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Cough

Having a cough is one of the most common reasons for seeing your doctor. Coughing is important to keep your throat and airways clear by getting rid of mucus or other irritating particles. However, a long-lasting (chronic) or severe cough may mean you have an underlying disease or disorder.

Coughs can be dry or "productive," which means that you are bringing up sputum or phlegm when you cough. An acute cough typically lasts no longer than 2 to 3 weeks. A chronic cough lasts longer than 4 weeks.

Many illnesses can cause cough. Acute coughs usually begin suddenly and are often due to a cold, flu, or sinus infection. Coughs from a lung infection, such as bronchitis can start out suddenly and then linger. Other common causes of chronic. or ongoing coughs, include asthma, allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from emphysema or chronic bronchitis, sinusitis with drainage into the throat, smoking cigarettes or exposure to secondhand smoke, pollutants, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Some medications, such as ACE inhibitors taken to lower blood pressure, can cause chronic coughs in some people.

If your cough lasts more than 2 weeks, see your doctor to determine the cause.

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Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms that accompany your cough depend on what is causing it, and may include:

• A runny nose or nasal congestion, headache, or postnasal drip from chronic sinusitis (sinus inflammation), cold, or flu
• Wheezing from asthma
• Heartburn from GERD
• Fever, chills, night sweats from bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, or other lung infection
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling of your legs from fluid retention (called edema) due to congestive heart failure
• In rare cases, coughing up blood, which can be a sign of a serious illness, such as lung cancer

Causes

Respiratory tract infection:

• Cold
• Flu
• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Sinusitis

Postnasal drip (from allergies or a cold)

Medications called ACE inhibitors that are used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease, including:

• Captopril (Capoten)
• Benazepril (Lotensin)
• Enalapril (Vasotec)
• Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
• Fosinopril (Monopril)
• Ramipril (Altace)
• Perindopril (Aceon)
• Quinapril (Accupril)
• Moexipril (Univasc)
• Trandolapril (Mavik)

Other causes:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• COPD from either emphysema or chronic bronchitis or both
• Aspiration, or foreign matter drawn into the lungs
• Heart failure
• GERD, where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus
• Lung cancer (rarely)
• Cigarette smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
• Lung disease, such as bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease, or tumors

Diagnosis

Your doctor will take a detailed medical history, gathering information about the quality of the cough, how long you have had it, symptoms associated with the cough, etc. Your doctor will also do a thorough physical examination, paying particular attention to your nasal passages, throat, lungs, heart, and legs. Your doctor may order tests, such as:

• A sputum culture, if you have a productive cough that may be bacterial
• An electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Lung function tests
• X-rays of your chest or sinuses

Treatment Approach

The goal of treatment is to not only soothe your cough but also treat the underlying cause.

If your doctor suspects a certain illness, your doctor may suggest you try certain medications that can help pinpoint the cause. For example, if your doctor thinks your cough is due to GERD, you may be prescribed medications to reduce your stomach acid. If your cough gets better, then the diagnosis will be correct.

Doctors may prescribe other medications to either relieve your cough or treat the underlying problem, including cough suppressants, inhalers, antibiotics, antihistamines, or expectorants. Certain herbs and supplements may also help in relieving your cough.

Lifestyle

• Drink plenty of liquids to help thin the mucus in your throat.
• If you smoke, stop.
• Stay away from secondhand cigarette smoke and airborne irritants in your home or workplace.
• If medications are causing your cough, your doctor may change your prescription. If you take an ACE inhibitor or other medication that seems to bring on your cough, DO NOT stop taking it without your doctor's approval due to potentially life-threatening effects of abrupt discontinuation of these medications.
• If you have allergies, you can take steps to avoid the allergic trigger, called an allergen.
• Sucking on cough lozenges or hard candy can help dry, tickling coughs. Never give these to a child under 3 years old because of the risk of choking.
• Using a vaporizer or taking a hot shower can create moisture in the air and help soothe a dry throat.

