Cough is a common reflex action that clears the throat of mucus or foreign irritants.
Cough is a natural reflux that protects the lungs. Irritants, smoke, mucus and dust are removed from the airways by coughing, and thus preventing infections.
In general terms, cough is our body's response to something that irritates our throat or airways. An occasional cough is normal and healthy however its persistence is a cause of concern, as it may represent an underlying disease or condition.
Incessant cough and throwing up discolored or bloody mucus may be a sign of lung cancer, tuberculosis (TB), bronchitis, asthma or some other chronic respiratory condition.
Cough is so forceful, that the velocity of air coming out of lungs is 500 miles per hour. Incessant cough results in sleeplessness, headaches, and urinary incontinence. In extreme cases there may be even broken ribs. The doctor looks for symptoms and causes of cough, and suggests appropriate medication.
TYPES OF COUGH
Cough is of different types and dependent on the underlying health condition.
Wet Cough: Bronchitis, caused by a virus is the underlying condition for wet cough. Airways swell and produce mucus. If wet cough is accompanied by fever, chills and shortness of breath it may represent pneumonia. During pneumonia, the phlegm is green, yellow or bloody.
Smoker's Cough: Seen in chain smokers, and a common sign of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The symptoms of COPD include, trouble in breathing, chest tightness and wheezing.
Sour Cough: Seen in people with a history of gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Dry Cough: Dry cough that occurs at night is seen in people with asthma. It goes with chest tightness, wheezing and shortness of breath.
Bloody Cough: Blood coming from the lungs and airways mixes with phlegm and thrown-up. Bloody cough is seen in people with an underlying lung or throat condition viz. infection or inflammation.
Cold and Cough: In some people suffering from cold, cough is also seen. Cold and cough are accompanied by stuffy nose, body aches and sore throat.