Coughs

What is a cough?

A cough is a natural reflex that helps remove mucus, phlegm, or other irritants from the throat and airways. Mucus refers to the thin fluid produced by your nose and sinuses, whereas phlegm is thicker and originates from the throat and lungs. Coughing involves three stages:

• Inhalation, drawing air into the lungs
• Compression, building up pressure in the throat or chest
• Expiration, forcefully expelling air, producing the audible cough sound

You can cough intentionally or involuntarily (when your body’s reflex takes over). Coughs are categorized by duration:

• Acute, persists for less than three weeks
• Sub-acute, continues for three to eight weeks
• Chronic, lasts eight weeks or longer in adults, or four weeks in children

Types of coughs

Chesty cough (wet or productive cough): Produces sputum and often feels like congestion in the chest, as though something is stuck or dripping in the throat. Dry cough (non-productive cough): Does not expel mucus. Instead, it causes a tickling sensation in the throat, resulting in repeated “hacking” sounds. Croup cough: A viral infection usually seen in children under five. The virus inflames the upper airway, making breathing difficult and causing the distinctive “barking” cough.

What causes coughing?

• Clearing your throat: A cough can be a way to expel mucus or foreign particles (like smoke or dust).
• Viral or bacterial infections: Infections in the upper respiratory tract (e.g. cold, flu, laryngitis) and lower respiratory tract (e.g. bronchitis, whooping cough, pneumonia) trigger coughing.
• Asthma: Inflammation and airway narrowing in asthma can provoke a cough.
• Smoking: Habitual smoking often leads to a persistent “smoker’s cough,” especially noticeable in the morning.

How do I know if my cough is serious?

Bronchitis

Inflammation and swelling in the bronchial tubes (the airways connecting the nose and mouth to the lungs) cause a cough. You may also experience wheezing, difficulty breathing, and trouble clearing thick mucus or phlegm.

Laryngitis

When the larynx (voice box) becomes inflamed, you may notice a dry or sore throat and a voice that sounds hoarse, gravelly, or unusually soft. Persistent throat clearing and coughing are common.

Whooping cough

A highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways. It presents as intense hacking followed by a sharp intake of breath that sounds like a high-pitched “whoop.” Infants are particularly vulnerable because severe coughing can damage their airways and they may be too young to have been vaccinated.

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

This allergy triggers symptoms similar to a cold, sneezing, runny nose, cough, and sinus pressure. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to airborne particles, typically pollen.

COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a novel, highly contagious virus. Symptoms range from a mild cough to pneumonia. Some people also experience flu-like signs such as coughing, difficulty breathing, sore throat, and fatigue. If you have these symptoms, contact the Australian Government’s 24-hour COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 020 080. Most coughs due to viral infections resolve on their own without treatment. However, certain coughs may be more serious and require medical attention.

When to see a doctor

Although many coughs improve with time, seek medical advice if you experience any of the following:

• A cough lasting longer than eight weeks in adults or three weeks in children
• Coughing up thick, greenish-yellow phlegm, or any blood
• Wheezing, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
• A cough accompanied by fever, chest pain, or persistent fatigue
• A cough that significantly disrupts daily activities or sleep

How to treat coughs

Sometimes persistent coughing can be bothersome, so over-the-counter (OTC) remedies might help. Always consult your pharmacist before choosing a product.

Cough syrups:

• For chesty coughs, look for ingredients that thin mucus, making it easier to expel phlegm.
• For dry coughs, select a suppressant to calm the cough reflex.
• Some formulations combine decongestants and antihistamines for additional relief.

Throat lozenges:

Lozenges can temporarily soothe a cough. Certain types contain pain relievers or mild anesthetics; others include antibacterial agents, cough suppressants, or decongestants. Ask your TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacist which option suits your symptoms best.

Other remedies you can try include:

• Drinking hot water with lemon and honey to soothe a sore throat
• Eating soft foods that are easier to swallow when your throat is irritated
• Staying hydrated, especially with room-temperature fluids, to help ease coughing
• Gargling with salt water to reduce excess mucus and phlegm
• Breathing in aromatic steam (e.g. from boiled water with eucalyptus2) to clear congestion and ease breathing