Cough

What is Cough?

Cough is a natural process of the body that helps us get rid of the materials that irritate our airways. The cells in the respiratory system get irritated and start a chain reaction. This causes the forceful expulsion of air from the lungs under pressure. Cough can be a voluntary or an involuntary process. While cough is normal, it may be due to an underlying issue.

Causes

Acute cough is caused due to:

• Infectious reasons- pneumonia, whooping cough
• Non infectious reasons- asthma, emphysema

Chronic cough is caused due to:

• Environmental irritants
• Diseases like sarcoidosis, congestive heart failure, lung tissue diseases and fluid build up in the lungs
• Post nasal drip
• Infections of the ear and throat
• Gastroesophageal reflux

Symptoms

The general symptoms of acute and chronic cough are

• Feel of liquid flowing down behind your throat
• Having to clear your throat often
• Sore throat
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Heartburn
• Hoarseness
• Rarely, coughing up blood

Treatment

• The treatment is aimed at decreasing cough and curing the underlying disease.
• Over-the-counter cough remedies may provide relief.
• Narcotic medications and other therapies are prescribed to help with sleep when suffering from severe cough.
• Antibiotics may be advised if the cough has a bacterial origin.
• Elderly and those with weak immunity may have to be hospitalized to manage the causative problem.

Prevention

• Proper treatment of the underlying cause of cough
• Stop smoking and keep away from second hand smoke. Especially if you already suffer from asthma or other chronic lung disease
• Gastroesophageal reflux can be managed by diet modification and medications
• Avoid other triggers or irritants

What you can expect when you visit our clinics

1. Stop by our front desk to visit a certified Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant. No appointment is required.
2. Your medical practitioner will examine your medical background, go over your medical issues, perform an examination and supply you with an individualized plan for treatment. This might consist of non-prescription items or a medical prescription.
3. Towards the end of your visit to our clinic, your medical attendant will give you an overview, an invoice and some instructional material may be given.
4. The overview of your clinic visit can be forwarded to your primary health care provider with your authorization.