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Cough Essentials: What You Need to Know

Cough essentials — what you need to know about coughs

What is a cough?

Coughing is a reflex that is considered the body’s first line of defence against unwanted substances in our respiratory tract.1 These can include small foreign objects, excess secretions (e.g. mucus), and even pathogens (through phlegm).1

What are the different types of coughs?

Individuals can develop all sorts of coughs, which can vary in terms of:

1) The Duration

  • Acute coughs develop and resolve within 3 weeks.2
  • Chronic coughs develop and persist for at least 8 weeks.2

 

2) When Coughing Occurs

  • Nocturnal coughs worsen during the night.3
  • Daytime coughs occur during the daytime.3
 

3) The Cause

  • Coughs caused by a blocked airway often produce wheezing coughs which are accompanied by a “squeaky” noise due to the obstruction of the respiratory tract.3
  • Certain coughs can be caused by infections. For example, Bordetella pertussis infections can cause whooping coughs which are episodes of persistent coughing followed by a high-pitched noise (due to the sudden inhalation of air) that sounds like a “whoop”.3
 

4) The Presence of Mucus

  • Wet coughs (also known as chesty or productive coughs) expel excess respiratory secretions known as mucus or phlegm (thick mucus that may contain pathogens and cells of the immune system).3
  • Dry coughs (also known as non-productive coughs) do not expel mucus or phlegm.3

What causes coughs?

Coughs can be caused by numerous factors such as:

  • Infection of the respiratory tract by pathogens like viruses (e.g. influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2, and others) or bacteria (e.g. Bordetella pertussis and Streptococcus pneumoniae).2,3
  • Chronic medical conditions that affect the respiratory system (i.e. asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder).4
  • Inhalation of air pollutants or irritants like cigarette smoke.4
  • Inhalation of environmental respiratory irritants like dust and mould.3
  • Certain blood pressure medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.4

How to treat a cough?

Coughs are often a symptom that develops in response to an underlying condition.2 Therefore, the way a cough is treated depends entirely on the nature and cause of the cough. Generally, coughs can be treated by:

  • Taking traditional natural active ingredients like Hedera helix (ivy leaf) or Sambucus nigra (black elderberry fruit) extracts to help alleviate respiratory symptoms.5,6
  • Using over-the-counter cough medications, which may help soothe an irritated respiratory tract and suppress coughing. 7
  • Taking medications to clear an infection of the respiratory tract (e.g. antibiotics for bacterial infections, antivirals for viral infections, etc.) as prescribed by a doctor.3
  • Quit smoking or avoid any exposure to second-hand cigare tte smoke.3
  • Ensure sufficient fluid intake to thin out mucus in the respiratory tract, preferably warm liquids to help soothe the respiratory tract. 3

When to see a doctor for coughs

Consult with a doctor if you notice the following signs:

  • Coughing lasts longer than three weeks.7
  • Coughing is progressively getting worse.7
  • Coughing is accompanied by other respiratory symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or wheezing.8
  • Coughing is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, choking, vomiting, or fainting.8
  • Blood is found in the mucus or phlegm after coughing.7

When you’re experiencing a cough and seeking relief, take Hedervy. Its formulations include Hedera helix (ivy leaf) and Sambucus nigra (black Elderberry fruit) extracts, specifically formulated to help alleviate your cough, reduce phlegm, and provide soothing comfort for your throat.

The content here is for information purposes only and does not constitute mediacal advice. Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.

  1. Andrani F, et al. Acta Biomed. 2018;89(4):477–80.

 

  1. De Blasio F, et al.Cough. 2011;7(1).

 

  1. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17755-cough. 5 May 2024.

 

  1. Penn Medicine. https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/cough. 5 May 2024.

 

  1. Sierocinski E, et al. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2021;77(8):1113–22.

 

  1. Mahboubi M. Advances in Traditional Medicine. 2021;21(3):405–14.

 

  1. National Health Institute. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cough/. 5 May 2024.

 

  1. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/cough/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050846. 5 May 2024.