What is Cough?

Cough is a defense mechanism of the respiratory system and is a natural response to remove foreign substances or irritants from the body, usually found in the throat or airways. With cough, mucus, dust, germs or irritants in the respiratory tract are cleared, thus protecting the health of the respiratory tract.

What are the Types of Cough?

Cough can be seen in different forms such as dry cough, phlegmy cough and chronic cough. The type of cough can also provide information about the underlying problem.

• Dry Cough

There is no mucus or phlegm in dry cough, which is mostly caused by irritants or infections in the respiratory tract. Patients complain about the feeling of irritation in the throat. Conditions such as flu, cold, throat irritation, asthma or smoking can cause dry cough.

• Phlegmy Cough

Phlegmy cough occurs in cases where mucus increases in the respiratory tract, such as colds and flu. The respiratory tract is cleared through mucus. A cold, bronchitis, pneumonia, or other respiratory infections can cause a phlegmy cough.

• Chronic Cough

It generally refers to a cough that continues for more than three weeks. There are many potential causes of chronic cough, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), allergies, medication side effects, or smoking. However, since chronic cough may also be a symptom of a different underlying health problem, it is extremely important to consult a physician without wasting time.

• Night Cough

It can be defined as a situation where the cough gets worse especially at night. The main reasons why cough increases at night include asthma, allergies or GERD.

• Involuntary Cough (Tic) Syndrome

Involuntary cough syndrome is a rare condition that gives the person sudden cough attacks that he cannot control on his own. These seizures can sometimes be triggered by stress, anxiety or other psychological factors.

• Allergic Cough

Allergic cough is a reaction that occurs when a person is exposed to allergens. For example, an allergic cough may develop when exposed to allergens such as pollens, house dust mites, animal dander, or mold spores.

Because types of cough may differ depending on underlying causes and symptoms, it is important to determine the underlying cause and choose appropriate treatment or management strategies. For this reason, it is necessary to consult a physician without wasting time, especially in cases of long-lasting cough.

What is Good for Cough?

Since the treatment of cough will vary depending on the detection and type of the underlying cause of the cough, it is necessary to consult a healthcare institution. However, the following methods may be beneficial to relieve cough.

• Consuming Plenty of Fluids

Consuming especially warm water, herbal teas, and freshly squeezed fruit juice can help relieve cough by moisturizing the throat.

• Humidifying the Air

Dry air can cause increased cough. Therefore, increasing the humidity level of indoor spaces with a steam machine or humidifier devices can relieve cough.

• Honey, Ginger, Lemon

A teaspoon of honey can soothe the cough. Honey has anti-inflammatory properties and soothing effects on the throat. Ginger root may help relieve cough. You can consume ginger tea or fresh ginger. Vitamin C contained in lemon can support the immune system. Lemon juice mixed with hot water can relieve cough.

• Avoid Cold Drinks

Cold drinks can increase throat irritation. Therefore, avoid cold drinks if possible.

• Peppermint or Eucalyptus Oil

Inhaling peppermint or eucalyptus oil vapor can relieve cough. For this, adding a few drops of oil to a bowl of hot water and inhaling it can be soothing.

• Rest

While treatment for the underlying cause of your cough continues, resting to help your body heal will also help you recover.
Cough may be a symptom of an underlying health problem, so it is extremely important to consult a physician if your cough continues for a long time.

What Causes Phlegmy Cough?

A productive cough is a natural defense mechanism that helps clear mucus or phlegm that often accumulates in the respiratory tract. This type of cough serves an important function in many situations because it helps remove mucus, dust, germs, or other irritants from the airways. A productive cough can help protect your body against infections and respiratory problems by clearing the airways.

Is a Cough with Phlegm Dangerous?

