What is a cough?
A cough is a sudden, spasmodic contraction of
the throat's upper airway, resulting in a violent release of air from
the lungs. On a more practical level, it's the body's way of getting
rid of substances that are irritating its vital lifeline - the air
passages.
Some interesting facts about coughs are:
• They can be voluntary as well as involuntary.
• If they're frequent or chronic, it may indicate the presence
of a condition, like bronchitis.
• Coughing can also be caused by food in the oesophagus.
• Giving up smoking can reduce coughing, particularly if they
are chronic chesty coughs.
What causes a Cough?
There are several causes of a cough, but the common cold is a frequent
one. The information presented in this website relates to coughs associated
with the common cold. If your cough is not a symptom of the common
cold, see your healthcare professional.
Types of cough associated with the common cold:
The common cold can cause different types of cough and often the cough is accompanied by other symptoms. These different types of cough are described below.
DRY COUGH
When a cough is dry (or unproductive) it feels scratchy or tickly and produces no phlegm or mucus. Many coughs are initially dry.
Click on the icon for further information about Benadryl Dry Forte.
CHESTY COUGH
When a cough is chesty (or productive) the airways are being irritated by phlegm. The cough can start out dry, then become chesty as it progresses.
Click on the icon for further information about Benadryl Chesty Forte.
NIGHT TIME COUGH
A night time cough can disrupt sleep. Supressing a dry cough during the night allows rest and recovery.
See your pharmacist for further information about a solution to a night time cough.
COUGH WITH ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
A dry cough may be accompanied by allergy symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose and watery eyes.
See your pharmacist for further information about a solution to a cough with allergy symptoms.
Always read the label. Use only as directed.If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.
