COUGHS

Productive cough. Also called an effective cough as it expels mucous from the lungs. This type of cough is mostly acute in nature and is often caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. It should not be supressed, otherwise recurrent or constant infection will remain since the purpose of the cough (to remove mucous) is supressed.

Non-productive cough. Also called an ineffective cough as it does not bring any secretions or mucous out of the lungs. It is a dry, irritating cough wothout phlegm. this type of cough is mostly chronic in nature and caused by dry irritation, dust, smoke or fumes, or due to oedama and milsd secretion in the resolving stage of the illness. It may also be due to the weakness of the muscles of respiration, thick viscid mucus or diseases of the cilia, which helps mucus transportation in the airway.

Other classifications of a cough are :

Acute - not more than three weeks duration. For example, infective cough
Chronic- more than three weeks duration. For example, smoker's cough
Dry cough - no mucous or secretion
Wet cough - with mucous or secretion
Cough from chest or from throat - productive or non-productive
Paroxysmal cough - spasmodic and recurrent
Bovine cough - soundless cough due to paralysis of larynx
Psychogenic cough - self-conscious aof the patient to attract attention

Preventing a cough is possible by avoiding :

Smoking and dust exposure Working in areas with noxious fumes and polluted air Cold food or drinks Contact with infected persons Continuosu usage of nasal decongestion spray and cough syrups

Cough can be reduced by :

Resting in a room with good ventilation
Drink plenty of fluids - water, juice to dilute mucous for easy expulsion
Inhale steam to loosen phlegm
Take vitamin C and zinc to shorten the duration of cold or disease

Try to prevent or easing your coughs by practicing the good habits above if you are facing irritting coughs now.