What Causes Coughing?

Coughing is a common symptom of many illnesses and conditions. It’s a body’s defense mechanism to expel mucus and other irritants that have made their way deep into the lungs and airways. But, what causes this reflex to kick in? Here we will take a look at some of the more common causes of coughing.

The Most Common Cause: The Common Cold

When it comes to coughing, the most common cause is the common cold. This illness is caused by a virus, and coughing is one of the primary symptoms. A cold can last anywhere from two to two weeks, depending on how well the disease was treated and taken care of. Coughing is often the symptom that lingers the longest, even after all other signs of the virus have vanished.

Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections are also a common cause of coughing. This includes both bacterial and viral illnesses. Bacterial illnesses, such as bronchitis, might require antibiotics to fully cure, while viral ones can only be treated with rest, over-the-counter medicine, and plenty of fluids. Coughing is typically a common symptom of many respiratory illnesses.

Asthma

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the lungs. Wheezing and a persistent cough are common symptoms of asthma. An asthma attack can force the body to cough over and over again as a way of clearing the airways.

Allergies

When it comes to allergies, people believe coughing to be a strange, lesser-known symptom. Allergies can cause the body to experience a reaction due to things such as pet dander, dust, and certain types of pollen. When this occurs, the body may expel excess mucus and irritants through coughing.

Chronic Cough

Chronic cough is a condition if a cough lasts for more than 8 weeks. It is often caused due to an underlying health problem, such as asthma, allergies, smoking, and postnasal drip. The exact causes of a chronic cough may take some time to uncover.

Conclusion

Coughing is an involuntary response for the body to expel mucus and other irritants from the lungs and airways. The more common causes of coughing are the common cold, respiratory infections, allergies, asthma, and chronic coughing. It is important to determine the underlying cause of coughing and treat it accordingly. If you or a loved one have been having a persistent cough, it is important to talk to a doctor to get to the root of the problem.