What Is a Cough Causes, Types & Treatments

What Is a Cough? Types, Causes, Symptoms & How to Treat It A cough is your body’s natural reflex to clear irritants from your airways. It helps protect your lungs and throat from dust, mucus, allergens, or infections. While most coughs are temporary, others may signal a deeper health issue. ________________________________________ 🔄 Types of Cough Based on Duration: • Acute Cough: Lasts up to 3 weeks • Subacute Cough: 3–8 weeks • Chronic Cough: More than 8 weeks • Refractory Cough: Doesn’t improve with treatment Based on Mucus: • Dry Cough (Non-productive) • Wet Cough (Productive) Based on Sound or Cause: • Whooping: Pertussis • Barking: Croup • Wheezing: Asthma or blocked airways Based on Time of Day: • Daytime or Nighttime (nocturnal) cough • Cough with vomiting (common in kids) ________________________________________