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What is a Cough and When Does It Occur?
A cough is not only a protective reflex but also an important symptom, classified by several criteria:
Classification
- By duration: Acute (up to 3 weeks), subacute (3-8 weeks), and chronic (over 8 weeks).
- By mucus: Dry (non-productive) and wet (productive) with phlegm.
Causes of Occurrence
- Respiratory Illnesses: Viral infections, asthma, pneumonia, lung cancer, etc.
- Other Conditions: It can be a symptom of heart failure, sinusitis, otitis.
- External Irritants: Smoke, dust, allergens, food entering the trachea.
How to Recognize Different Types of Coughs
A cough occurs when the body detects an irritant in the respiratory system. Nerves signal the muscles to contract in an attempt to expel the invader.
Common Irritants
Mold
Dust
Certain Foods
Secretions
Pollen
Smoke
5 Types of Coughs
| Wet | Dry | Barking (Croup) | Paroxysmal | Chronic | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age Group | All | All | Children 0-5 yrs | All | All |
| Cause | Flu, cold, asthma, acute bronchitis, COPD, and pneumonia. | Upper respiratory conditions, exposure to irritants (smoke). | Viral infections leading to airway inflammation. | Most commonly associated with pertussis (whooping cough). | Untreated illness, allergens, swallowing problems, lung diseases, pneumonia, smoking. |
| Symptoms | Fatigue, postnasal drip, and runny nose. | Headache, sore throat due to the coughing itself. | Uneven and whistling breath (wheezing). | Exhaustion and difficulty breathing. | Hoarse, non-productive cough. |
| Sensation | "Phlegm" in the throat, full lungs. | A tickle in the back of the throat. | Tightness in the throat, exhaustion. | Uncontrollable, strong, and painful. | ... as if it's been here forever! |
When to Seek Medical Help
In Children
- Presence of wheezing or a "whooping" cough.
- Shows significant fatigue.
- Cannot swallow food.
- Shows signs of dehydration.
- Skin becomes pale or bluish.
- Cannot walk/talk without becoming short of breath.
- Temperature over 38.9°C (102°F) (or any fever in newborns under 2 months).
In Adults
- Accompanied by heartburn.
- Interferes with sleep.
- Accompanied by wheezing.
- Leads to extreme fatigue.
- Interferes with walking or speaking.
- Temperature over 38°C (100.4°F).
- Coughing up blood.
- Lasts 8 weeks or more.
Medical Equipment for COPD and Other Chronic Lung Conditions
Date: 13 Aug 2025
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