Why Do We Cough?
Understanding the Anatomy of Coughing
Coughing is a reflex action that helps to clear the airways of irritants, such as dust, smoke, or mucus. The process of coughing involves a complex interplay between various structures and organs in the respiratory system.
At its most basic level, a cough begins with the irritation of nerve endings in the lining of the respiratory tract. These nerve endings send a signal to the brainstem, which then triggers a series of muscular contractions.
The first step in coughing is the inhalation of a deep breath. This is followed by a forceful exhalation, during which the vocal cords close briefly, creating a burst of air pressure in the lungs. This burst of air then travels up through the throat, where it causes the epiglottis to close, preventing food or drink from entering the windpipe.
Finally, the air rushes out of the lungs and through the narrow opening between the closed vocal cords. This creates a distinctive sound that we recognize as a cough.
While coughing is a natural and important reflex, it can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as a respiratory infection or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Understanding the anatomy of coughing can help us to better diagnose and treat these conditions.
Common Causes of Coughing
Coughing can be caused by a wide range of factors, from minor irritations to serious medical conditions. Some of the most common causes of coughing include:
Respiratory infections: The common cold, flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia are all respiratory infections that can cause coughing.
Allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, animal dander, or certain foods can trigger coughing.
Asthma: Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Acid reflux: Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and coughing.
Smoking: Smoking cigarettes or being exposed to secondhand smoke can cause chronic coughing.
Environmental irritants: Exposure to air pollution, chemical fumes, or other irritants can trigger coughing.
Medications: Certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure, can cause coughing as a side effect.
Postnasal drip: Postnasal drip occurs when mucus from the nose drips down into the back of the throat, causing irritation and coughing.
It’s important to identify the underlying cause of a cough in order to properly treat it. If you have a persistent cough or are experiencing other symptoms, such as fever or difficulty breathing, you should consult a healthcare professional.
Acute vs. Chronic Cough: What’s the Difference?
Coughing can be classified as either acute or chronic, depending on how long it lasts.
Acute coughs are those that last less than three weeks and are usually caused by a viral respiratory infection, such as the common cold. Acute coughs may also be caused by allergies, asthma, or exposure to irritants, but in most cases, they will go away on their own within a few days or weeks.
Chronic coughs, on the other hand, are those that last for more than eight weeks. Chronic coughs are often caused by an underlying medical condition, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or lung cancer. Chronic coughs can also be caused by smoking or exposure to environmental irritants, such as air pollution or dust.
It’s important to see a healthcare professional if you have a chronic cough, as it may be a symptom of a more serious condition. Your healthcare provider may perform tests, such as chest x-rays or pulmonary function tests, to determine the cause of your cough and develop a treatment plan.
In some cases, chronic coughs may be treated with medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, or antibiotics. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or avoiding environmental irritants, may also be recommended.
How to Treat Coughing: Home Remedies and Medications
The treatment for coughing depends on the underlying cause of the cough. Here are some common treatment options:
Home remedies: For acute coughs, home remedies such as drinking warm fluids, using a humidifier, and avoiding irritants like smoke can provide relief. Honey has been shown to be effective in treating coughs in children over the age of one.
Over-the-counter medications: Over-the-counter cough suppressants and expectorants may help relieve symptoms of acute coughs. However, it’s important to check with your healthcare provider before taking any medication, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications.
Prescription medications: In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary to treat chronic coughs. Your healthcare provider may prescribe inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, or antibiotics, depending on the underlying cause of your cough.
Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, losing weight, or avoiding environmental irritants, may be recommended to help manage chronic coughs.
It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before beginning any treatment for a cough, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications. In addition, if your cough persists for more than a few weeks or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention.
When to Seek Medical Attention for a Cough
While most coughs are not serious and will go away on their own, there are some situations in which you should seek medical attention:
If your cough persists for more than three weeks (acute cough) or eight weeks (chronic cough)
If your cough is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or coughing up blood
If you are experiencing severe coughing fits or choking on mucus
If you have a weakened immune system or a chronic medical condition, such as COPD or asthma
If you have recently traveled to an area with a high prevalence of respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19.
Your healthcare provider may perform tests, such as chest x-rays, pulmonary function tests, or blood tests, to determine the cause of your cough. Treatment may involve medications, lifestyle changes, or other interventions, depending on the underlying cause of your cough.
In addition, if you experience sudden, severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
