SandBox

COUGH

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D.; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:Abiodun Akanmode

Overview

Cough is a physiologic reflex action, it majorly serves to rid the respiratory tract of excessive secretions and other environmental debris such as dust, pollen, and other irritants.

Coughing also referred to as 'tussis' is associated with the rapid release of air from the lung this brings about the loud and distinctive sound produced with coughing. It is the most common cause of visits to primary care doctors and pulmonologist.Cough is mostly a symptom of an underlying disease, however, establishing the exact cause of cough can be challenging. While most cough is ussaully acute due to postnasal drip,bronchial asthma and heartburn other more serious causes such as COPD,lung cancer should be considered when a chronic cough is suspected.

Classification

Cough can be classified based on duration i.e

• Acute cough: This type of cough usually presents with a duration of fewer than 3 weeks.
• Sub Acute cough: Last between 3-8weeks.
• Chronic Cough: Chronic cough usually presents for a duration greater than 8weeks.

Cough can also be classified based on sputum production i.e

• Non-productive cough.
• Productive cough.