Cough

A cough is a common defensive reaction of the body that is triggered when the airways become irritated. This irritation can be caused by viruses, bacteria, dust, pollen, or smoke. Coughing can also be a symptom of various medical conditions. In most cases, a cough resolves on its own within a few days or weeks, but treatment may be necessary in some situations.

Contents:

• Symptoms of Cough
• Causes of Cough
• Diagnosis and Treatment of Cough
• Self-care instructions
• When to seek medical care?
• How Can Dokport Help?

Symptoms of Cough

A cough can be either dry or productive (with mucus). During respiratory infections, a cough often starts as dry and later turns into a mucus-producing cough. Productive coughing is typical in prolonged infections or chronic lung conditions, like asthma or COPD.

Other symptoms associated with coughing may include nasal congestion, sore throat, or fever. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and difficulty swallowing are also common with viral infections. Coughing often worsens at night as mucus tends to accumulate more easily in the airways.

Causes of Cough

Coughing is a reflex triggered by irritation of the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract. While coughing is often linked to respiratory infections, it can also be caused by allergens, pollutants, or certain medical conditions.

Common Causes of Cough:

• Infections: Viruses such as the common cold, influenza, and bronchitis frequently cause coughing. Conditions like pneumonia and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can also lead to cough.
• Asthma and COPD: These conditions often cause coughing and difficulty breathing. Inflamed mucous membranes may increase mucus production, and untreated asthma can lead to persistent, dry coughing.
• Smoking: Tobacco smoke irritates the airways and damages the mucous membranes, making it harder to clear mucus. Smokers often experience a morning cough with mucus.
• Sensitivity: Irritated mucous membranes in the airways can react strongly to dust, smoke, or strong odors, causing a dry cough.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Stomach acid reflux into the esophagus can cause a chronic cough.
• Medications: Some medications, such as those for high blood pressure, can lead to a persistent dry cough.

In some cases, a cough may be a symptom of more serious conditions, such as lung diseases or heart problems.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Cough

If your cough is severe or accompanied by a persistent fever, it may be necessary to see a doctor on-site. Diagnostic tests, such as a chest X-ray or lung function tests, may be needed to determine the cause.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the cough. Viral infections generally do not require treatment and resolve on their own. Bacterial infections may need to be treated with antibiotics. Inhaled medications can help alleviate symptoms in certain cases.

Self-care instructions

You can relieve your cough by drinking plenty of fluids and sleeping in a slightly elevated position. During a fever, it’s essential to rest and let your body recover.

Tips for Relieving a Cough:

• Stay Hydrated: Both cold and warm drinks can soothe a cough and thin mucus.
• Elevate Your Head While Sleeping: Use extra pillows to keep mucus from blocking the airways.
• Avoid Physical Strain: Exercise can worsen coughing.
• Avoid Irritants: Smoke and dust can aggravate your cough.

Over-the-counter medications may provide symptom relief. However, the effectiveness of cough syrups is debated, and you should not suppress a cough unnecessarily, as it helps clear mucus and prevent additional infections.

For coughs caused by acid reflux, over-the-counter antacids may help. If you have asthma or other conditions, it is crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions and use prescribed medications.

When to seek medical care?

Contact a healthcare provider if your cough persists for an extended period or does not show signs of improvement. Seek immediate medical attention if you are coughing up blood, experiencing significant shortness of breath, chest pain, or have a high fever lasting more than one or two days.

If you suspect a contagious illness, like influenza or COVID-19, avoid contact with others and consult a healthcare provider before visiting a clinic in person.

How Can Dokport Help?

Dokport’s remote care clinic offers advice and assistance for managing cough symptoms. Our doctors can assess your condition through a chat consultation and prescribe medication if needed or suggest further evaluation.

Expert: Dr. Anna Sipilä, MD, Associate Professor of Experimental Internal Medicine