Cough is a reflex action to clear the airway of mucus, foreign particles, or irritants. It can be caused by colds, flu, pneumonia, asthma, or other underlying health conditions. A persistent or severe cough should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
| Causes | Lung disease, Heart Condition, Anemia, Thyroid disorder |
|---|---|
| Remedies | Oxygen therapy, Pulmoary rehabiliation, lung excercise |
| Preventive Options | Quit smoking, Excercise, Supplements, Healthy diet |
| Treatment Options | Medications(Bronchodilators, Corticosteroids), Surgery like tumor removal |
| Specialist | Internal Medicine Specialist |
A cough is a reflex which clears the pathway and . It can be a symptom of many conditions like common cold, flu, pneumonia, and asthma. A cough can be dry or productive, bringing up phlegm or mucus. It can cause discomfort and irritation, especially if it is persistent and accompanied by chest pain or difficulty breathing. A cough can also cause embarrassment, especially if it is loud or frequent in social situations. It can also cause fatigue and a lack of energy. A cough could be an indication of underlying condition, so it's essential to seek medical attention.
The symptoms of a cough can include: Coughing.The most common symptom of a cough is the act of coughing itself.
There are several different types of cough, each with its own causes and triggers. Some of the most common types include in the following.
Shortness of breath can be seen in different disease conditions. Some examples include:
The diagnosis of a cough may involve a combination of a physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. A few tests are mentioned below.
The treatment for shortness of breath depends upon the medical history and the severity of the symptoms. Some common treatments for shortness of breath include
Medications
Depending on the underlying cause, medications such as bronchodilators, corticosteroids, oxygen therapy, and diuretics may help open airways, reduce inflammation, and improve lung function.
Pulmonary rehabilitation
This program includes exercise, education, and breathing techniques to help improve lung function and reduce shortness of breath.
Oxygen therapy
This treatment involves breathing in oxygen from a tank or nasal cannula to help increase the amount of oxygen in the body.
Surgery
In a few conditions, when mendication did not show an effective result. The surgery may be necessary to treat the underlying condition causing shortness of breath, such as removing lung tumors or correcting structural defects.
Lifestyle changes:
Quitting smoking.
Avoiding exposure to pollutants.
Maintaining a healthy weight can help to reduce shortness of breath.
Preventive measures for shortness of breath may depend on the underlying cause of the symptoms. Some examples include in the following.
Lung conditions
Quitting smoking, avoiding exposure to pollutants, and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent lung conditions that may cause shortness of breath.
Heart conditions
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, can help prevent heart conditions that may cause shortness of breath.
Anemia
Eating a diet rich in iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 can help prevent anemia.
Thyroid disorders
Maintaining a healthy diet and regular check-up can help prevent thyroid disorders.
Obesity
Maintaining a healthy weight through diet, exercise, yoga can help prevent obesity.
Muscular dystrophy
Genetic counseling and early detection can help prevent muscular dystrophy.
Neurological conditions
Regular check-ups and managing underlying conditions can help prevent neurological conditions that may cause shortness of breath
It's generally recommended to see a doctor if you have persistent or severe shortness of breath other symptoms. Contact to health care provider immediately.
If you have cough and are concerned about your health, it is important to seek immediate medical attention from a qualified cough doctor. A doctor specializing in treating cough, such as a Internal Medicine Specialist, would be the right health professional to consult.
Here is a list of Top verified doctors for cough. You can book an appointment with one to start your cough treatment today.
Apollo Health City, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
Rs. 1,000 Consult Fees
Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai
Rs. 1,500 Consult Fees
Max Hospital, Gurgaon
Rs. 1,000 Consult Fees
A hospital can provide various services to help diagnose and treat your cough. If you are experiencing cough In that case, it is important to visit a cough hospital for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Check a list of Top Hospitals for cough treatment.
Multi Speciality Hospital
Established in 1918
🛌345 Beds
5+ Doctors 
Super Speciality Hospital
Established in 1950
🛌350 Beds
5+ Doctors 
Multi Speciality Hospital
Established in 1962
🛌1000 Beds
5+ Doctors Frequently asked questions and answers about cough.
Can shortness of breath be caused by stress or anxiety?
Yes, stress and anxiety can cause shortness of breath. It's a symptom of a condition called hyperventilation.
How do you stop a cough?
To stop a cough, you can try cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan, drink plenty of fluids to keep the throat moist, and use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. It's important to treat the underlying cause of the cough, such as a cold or allergies.
Can exercise cause shortness of breath?
Yes, shortness of breath can occur during exercise, this is normal and it's caused by an increased demand of oxygen by the body. But if it becomes severe or persistent it may indicate an underlying condition and you should see a doctor.
How do I know if my cough is serious?
To stop a cough, you can try cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan, drink plenty of fluids to keep the throat moist, and use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. It's important to treat the underlying cause of the cough, such as a cold or allergies.
Can shortness of breath be a symptom of COVID-19?
Yes, shortness of breath is a common symptom of COVID-19 and should be taken seriously. If you have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 or if you have recently traveled to an area with a high number of COVID-19 cases, you should seek medical attention if you experience shortness of breath.
What are the main causes of cough?
The main causes of cough include respiratory infections such as the flu or common cold, allergies, asthma, acid reflux, smoking, and exposure to irritants such as dust or pollution. Other causes include medication side effects, lung disease, and cancer.
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