A cough is a common reflex that helps clear the throat and airways of irritants, mucus, or foreign particles. It can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, from mild infections to more serious health concerns. Understanding common causes helps individuals identify and manage their symptoms, especially when different illnesses are circulating.
Common Causes of Coughs
Many illnesses can lead to a cough. The common cold, a mild viral infection, causes a cough as part of upper respiratory symptoms. This cough can be dry or produce mucus.
Influenza, or the flu, is another viral infection that often presents with a cough, which can be dry or wet. Flu symptoms tend to have a sudden onset and can be more severe than those of a cold. COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, frequently includes a cough as a symptom, often dry and persistent.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus, particularly impacting young children and older adults, and it often leads to a cough. Acute bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, frequently develops after a cold or flu and is characterized by a persistent cough that may initially be dry before progressing to mucus production. Allergies, which are immune responses to specific allergens like pollen or dust, can also cause a chronic cough, often accompanied by post-nasal drip.
Recognizing Accompanying Symptoms
Beyond the cough, other symptoms can provide clues about the underlying illness. The common cold often includes a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and mild fatigue. Cold symptoms usually develop slowly over one to three days.
The flu, in contrast, brings a high fever, body aches, chills, and significant fatigue, with symptoms appearing suddenly. A COVID-19 infection can present with a wide range of symptoms alongside a cough, including fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, and sometimes shortness of breath.
RSV symptoms can include a runny nose, decreased appetite, sneezing, fever, and wheezing, particularly in infants. For those with allergies, a cough is commonly accompanied by itchy eyes, nose, or throat, sneezing, and post-nasal drip, but no fever. Acute bronchitis can involve chest discomfort and the production of mucus, sometimes with wheezing.
Limiting Spread and Protecting Health
Practicing good hygiene helps reduce the risk of spreading respiratory illnesses. Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is recommended, especially after coughing or sneezing. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used if soap and water are not available. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into the elbow, rather than hands, to contain respiratory droplets. Promptly discard used tissues.
Avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth can further reduce germ transmission from contaminated surfaces. Staying home when sick is an important measure to prevent the spread of illness to others, especially vulnerable individuals. Staying up to date with recommended immunizations, such as annual flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines, can significantly lower the risk of severe illness.
When to Seek Medical Guidance
While many coughs resolve on their own, certain signs indicate medical attention is warranted. A cough that persists for longer than a few weeks should be evaluated by a health care provider. If symptoms initially improve but then worsen significantly, professional advice is advised.
Seeking immediate medical care is recommended for severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. A high or prolonged fever that does not subside after several days also warrants medical consultation. Any instance of coughing up blood or pink-tinged phlegm requires prompt medical attention. Concerns for infants, the elderly, or individuals with compromised immune systems or pre-existing conditions should also prompt a medical evaluation for a cough.