Cough
A cough is a sudden and often repetitively occurring reflex involving a forceful release of air from the lungs accompanied by a distinctive sound. Its purpose is to help clear the large breathing passages from foreign particle irritants, bodily secretions and microbes.
A cough is usually associated with the presence of a disease such as a respiratory tract infection but can be triggered by other factors such as smoking or air pollution. Common respiratory infections include:
A cough is usually associated with the presence of a disease such as a respiratory tract infection but can be triggered by other factors such as smoking or air pollution. Common respiratory infections include:
- Common colds or flu
- Bronchitis – an inflammation of the bronchial tubes
- Whooping cough – a bacterial infection which can be serious for infants
- Pneumonia – an inflammatory condition of the lungs, in particular the alveoli
- Croup – an acute viral infection of the upper airway