can cause inflammation and increased mucus production, leading to a productive cough.
Asthma: While asthma is more commonly associated with a dry cough, some people with asthma may experience a productive cough, especially during an asthma exacerbation or in response to triggers.
COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, can lead to a chronic productive cough.
Smoking: Smoking irritates the lungs and airways, leading to increased mucus production and a productive cough.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to air pollution, smoke, or other irritants can cause inflammation and increased mucus production, leading to a productive cough.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD can cause stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, leading to irritation and a productive cough, especially when lying down.

If you have a persistent cough with phlegm or are experiencing other concerning symptoms, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What causes cough with blood?

Coughing up blood, known as hemoptysis, can be a concerning symptom that requires medical attention. There are several potential causes for coughing up blood, including:

Respiratory Infections: Infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia can lead to irritation and inflammation of the airways, causing coughing with blood-tinged mucus.
Chronic Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often due to smoking or long-term exposure to irritants, can cause coughing with blood-tinged mucus.
Tuberculosis (TB): TB is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs and can cause coughing up blood among other symptoms.
Lung Cancer: Lung cancer can cause bleeding into the airways, leading to coughing up blood, especially in advanced stages.
Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot in the lungs can cause coughing up blood, along with symptoms like chest pain and difficulty breathing.
Pulmonary Edema: Fluid buildup in the lungs, often due to heart failure, can lead to coughing up blood-tinged frothy sputum.
Bronchiectasis: A condition characterized by widened and damaged airways, which can lead to recurrent infections and coughing up blood.
Pulmonary Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels in the lungs can cause bleeding and coughing up blood.
Certain Medications: Some medications, such as anticoagulants (blood thinners), can increase the risk of bleeding and coughing up blood.
Trauma: Injury to the chest or lungs, such as from a fall or car accident, can cause coughing up blood.

If you experience coughing up blood, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

What is the treatment for a cough?

The treatment for a cough depends on the underlying cause of the cough. Here are some common treatments for different types of coughs:

Acute cough:

Rest and plenty of fluids to help thin out mucus
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like cough suppressants, such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin), to help relieve coughing
Expectorants like guaifenesin (Mucinex) to help loosen mucus
Saline nasal sprays or drops to moisturize the nasal passages and help loosen mucus
Honey or throat lozenges to soothe the throat

Chronic cough:

Antibiotics if the cough is caused by a bacterial infection
Inhaled corticosteroids like fluticasone (Flovent) to reduce inflammation in the airways
Bronchodilators like albuterol (Ventolin) to help relax the airway muscles
Mucolytics like acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) to break down mucus
Cough suppressants like dextromethorphan (Robitussin) for nighttime relief
Throat lozenges or cough drops to soothe the throat

Cough caused by allergies or acid reflux:

Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin) to relieve allergic symptoms
Antacids like Tums, Rolaids, or Mylanta to neutralize stomach acid
H2 blockers like ranitidine (Zantac) or famotidine (Pepcid) to reduce stomach acid production
Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole (Prilosec) or lansoprazole (Prevacid) to block stomach acid production

Cough caused by respiratory conditions:

Inhaled medications like bronchodilators or corticosteroids to manage asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Medications like tiotropium (Spiriva) or umeclidinium (Incivek) to help open up airways

Home remedies:

Honey and lemon tea to soothe the throat
Steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil or menthol to loosen mucus
Humidifiers to add moisture to the air and relieve congestion
Rest and relaxation to reduce stress and promote healing

It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional if you have a persistent cough, as it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs attention.