COUGH – WHY IT HAPPENS & HOW TO TREAT IT SAFELY
A complete guide to understand your cough and know when to seek help
Coughing is one of the most common symptoms people experience — sometimes annoying, sometimes painful, and occasionally a sign of something serious.
Let’s break it down in a simple, reassuring way.
🌬️ What Is a Cough?
A cough is your body’s protective reflex.
It clears mucus, dust, irritants, or infection from your airways.
In short, your body coughs to protect you, not to trouble you.
🟣 Types of Cough
Understanding the type helps in correct treatment:
1️⃣ Dry Cough
- No mucus
- Often viral infections, allergies, irritation
- Can be painful
2️⃣ Wet / Productive Cough
- With mucus or phlegm
- Seen in infections, bronchitis, pneumonia
3️⃣ Allergic Cough
- Triggered by dust, pets, pollen
- Worse at night or morning
4️⃣ Post-viral Cough
- Long-lasting
- Can stay for 2–4 weeks after viral fever
5️⃣ Severe or Chronic Cough
- Lasts more than 3 weeks
- Needs medical evaluation
🤧 Common Causes of Cough
✔ 1. Viral infections
Common cold, flu, COVID.
✔ 2. Bacterial infections
Throat infection, pneumonia.
✔ 3. Allergies / Asthma
Triggered by environmental factors.
✔ 4. Acid reflux (Acidity)
A very underrated cause.
Reflux irritates the throat → causing persistent dry cough.
✔ 5. Smoking or pollution
Damages throat lining over time.
✔ 6. Post-nasal drip
Mucus dripping from sinuses → constant irritation.
🧠 Symptoms That Can Accompany Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Mucus
- Breathing heaviness
- Chest discomfort
- Weakness
- Blocked nose
- Dry mouth
🏡 Home Care Tips to Control Cough Naturally
🧉 1. Warm Fluids
Cinnamon water, warm water, soups, herbal tea help soothe the throat.
🥄 2. Honey + Warm Water
A natural cough suppressant (avoid in children <1 year).
💨 3. Steam Inhalation
Opens airways and reduces mucus.
🌡 4. Stay Hydrated
Prevents dryness and irritation.
😴 5. Rest your voice
Avoid continuous speaking.
🚫 Avoid These
- Cold drinks
- Too much AC
- Oily or spicy food
- Smoking
- Self-medication with strong cough syrups
💊 When Medication Is Needed
Not every cough needs antibiotics.
Treatment depends on the cause:
- Dry cough: Soothing syrups, anti-allergics
- Wet cough: Expectorants
- Allergy cough: Antihistamines
- Acid reflux cough: Antacids & lifestyle changes
Correct diagnosis = faster recovery.
🚨 When to See a Doctor Immediately
Seek medical attention if you notice:
- Cough > 3 weeks
- High fever
- Chest pain
- Breathing difficulty
- Blood in sputum
- Severe weakness
- Cough after choking
- Repeated nighttime coughing
- Wheezing or noisy breathing
Early treatment prevents complications.
👨⚕️ How We Help at Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic
Our care includes:
- Thorough chest and throat examination
- Tests if required (X-ray, CBC, infection markers)
- Tailored medication
- Allergy evaluation
- Monitoring for recovery
- Safe, effective, personalized treatment
We aim for quick relief and long-term comfort.
📞 Need Help for Persistent Cough?
Dr. Ankur Bhanushali – General & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Thane
📍 Aayush Multispeciality Hospital, Thane
📞 086910 33033
