Health

Coughing is a normal way to clear mucus from the lungs and bronchi. It can also be the result of irritation. You need to know the cause to treat it appropriately.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF COUGHING?

When something is blocking the bronchi, coughing is a reflex designed to clear this obstacle. It can be mucus produced during an infection or inflammation or food swallowed the wrong way. Coughing is then normal, and you have to let it do its job.

But coughing can also be due to irritation. The reflex is triggered without there being anything to clear.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CAUSES OF MY PERSISTENT COUGH?

The causes of your cough are different depending on whether the cough is dry or wet, whether it occurs in the morning or in the evening when you go to bed, whether it is triggered in certain situations such as housework, walks or sports, etc.

A respiratory tract infection (bronchitis, sinusitis, etc.) is often accompanied by a cough, dry or wet. But a cough that persists beyond a few weeks after an infection should make you consult your doctor.

In smokers, the cough can be dry or wet, or even both at different times. This is never normal and you should consult your doctor.

Allergies are common causes of coughs: allergy to dust, pollen, etc.

Acid liquid can rise up into your throat from the stomach. This "gastroesophageal reflux" can then cause a small dry cough.

A cough during physical exercise can be a sign of asthma.

Coughing can also be a sign of heart disease.

Some medications promote chronic coughing. You should always tell your doctor about the treatment you are taking.

HOW TO TREAT MY COUGH?

First of all, it is a question of treating the cause of your cough, hence the importance of consulting your doctor to recognize it.

A wet cough, with sputum, must be respected.

A dry cough will disappear when its cause is treated. In the meantime, short-term treatments can calm it, especially if the cough prevents you from sleeping.
If you are a smoker, if you cough and spit, you must consult your doctor.

Do not take medication to calm the cough if it is wet: it is doing its job.

Your doctor will look for the reason for your cough and give you the appropriate advice.