Cough

A cough is a reflex that allows the expulsion of secretions that burden the bronchi and lungs. Hence, a cough is a defence mechanism of the lungs; it can be productive, that is, with phlegm, or dry when there is no phlegm.

A cough can be triggered by anything that irritates the airways, cold, smoke, dust, asthma, stomach acids, or an infection; a cold, tonsillitis, bronchitis, or pneumonia—all these infections can cause a cough.

The causes vary depending on whether they are acute or chronic. An acute cough is most often infectious in nature, as in bronchitis or pneumonia. A cough can be chronic when it is secondary to a persistent problem, such as 'chronic bronchitis' in smokers.

As a cough is a reflex, no treatment can completely eliminate it. Various methods can be used to soothe a cough. Among the simple measures are drinking a little water or a warm drink, sucking on a throat lozenge, or a herbal candy.

When this is not enough, a cough medicine can be taken, available in the form of drops, tablets, or syrup. When the cough is associated with a cold, a nasal spray can also be used. If the cough is accompanied by pain or fever, the doctor may prescribe a painkiller such as Paracetamol (Dafalgan, Panadol, etc.) or an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen (Irfen, Agifor, etc.).

A medical evaluation may be necessary if the cough lasts for several weeks or is accompanied by fever. Certain situations require mandatory medical consultation, such as a cough accompanied by difficulty breathing, phlegm with traces of blood, or weight loss.

You can find additional information about coughs by reading the pages dry cough: a signal for the body's alert and cough myths on the Planète santé website.