What is a Cough?
What You Need to Know to Manage Your Cough
Facts about your cough
- A cough is a sudden burst of air from the lungs that may be uncontrollable or may be forced.
- Coughing helps clear mucus and other matter from the throat and lungs.
- You may feel a tickle in your throat. The tickle tells your brain that you need to cough.
- Most coughs last less than three weeks; these are called acute cough. Some coughs last for more than three weeks; these are referred to as chronic cough.
- A productive cough brings up phlegm or mucus to be spit out. It sounds wet. A nonproductive cough is dry and hacking.
Things that can make you cough
- Mucus or phlegm from a cold or respiratory infection
- Postnasal drip from a cold or allergy
- Bacterial or viral infection, like the flu
- Dust, pollen, smoke, strong odors
- Asthma and allergies
- Bronchitis
- Acid reflux
- Some medicines
How you can take care of a cough
If your cough is mild, just started, and not too bothersome:
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Get plenty of rest, even if you don’t feel sick.
- Consider an over-the-counter cough medicine like Delsym® for cough due to common cold or inhaled irritants. Talk to your pharmacist or health care provider to find out which medicine is best for you.
- Please see Delsym® labeling for more information regarding use and directions.
For more severe coughs, please consult your Health Care Practitioner.