A cough with phlegm can sometimes be a symptom of a health problem. Cough with phlegm can be especially important in the following situations:
• Chronicity: If a cough with phlegm persists for a long time (for example, more than three weeks), it may be a sign of an underlying health problem. Chronic phlegmy cough may be a sign of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, pneumonia, or other breathing problems.
• Bloody sputum: If bloody sputum occurs during a productive cough, this may be a serious condition and it is important to consult a healthcare professional immediately. Bloody sputum may indicate a problem with the airways or lungs.
• Other Symptoms: If your cough with phlegm is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, wheezing, or severe fatigue, this condition requires further attention.
• Smoking History: People with a history of smoking should be more careful about phlegmy cough, respiratory diseases or lung problems.

Cough may be something that will go away on its own, or it may be a sign of a serious health problem. A productive cough should be evaluated by a doctor, especially if it lasts long or is accompanied by other symptoms. It is important to diagnose the underlying cause and determine appropriate treatment or management strategies.

What Causes Dry Cough?

A dry cough is a type of cough that does not produce phlegm or mucus and is often characterized by a feeling of irritation in the throat. Although dry cough can occur for many different reasons, the underlying cause determines the importance of the cough. Sometimes a dry cough can be a minor annoyance and is a symptom of short-term throat irritation or a cold. However, in some cases, a dry cough may indicate a more serious health problem.

Is Dry Cough Dangerous?

The following situations can make dry cough much more serious. A dry cough may become more significant, especially in the following situations:

• Chronicity: If a dry cough persists for a long time (for example, more than three weeks), it may be a sign of an underlying health problem. Chronic dry cough can be caused by asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), allergic reactions, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or smoking.
• Other Symptoms: If your dry cough is accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain, or severe fatigue, this condition requires further attention.
• Smoking History: People with a history of smoking may be more concerned about dry cough, respiratory illnesses, or lung problems.

Dry cough can occur in many conditions, both temporary and chronic, and may be due to many reasons. If your dry cough persists for a long time or has severe symptoms, it is important to seek help from a doctor. It is important to diagnose the underlying cause and determine appropriate treatment or management strategies. A dry cough may be just a symptom, or sometimes it may be a sign of a more serious health problem.

What is Good for Dry Cough?

To relieve dry cough; Consuming plenty of fluids such as warm water, herbal or fruit teas, freshly squeezed fruit juice, moisturizing the throat by using a steam machine or water steam if possible, throat lozenges and rest to relieve throat irritation may help.

Remember that a dry cough can be a disorder that can go away on its own, or it can be a symptom of a serious health problem. If your dry cough persists for a long time or develops severe symptoms, you should contact a healthcare professional. Your doctor will evaluate the underlying cause of your cough and recommend appropriate treatment.

What is Allergic Cough and Is it Different from Other Types of Cough?

Yes, allergic cough is a different type of cough from other types of cough and is associated with allergic reactions. Allergic cough usually occurs in response to allergens (substances that cause allergic reactions) to which a person is exposed. These allergens may be pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold spores or other allergens.

What are the Symptoms of Allergic Cough?

Allergic cough usually has symptoms that distinguish it from other types of cough and can be especially severe during periods of exposure to allergens. In treatment, it is extremely important to identify the allergens underlying the cough and limit exposure to allergens.

It is possible to list the symptoms of allergic cough as follows:

• Dry and Involuntary Cough

Allergic cough may include a dry cough without sputum or mucus production. Cough is usually involuntary and the person cannot control it.

• Itchy and Watering in the Eyes

Allergic reactions often affect the eyes, which can cause itching and watering.

• Runny Nose and Congestion

Runny nose and congestion can be symptoms of allergic cough when you are exposed to allergens.

• Sneezing

Frequent sneezing may occur as a result of exposure to allergens.

Allergic cough may occur especially when you are exposed to seasonal allergens (for example, pollens) or indoor allergens (for example, house dust mites). This type of cough is the result of allergic reactions to allergens and is often accompanied by other allergic symptoms such as allergic rhinitis (straw rhinitis) or allergic conjunctivitis.
Allergy medicines can use to allaviate the symptoms of cough. It is important that to connect a healthcare Professional, if allergic cough symptoms gives  frequently disorder and becomes serious . Allergic cough should cure due to determined its underlying cause with creating a new treatment plan.