When a sudden expulsion of air is seen to be happening through the large breathing passages which later helps in clearing the fluids, irritants, foreign particles and microbes. It is usually a protective reflex in which coughing can be recurring as a part of cough reflex .
Frequent coughing generally specifies/shows whether the disease is present or not. From an evolutionary perspective, a lot of viruses and bacteria impose a good effect leading the host to cough, which later on spreads the disease to the new hosts.
Causes:
- Respiratory tract infection
- Asthma
- Choking
- Smoking
- Air pollution
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Heart failure
- Post-nasal drip
- Chronic bronchitis
- Lung tumours
- Medications such as ACE inhibitors
Symptoms:
- A runny or stuffy nose
- (postnasal drip) When you feel some liquid running down the back of your throat
- Frequent throat clearing and sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- A sour taste in your mouth, or a heartburn
- In rare cases, coughing up blood
Treatment should be done putting all the focus around the cause; for example, discontinuing ACE inhibitors or smoking cessation. Cough suppressants such as codeine or dextromethorphan are prescribed mostly , but do not brings a very big affect. Other treatment options may promote mucus expectoration or focus on airway inflammation. Being a natural protective reflex, suppressing the cough reflex can cause some damaging effects, especially if the cough is productive.
The complications of coughing are classified into two categories, one is acute and the other one is chronic. Acute complications consists of cough syncope (fainting spells due to the decreasing blood flow in the brain when coughs are prolonged and forceful, cough-induced vomiting, subconjunctival haemorrhage or red eye , insomnia, coughing defecation. Chronic complications are to be seen commonly and also consists of abdominal or pelvic hernias, fatigue fractures of lower ribs and costochondritis. Chronic or violent coughing can lead to damage to the pelvic floor and a possible cystocoele.
Dr. Satya Ranjan Sahu, a renowned pulmonologist who is known for providing one of the best medication for dry cough treatments in Delhi, South West Delhi and has effectively been treating his patients over the years by providing his finest and most effective cough treatment medicine. He suggests people to quickly seek emergency attention if suffering from recurring cough related problems, especially when it’s new and unexplained.
An expert pulmonologist like him would ask you some questions where our answers will help him diagnose the cause adequately. Post this only the doctor will recommend medications or other treatments accordingly depending upon the further analysis.