What are the symptoms of a serious cough?

This winter, as respiratory illnesses increase, many patients wish for the cough to disappear.

Dr. Whitney Hardy, a family medicine physician at Ochsner Health in New Orleans, Louisiana, stated that during this season, many individuals experience minor coughs as a result of common colds, allergies, or sinus irritation with post-nasal drip.

Post-nasal drip, which results from congested nasal passages, is a common cause of a persistent cough.

The American Lung Association's website states that respiratory issues like viral infections or allergies are common causes of breathing problems.

The reflexive cough is triggered by the dripping of nasal discharge to the back of the throat.

It can be difficult to determine whether a cough is severe enough to require medical attention, as some coughs may resolve on their own without affecting daily activities.

Here’s what the experts say you should know.

Why do we cough?

According to Hardy, a cough is a natural reflex triggered by factors such as excess lung moisture, foreign objects, and mucus-producing infections.

According to Mayo Clinic, when an irritant tickles the throat or airways, it sends a message to the brain that there is something in the body that shouldn't be there.

The chest muscles receive a message from the brain to cough and expel the irritant from the body.

Persistent or severe coughing can irritate the lungs and lead to more coughing.

Mayo Clinic stated that excessive coughing can result in sleeping difficulties, dizziness, headaches, nausea, fainting, chest pain, and even broken ribs.

According to Dr. Baljinder S. Sidhu, a pulmonologist and sleep specialist who is a partner of Pacific Coast Critical Care Group in Southern California, this mechanism is crucial when there is an active infection and pus or fluid needs to be removed from the lung to prevent further damage.

"Irritated lung mucosa can lead to a persistent cough with little provocation."

What are the different types of coughs?

An acute cough, as defined by Mayo Clinic, is a cough that persists for less than three weeks.

Hardy stated that a severe cough is usually caused by a viral or bacterial illness, such as the flu or pneumonia.

She mentioned that this type of cough can persist for three weeks post-infection, despite the clearance of symptoms.

"Dry coughs intensify during the day and are almost completely absent at night."

Acute coughs can also be triggered by lung irritants like smoke, dust, and chemicals.

Experts say that a subacute cough typically lasts between three and eight weeks and is often caused by a lingering respiratory infection.

According to the American Lung Association, a cough that persists for over eight weeks is classified as chronic.

A chronic cough can result from asthma, GERD, and the blood pressure medication lisinopril.

Experts warned that some severe health conditions, including lung cancer and heart failure, can lead to a persistent cough.

According to Liz Husted, M.D., a family medicine physician at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin, most coughs resulting from a recent cold or viral illness will naturally subside without any extra treatment.

"After a viral illness, a cough can persist for up to six weeks without requiring additional treatment."

When does a cough become worrisome?

When accompanied by shortness of breath or chest pain, a cough is always a concern, according to Husted.

"This is to be evaluated by a physician right away."

The American Lung Association advises that if your cough persists for more than eight weeks, it may be necessary to undergo a chest X-ray to diagnose the cause.

If your cough is severe, lasts for a long time, or is accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing, or wheezing, it's recommended to see a doctor.

Other red flags that require medical attention include phlegm with pus, chills, night sweats, and weight loss.

Should you use home remedies?

Acute coughs can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines, but it's important to consult with a doctor if the cough is accompanied by any concerning symptoms.

According to Sidhu, these over-the-counter medications typically consist of a blend of several medications, including dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and/or Tylenol.

The doctor observed that dextromethorphan works by directly targeting cough receptors, making it a cough suppressant.

Guaifenesin helps to thin mucus and facilitate its removal from the lungs, reducing the amount of irritant left behind.

Sidhu stated that phenylephrine is a decongestant that alleviates nasal congestion and postnasal drip.

It is advised by experts that parents or caregivers should consult with their pediatrician before giving cough medications to children.

Also, OTC medications only treat the symptoms — not the underlying cause.

Studies have demonstrated that cough medications are not any more effective than placebos in relieving coughs.

Hardy advised using a humidifier to keep the atmosphere moist for relief from an ongoing cough.

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