Cough

A reflex action, caused by irritation in the throat, when the glottis is opened and air is sent out of the lungs suddenly.

Sudden, forceful, and audible expulsion of air from the lungs that clears the air passages of irritants and helps to prevent aspiration of foreign particles into the lungs. It is a common symptom of a cold or other upper respiratory infection, of bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, or other lung disease, and of some forms of heart disease. Treatment depends on the cause; it may include use of antitussives.

Forceful exhalation with the intent of clearing the airway of food, fluids, or mucus.

A reflex that produces a sudden burst of air through the airways. Coughs clear material from the airways and help expel material from the lungs, including inhaled particles and sputum. Sputum, which is also called phlegm, is composed of a mixture of mucus, debris, and cells that have been shed from the lungs. Dry coughs do not produce sputum, but a productive cough indicates sputum production. Sputum that is yellow, green, or brown may indicate a bacterial infection. When it is white, clear, or watery, a virus, allergy, or irritant is generally the cause.

A natural reflex reaction to irritation of the air passages and lungs. Air is drawn into the air passages with the glottis wide open. The inhaled air is blown out against the closed glottis, which, as the pressure builds up, suddenly opens, expelling the air — at an estimated speed of 960 kilometres (600 miles) an hour. This explosive exhalation expels harmful substances from the respiratory tract. Causes of coughing include infection — for example, bronchitis or pneumonia; inflammation of the respiratory tract associated with asthma; and exposure to irritant agents such as chemical fumes or smoke.

A forceful, sometimes violent expiratory effort preceded by a preliminary inspiration. The glottis is partially closed, the accessory muscles of expiration are brought into action, and the air is noisily expelled.

Coughing is a reflex mechanism that aids in the expulsion of sputum, foreign objects, irritants, or obstructions from the airways. It can be categorized as “productive” when it effectively brings up mucus or sputum, and “unproductive” or “dry” when it does not.

Many coughs are the result of airway irritation triggered by various factors, including dust, smoke, or viral infections that affect the upper respiratory tract. Coughing is also a common occurrence in conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, and lung cancer.

There are over-the-counter cough remedies accessible; however, they primarily provide relief from symptoms rather than addressing the underlying cause. Targeted treatment is typically focused on addressing the specific disorder causing the cough.