Why do we always cough? (Cough) Let's find out everything about this?

We've all had a cough at some point in our lives, right? Sometimes it's a mild, annoying cough that comes and goes. Other times, it's a persistent cough that's so severe that it can even break a rib. In fact, doctors say that coughs are the number one reason people visit a doctor. So what exactly is this cough? Why does it come on? Let's talk about it in simple terms today.

What exactly is a cough?

Simply put, coughing is part of our body's defense system. If something that doesn't belong in our lungs or airways, for example, a particle of dust, a piece of food, or excess mucus, enters our lungs, it is a signal from our brain to get it out. It acts like a bodyguard inside our body. When this signal comes, the muscles in our chest and abdomen tighten, pushing air out of the lungs with pressure. That's what we call a 'cough'.

Let's break down coughs into several main types. Knowing this will help you understand your cough.

What are the main causes of coughing?

There are many different causes of cough. Let's look at the common causes of a wet cough and a dry cough.

Causes of a cough with mucus

A cough with mucus is caused by the removal of unwanted mucus from the lungs.

• Viral infections : Colds and flu are the most common causes of a cough with mucus. Sometimes, a cough can persist for weeks after a cold has gone away. This is because the more you cough, the more irritated your lungs become.
• Postnasal drip: Imagine that when you have a cold, mucus drains from your nose into the back of your throat . This irritates your throat and causes you to cough. This condition can be caused by things like colds, sinus infections, and allergies.
• COPD ( Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ): This is a condition that mainly affects smokers . It causes the airways and air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs to become weak.
• Heart disease : In some heart conditions ( heart failure ), fluid can build up in the lungs because the heart is not working properly. A cough occurs as the body tries to get rid of that fluid.

Causes of dry cough

A dry cough usually comes from something irritating the respiratory tract or throat.

• External irritants: Even if you don't have allergies, inhaling things like cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, and vehicle exhaust can trigger a cough.
• Allergies and Asthma: People who are allergic to things like dust, cat or dog dander, and pollen can experience a cough when their airways constrict and they try to expel the things.
• Acid Reflux: In a condition called gastritis, stomach acid flows up into the throat, especially at night when you lie down. This acid irritates the throat and vocal cords, causing a dry cough.
• Other causes: A dry cough can be caused by many things, such as side effects of certain medications, breathing in dry, cold air, and inflammatory conditions in the lungs.

Why does coughing get worse at night?

Nighttime can be a real pain for someone with a cough. There are several reasons why your cough might get worse just as you're trying to sleep.

The main reason is the position we sleep in. Imagine you have `(Postnasal Drip)`. During the day, when you stand and walk, that mucus easily drains down. But when you lie down at night, that mucus collects in the back of your throat. It irritates your throat and causes you to cough.

The same thing happens to people with `(Acid Reflux)` and heart disease. When you are suffocated, it is easier for stomach acid to come up into your throat. When you are suffocated, fluid is also more likely to accumulate in the lungs of someone with heart disease. All of this can cause you to cough more at night.

What can be done to treat a cough?

Cough is treated according to its cause.

Medicines

There are a variety of cough medicines available at the pharmacy. Some stop the cough (suppressants), while others thin the mucus and make it easier to cough up (expectorants).

Warning: Be very careful before taking cough medicine. If you are taking medication for another medical condition (e.g. high blood pressure, asthma, glaucoma), are over 60 years of age, or are pregnant, be sure to talk to your doctor before buying medicine directly from a pharmacy.

Treatments you can do at home

• Drink warm liquids (tea, soup).
• Drink plenty of water and don't let water sit in your body.
• If your throat hurts, gargle with lukewarm salt water.
• When sleeping, place your pillows so that your head and chest are slightly elevated.
• Snort cough drops for a sore throat.
• Add moisture to the air you breathe. Use a vaporizer or humidifier. Or close the bathroom door, run a hot shower, and breathe in the steam.
• Do not give honey to babies under one year old. Honey can sometimes contain bacteria that can cause serious illness in babies.

When should we see a doctor?

Sometimes a cough is not just a " normal cough." It can be a symptom of a serious illness. So be very aware of these symptoms.