Medications

Doctors may prescribe different drugs to either relieve your cough or treat the underlying condition, including:

• Cough medicines. Cough suppressants for a dry cough or expectorants for a wet, productive cough that brings up mucus, are available over the counter and by prescription. DO NOT give over-the-counter cough suppressants to children under age 6 unless your doctor tells you to do so.
• Decongestants. Help open your nasal passages so you can breathe easier; they may help if your cough is due to postnasal drip. Some decongestants may contain pseudoephedrine, which can raise blood pressure. People with high blood pressure or enlarged prostate should not take drugs containing pseudoephedrine. Using nasal decongestant sprays and drops for more than 3 days in a row can cause "rebound congestion," where the nasal passages swell. DO NOT use decongestants if you have emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Decongestants are often combined in cold medicines with antihistamines, cough suppressants, and pain relievers. People with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or glaucoma should not take decongestants. Popular brands of decongestants include Sudafed, Afrin, and Neo-Synephrine.
• Antihistamines. Can temporarily relieve a runny nose by drying up nasal secretions; they may help if your cough is due to allergies. Non-drowsy antihistamines available over the counter include loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), and cetirizine (Zyrtec).
• Bronchodilators. Increase airflow by opening airways and help make it easier to breathe; they may help if your cough is due to asthma or COPD.
• Corticosteroids. Reduce inflammation; either inhaled with an inhaler or taken by mouth, they are usually used to treat moderate-to-severe asthma or COPD.

Nasal corticosteroids. These prescription sprays reduce inflammation of the nose and help relieve sneezing, itching, and runny nose:

• Beclomethasone (Beconase)
• Fluticasone (Flonase)
• Mometasone (Nasonex)
• Triacinolone (Nasacort)

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements

Because supplements may have side effects or interact with medications, you should take them only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

For cough from respiratory infections, sinusitis, or allergies:

• Honey. A few studies have found that honey was more effective than over-the-counter cough medicines, including those containing dextromethorphan (or DM), at treating cough and easing sore throat. Other studies suggest that honey products are more effective than placebo in alleviating symptoms and sleep difficulty. There is also preliminary evidence to suggest that honey with coffee helps alleviate persistent cough following the common cold or an upper respiratory infection. Honey can be mixed with an herbal tea or just warm water. Never give honey to an infant under age 1.
• Probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus). While probiotics will not directly relieve your cough, they may help underlying conditions. Research suggests that Lactobacillus may help prevent colds and flu, and possibly reduce allergy to pollen. One study found that children in daycare centers who drank milk fortified with Lactobacillus had fewer and less severe colds. Another study of children in daycare found those who took a specific combination of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium had fewer flu-like symptoms. Several studies that examined probiotics combined with vitamins and minerals also found a reduction in the number of colds caught by adults, although it is not possible to say whether the vitamins, minerals, or probiotics were responsible for the benefit. One small study suggests that Lactobacillus might help reduce allergic reaction to pollen. More studies are needed to say for sure whether it is effective. People with weakened immune systems, or those who take drugs to suppress the immune system, should not take probiotics except under a doctor's supervision.
• Quercetin. Quercetin is a flavonoid, a plant pigment responsible for the colors found in fruits and vegetables. Studies in test tubes show that quercetin inhibits the production and release of histamine, which causes allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose and watery eyes. It is often combined with bromelain, a supplement made from pineapples. However, there is not much evidence that quercetin works the same way in humans. More studies are needed. Quercetin interacts with a number of medications, including some antidepressants, cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), ondansetron (Zofran), risperidone (Risperdal), tramadol (Ultram), midazolam (Versed), omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), propranolol (Inderal), fexofenadine (Allegra), and warfarin (Coumadin), among others. To be safe, ask your doctor before taking quercetin if you take any medication, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Bromelain. Some studies show that bromelain may help reduce symptoms of sinusitis and relieve swelling and inflammation caused by allergies (hay fever). Not all studies show a benefit. Bromelain is often combined with quercetin. Bromelain may increase the risk of bleeding, so people who take blood thinners, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin), should not take bromelain without talking to their doctor first. Taking bromelain with ACE inhibitors may cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure (hypotension). Bromelain may interact with some antibiotics, including amoxicillin and tetracycline. People who are allergic to pineapple, latex, wheat, or certain pollens may be at risk for allergic reactions to bromelain.

Herbs

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. However, herbs can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care practitioner.

