Coughing is a reflex action that helps clear the airways of mucus, foreign particles, and irritants. It’s a common symptom of many respiratory conditions, such as the common cold, bronchitis, and pneumonia. When you cough, your diaphragm and the muscles between your ribs contract and force air out of your lungs. This creates a sudden burst of air that can push mucus or other materials out of your airways.
Coughing can be either acute or chronic. Acute coughing usually lasts less than three weeks and is often caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Chronic coughing, on the other hand, lasts for more than eight weeks and can have various causes, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Different types of coughs can also have different characteristics, such as a dry, hacking cough or a wet, productive cough. Treatments for coughing depend on the underlying cause, but over-the-counter cough medications, such as cough syrups and lozenges, can help to relieve symptoms.
What are the major causes of Coughing