What is a cough?
Coughing is a normal reflex made by the body as a form of protection from any foreign material that accumulates in the airways. This may include irritants like smoke or dust, or excess secretions such as mucus, sputum and phlegm.
Coughing can affect children and adults of all ages. Duration and severity will depend on the type and cause of the cough. Coughing can be a part of a wide range of unrelated diseases, from the common cold to hayfever.
Depending on the symptoms, coughs can be divided into different types and this will determine which treatment is most suitable.
The main types of cough are:
- Chesty cough - Congested chests and coughs due to the common cold
- Chesty cough with Nasal Congestion - Congested chests, coughs and nasal stuffiness due to the common cold
- Dry cough