Cough why

Pulmonary embolism : This is a potentially life-threatening condition where a blood clot travels, usually from the legs, to the lungs causing sudden shortness of breath and sometimes a dry cough.

Lung collapse or pneumothorax : This is caused by the deflation of the lung. It can be spontaneous or due to chest trauma. Signs of a collapsed lung include sudden chest pain, dry cough and shortness of breath. Heart failure : A weak or diseased heart can cause buildup of fluid in the lung, causing cough and worsening shortness of breath. Post-nasal drip : This condition shows up as a dry cough caused by the chronic dripping of mucus from the back of the nose to the throat.

Usually this occurs after a recent infection or continuous exposure to an allergy trigger. Gastro-esophageal reflux GERD : This digestive disorder occurs when stomach acid frequently backs up into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

When the acid rises into the throat it can also cause a dry cough. Types of Cough There are many different types of coughs with distinct characteristics that can help your doctor identify what underlying issue may be causing it. Make a Donation Your tax-deductible donation funds lung disease and lung cancer research, new treatments, lung health education, and more. Make a Donation. Sign Up for Email Updates Join over , people who receive the latest news about lung health, including COVID, research, air quality, inspiring stories and resources.

For instance, a simple cough is very different from Whooping Cough also called Pertussis which is a serious bacterial infection. In this article, we only look at a cough caused by common triggers such as cold and flu. And why do we cough? Coughing is a way in which our body gets rid of foreign particles, irritants, microbes, mucus and bacteria — among other allergens from the throat. Coughing, by forcing air out of the lungs under high pressure, attempts to clear the throat of these foreign particles.

There are two types of cough — a dry cough which is itchy and a chesty cough also called a productive cough because it generates phlegm. Finding effective treatment for a cough hinges on locating the cause. It is, therefore, best that if you do not know what is causing your cough, and the symptoms persist for more than 3 days, you see your GP. Other common causes of a cough include heart failure, whooping cough and lung inflammation.

Often a cough seems minor, and it may be, but if you do not know the cause of a cough, see your GP immediately. Do not attempt to self-diagnose.

Only a GP is qualified to diagnose the cause and the potential risk, and prescribe treatment. While infrequent coughing is necessary to clear the airways, there are ways you can prevent other coughs. Smoking is a common contributor to a chronic cough. There are a wide variety of methods available to help you stop smoking , from gadgets to advice groups and support networks. An older study in found that people who ate diets high in fruit, fiber, and flavonoids were less likely to experience chronic respiratory symptoms such as a cough.

If you need help adjusting your diet, your doctor may be able to advise you or refer you to a dietitian. If you can, you should avoid anyone with a contagious illness, such as bronchitis , to avoid coming into contact with germs. If you have existing medical conditions that increase your chances of developing a cough, such as GERD or asthma, consult your doctor about different management strategies.

Once the condition is managed, you may find that your cough disappears, or becomes much less frequent. An incentive spirometer is a device that can help you strengthen your lungs. Learn how it works, who it helps, and where to get one. Belly or abdominal breathing offers a number of benefits for health and well-being. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Why Am I Coughing? Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M. When to give kids medicine for coughs and colds. Food and Drug Administration.

Kellerman RD, et al. In: Conn's Current Therapy Philadelphia, Pa. Broaddus VC, et al. Chronic cough. Rochester, Minn. Use caution when giving cough and cold products to kids. Thompson DA. In: Adult telephone protocols. Itasca, Ill. Schmitt BD. In: Pediatric telephone protocols.