A cough, also known as tissus is a sudden reflex humans and many animals have to clear the throat and breathing passage of foreign particles, microbes, irritants, fluids and mucus - it is a rapid expulsion of air from the lungs.
Coughing can be done deliberately or involuntarily.
- What is a cough?
- Classification of coughs
- Causes of coughs
- Diagnosing a cough
- Treatments for coughs
Fast facts on coughs
Here are some key points about coughs. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.
- A cough is also known as a tissus.
- Germs use coughs to spread to new hosts.
- There is a wide array of potential causes of coughs.
- Some types of cough only present at night.
- If the cough is difficult to diagnose a chest X-ray may be necessary.
- Home remedies can soothe the majority of coughs.
- Cough suppressants including pholcodine, dextromethorphan and antihistamines can help.
What is a cough?
There are three phases to a cough reflex:
- An inhalation (breathing in)
- A forced exhalation with the glottis closed. The glottis is in the area where the vocal cords are located, it is the middle part of the larynx.
- An explosive release of air when the glottis opens. A cough typically has a characteristic sound.
If somebody coughs a lot it can be a sign of a disease. Germs rely on coughs to spread to new hosts. In the majority of cases, a cough is caused by an infection in the respiratory tract.
Coughs can also be due to pollution, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), choking, chronic bronchitis, a tumor in the lung,heart failure, some drugs (e.g., ACE inhibitors), post-nasal drip, and smoking.
A doctor will focus on treating the cause of the cough, for example, if it is due to an ACE inhibitor it may be discontinued. Codeine, dextromethorphan and other cough suppressants are often used by people with coughs, however, studies have shown that they are not really effective.
Content Source :- www.medicalnewstoday.com
As a cough is a natural reflex, suppressing it might have a negative effect.
A doctor will focus on treating the cause of the cough, for example, if it is due to an ACE inhibitor it may be discontinued. Codeine, dextromethorphan and other cough suppressants are often used by people with coughs, however, studies have shown that they are not really effective.
As a cough is a natural reflex, suppressing it might have a negative effect.
No comments:
Post a Comment