Cough
The information and recommendations provided herein are general in nature. All decisions regarding an individual's healthcare are the sole responsibility of the patient and the patient's healthcare provider.
A cough is a defense against an environment that is irritating or infective. You have nerves throughout your throat that are sensitive to any irritation. The nerves send a message to your brain when they have been stimulated by an infection or an irritant. The brain then sends a message to cough, to the appropriate muscles. Coughing is when a forced breath has built up pressure behind a closed upper airway and is suddenly released.
How to treat your cough
There are two types of cough. If you understand the differences between them, treating your cough is easier.
Cough is initially unproductive and is often described as 'dry' or 'tickling'. Unproductive coughs could be relieved using a suppressant (a suppressant will suppress the cough reflex).
The cough may become productive later on if the illness is due to the irritation of the airways by phlegm (phlegm may be an early symptom of another disease, so if it persists for more than a few days, see your doctor). Chesty productive coughs could be relieved using an expectorant (an expectorant makes it easier for you to cough up phlegm by making it more runny and fluid-like).
Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.
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