TYPES OF COUGHING
Coughing is a natural reflex action that helps clear the throat and airways of irritants such as mucus, dust, smoke, or foreign particles. It occurs when the body’s respiratory system reacts to an irritant, causing the muscles in the chest and throat to contract and force air out of the lungs with a sharp, often loud, sound.
Coughing can be voluntary or involuntary, and it is often a symptom of various conditions like colds, flu, allergies, or respiratory infections. There are different types of coughs, such as:
Dry cough: A cough without mucus, often caused by irritation or inflammation.
Productive (wet) cough: A cough that expels mucus or phlegm from the lungs.
Chronic cough: A cough lasting more than eight weeks, often due to underlying conditions like asthma or smoking.
Coughing helps protect the lungs and airways by removing unwanted substances or irritants, and while it can be uncomfortable, it is an important defense mechanism of the body.