How And Why Does A Cough Develop?

Coughing is a defense mechanism of the body that is used to keep the airways clean. In some cases, however, more complex problems such as infections or other diseases are hidden behind them. 

Coughing is a symptom that is seen in all mammals. We all know from our own experience what we are talking about. Around 23 percent of the population suffers from coughing episodes in the morning after getting up, with or without expectoration and which can also occur in non-smokers.

On average, adults suffer from colds two to three times a year, with coughing fits in 75 percent of the cases. It is estimated that around 13 percent of people develop a chronic cough disease, which means that the symptoms are present even if they don’t have a cold.

It is a reflex that is often not due to an illness. Basically, this defense mechanism serves to keep the airways free from irritating foreign substances. But in some cases it can hide a serious illness.

What is a cough?

As already mentioned at the beginning, we speak of a defense function of the organism to keep harmful foreign substances away and thus to protect the body. This leaves the airways free, because the contraction of the respiratory muscles jerks the air out of the airways and with it the foreign bodies.

This leads to the contraction of the diaphragm, intercostal muscles and other muscles that allow air to be expelled and thus trigger a cough. This can be done arbitrarily or through the cough reflex. 

In the mucous membrane there are specific cough receptors that, when activated, send signals to the cough center in the brain. These are especially found in the lower airways, in the larynx, windpipe and bronchi. But cough receptors can also be found in the nose, sinuses, ear canals, pleura, diaphragm and even in the pericardium and stomach.

Types of cough

There are different types of cough, but not all of them require a doctor’s visit. Basically, one speaks of productive (with phlegm) and unproductive cough (without phlegm). This differentiation is very important for the diagnosis.

A dry, unproductive cough, also known as a dry cough, causes itching, irritation and often a sore throat. In some cases there may also be a “false” dry cough. This means that there is mucus but not all of it is expelled.

In addition, a distinction is made between acute and chronic cough, depending on the duration of the symptom. Acute cases last no more than three weeks. However, if the coughing fits last for at least three to four weeks, they can be classified as chronic. Generally they are then accompanied by irritation of the larynx or windpipe.

Other types of cough are whooping cough and psychogenic cough. Whooping cough is very aggressive, contagious, and especially dangerous for babies under six months of age. Psychogenic is a type of cough that occurs not due to organic but rather psychological causes, for example in the case of nervousness and emotional tension.

What are the causes of a cough?

As already mentioned, it is a common symptom that can have various causes. In most cases it is not a serious problem and the symptoms of coughing will go away on their own.

However, other symptoms occur in more serious situations. Then a visit to the doctor is very important in order to get to the bottom of the cause and to receive an appropriate diagnosis. Then you will learn more about the most common causes of coughing fits.

Environmental factors

A dry, dusty environment can cause temporary coughs. Dust mites can also trigger this unpleasant symptom. If the situation persists, an allergy test can provide clarification. It could be a chronic or temporary allergy causing the cough. Sudden changes in temperature could also be responsible.

Inflammatory processes

If the airways are inflamed, breathing becomes difficult and can lead to a painful cough. This is the case, for example, with common illnesses such as colds or flu. With bronchitis, pneumonia, fibrosis, asthma, lung cancer, etc. the difficult breathing can trigger coughing fits.

Other diseases

Diseases that affect the nose, throat, ears, or ear canals can cause a cough. Gastroesophageal reflux is also a possible trigger. If the cough worsens significantly while lying down, congestive heart failure could also be responsible. 

Cough as a side effect of certain medicines

Various medications, such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), which are very often used in patients with high blood pressure, can cause coughing symptoms as a side effect.

Tobacco use and cough

Chronic coughs are very common in smokers. But even if this is often the case, it does not mean that it is normal. If the problem is persistent, you should get regular medical exams.

Remember that a cough can also be triggered by psychogenic factors. Nervousness, fear or stress are factors that must also be taken into account. If there are any signs of complications, you must definitely get a medical examination!