Types of Cough

The easiest way different types of cough can be classified, is on the basis of the duration it lasts and the content of the sputum they produce. Since it is caused by hundreds of allergic irritants, medical conditions and even with some medication, its severity varies.

Basically, there are 2 kinds of cough: productive and non-productive.

1. Productive cough
A productive cough, also known as chesty cough, is usually due to a viral or bacterial infection. This type of cough expels the phlegm which has formed in our respiratory passages, so that abnormal mucus and germs are eliminated from the respiratory tract and breathing becomes easier.

2. Non-productive cough (Dry cough)
A non-productive cough is dry, tickling and irritating. This cough can for example be caused by phlegm that is so viscous that it is not loosened and expectorated. It can also have an allergic or neurotic origin or can be caused by other perhaps more severe diseases.

Cough in common cold - In the case of a common cold or flu, there are often two phases: first a non-productive or less productive cough, followed by a productive cough.

When viruses invade the lung, the lining of the respiratory tract is attacked and impaired. The normal secretion of mucus changes: mucus becomes stickier and adheres in the lungs. It cannot be expelled yet, and coughing is experienced as very troublesome and exhausting. As the cold progresses, more mucus is usually produced and the cough becomes productive. It is then possible to expel the phlegm by coughing.

Acute cough:

New
Usually due to an infection

Chronic cough:

Longstanding
Due to an underlying illness, such as smokers cough caused by COPD.

Acute or Chronic

Depending on the duration of the cough it can either be classified as Acute or as Chronic. It is considered Acute cough if it lasts for maximum of 2-3 weeks. This is mainly caused by allergies to certain substances like dust mites, fumes or animal dander etc. It can come and go quickly as the triggers come and go.
Another type lasts longer than 3 weeks and is persistence. This is called chronic cough and is usually caused by some underlying problem including, smoking, asthma and other medical conditions. It can also be a side effect of certain medication like beta blockers.

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Thursday, July 7, 2011

Acute or Chronic

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