Coughing

Coughing

Coughing (/ˈkɒf.ɪŋ/) is a common reflex action that clears the throat of mucus or foreign irritants.

Etymology

The term "cough" comes from the Old English cohhian, which means "to breathe heavily", and is of imitative origin.

Definition

Coughing is a sudden, often repetitive, spasmodic contraction of the thoracic cavity, resulting in violent release of air from the lungs, and usually accompanied by a distinctive sound.

Types of Cough

There are three types of cough: acute, subacute, and chronic.

• Acute cough: A cough that lasts for less than three weeks. It is most commonly caused by viral upper respiratory infections.
• Subacute cough: A cough that lasts between three and eight weeks.
• Chronic cough: A cough that lasts for more than eight weeks. The cause of chronic cough in adults is often a combination of asthma, postnasal drip, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Causes

Coughing can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Common cold
• Influenza
• Smoking
• Asthma
• Chronic bronchitis
• Lung diseases
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Treatment

Treatment for coughing depends on its cause. Over-the-counter cough suppressants may provide temporary relief but do not treat the underlying cause. In some cases, it may be necessary to see a doctor.

Related Terms

• Bronchitis
• Pneumonia
• Tuberculosis
• Whooping cough
• Croup

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Coughing
• Wikipedia's article - Coughing

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