cough diseases.
A cough
is a sudden and often repetitively
occurring reflex which helps to
clear the large breathing passages
from secretions, irritants, foreign
particles and microbes. The cough
reflex consists of three phases: an inhalation,
a forced exhalation against a closed glottis
, and a violent release of air from the lungs following
opening of the glottis, usually accompanied
by a distinctive sound.[1] Coughing is either voluntary or involuntary.
Frequent coughing usually indicates the presence of a disease. Many viruses and bacteria benefit evolutionarily by causing the host to cough, which helps to spread the disease to new hosts. Most of the time, irregular coughing is caused by a respiratory tract infection but can also be triggered by choking, smoking, air pollution,[1] asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, post-nasal drip, chronic bronchitis, lung tumors, heart failure and medications such as ACE inhibitors.
Treatment should target the cause; for example, smoking cessation or discontinuing ACE inhibitors. Cough suppressants such as codeine or dextromethorphan are frequently prescribed, but have been demonstrated to have little effect. Other treatment options may target airway inflammation or may promote mucus expectoration. As it is a natural protective reflex, suppressing the cough reflex might have damaging effects, especially if the cough is productive.[2]