• Peppermint (Mentha x piperita). Peppermint is widely used to treat cold symptoms. Its main active agent, menthol, is a good decongestant. Menthol also thins mucus and works as an expectorant, meaning that it helps loosen and break up mucus. It is soothing and calming for sore throats and dry coughs as well. DO NOT use peppermint or menthol with infants. DO NOT take peppermint oil by mouth.
• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus). Like peppermint, eucalyptus is used in many remedies to treat cold symptoms, particularly cough. It can be found in many lozenges, cough syrups, and vapor baths throughout the United States and Europe. You may also apply ointments containing eucalyptus leaves to the nose and chest to relieve congestion and loosen phlegm. You should not take eucalyptus oil by mouth because it can be poisonous.
• Marshmallow (Althea officinalis). Although there is no scientific evidence that it works, marshmallow has been used traditionally to treat sore throat and cough. It contains mucilage, which helps coat the throat and act as a cough suppressant.
• Slippery elm (Ulmus fulva). Slippery elm may help ease sore throat and cough, and has been used traditionally for this purpose, although scientific evidence is lacking. Like marshmallow, it contains mucilage. Slippery elm may affect how your body absorbs some medications. So wait at least 1 hour after taking any other medications before taking slippery elm. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid slippery elm, as there is some concern it may be linked to miscarriage.
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Licorice root is a traditional treatment for sore throat and cough, although scientific evidence is lacking. Licorice interacts with a number of medications. So ask your doctor before taking it. People with high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those who take blood thinners, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin) should not take licorice. Speak to your doctor if you have a history of hormone-related illness, including cancer, before taking licorice. DO NOT take licorice for an extended period of time, unless directed to do so by your doctor. DO NOT give licorice root to children.
• Lobelia (Lobelia inflata). Also called Indian tobacco, lobelia has a long history of use as an herbal remedy for respiratory problems including cough. It is an expectorant, meaning that it helps clear mucus from your lungs. However, since it can be toxic, you should only use lobelia under a doctor's supervision.
• Mullein (Verbascum densiflorum). Mullein is an expectorant, meaning it helps clear your lungs of mucus. Traditionally, it has been used to treat respiratory illnesses and coughs with lung congestion. However, there are no scientific studies to say whether it works.
• Sundew (Drosera spp.). Sundew has traditionally been used as a cough suppressant, although there are no scientific studies to say whether it works. It is often used in Europe to treat dry coughs. Sundew is often used in homeopathic cough preparations.
• Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). Stinging nettle has been used traditionally for treating a variety of conditions, including allergies (hay fever). But studies so far are lacking. Only one small study suggested that stinging nettle might help relieve symptoms of hay fever, including cough. Pregnant women and young children should not take stinging nettle. Talk to your doctor before taking stinging nettle if you take blood pressure medication, blood thinners, diuretics (water pills), or have diabetes.
• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris). Thyme has traditionally been used to treat respiratory illnesses, such as bronchitis, and to treat cough. Two preliminary studies suggest that thyme may help treat acute bronchitis and relieve cough. The German Commission E has approved thyme to treat those conditions. Thyme oil is considered toxic and should not be taken by mouth. Thyme may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you also take blood thinners, such as aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), or warfarin (Coumadin). Thyme may act in ways similar to estrogen in the body. If you have a hormone-related condition or take hormone medications, talk to your doctor before using thyme.

Homeopathy

Although few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic therapies, professional homeopaths may consider the following remedies for the treatment of coughs based on their knowledge and experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type. A constitutional type is defined as a person's physical, emotional, and psychological makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

• Aconitum. Taken within the first 24 hours of a cough that comes on suddenly, particularly if symptoms develop following exposure to cold weather; this remedy is considered most appropriate for individuals with a hoarse, dry cough who complain of dry mouth, thirst, restlessness, and symptoms that worsen in the cold, or when the individual is lying on his or her side.
• Antimonium tartareicum. For wet, rattling cough (although the cough is usually too weak to bring up mucus material from the lungs) that is accompanied by extreme fatigue and difficulty breathing; symptoms usually worsen when the person is lying down; this remedy is generally used during the later stages of a cough, and is particularly useful for children and the elderly.
• Bryonia. For dry, painful cough that tends to worsen with movement and deep inhalation; this remedy is most appropriate for individuals who are generally thirsty, chilly, and irritable.
• Causticum. For laryngitis and a cough that cannot dislodge mucus in the chest and may cause the individual to leak urine during coughing fits; symptoms tend to improve with sips of cold water but worsen with cold air.
• Drosera. For dry, spasmodic cough accompanied by sharp chest pain and a tickling sensation in the throat that may cause the individual to gag, choke or vomit; the individual may be hoarse or may perspire in the evenings and symptoms may worsen when the individual is lying down.
• Ipecacuanha. For deep, wet cough, often with gagging, nausea, and vomiting; this remedy is especially useful for bronchitis in infants.
• Phosphorous. For chest tightness associated with a variety of coughs, particularly a dry, harsh cough with a persistent tickle in the chest and significant chest pain; symptoms tend to worsen in cold air and when the individual is talking; this remedy is most appropriate for individuals who are often worn out and exhausted, suffer from unnecessary anxiety (even fear of death), and require a lot of reassurance.
• Rumex. For dry, shallow cough that begins with a tickling sensation in the throat or with the inhalation of cold air.
• Spongia. For harsh, barking cough without mucus production; this type of cough is associated with a tickling in the throat or chest; it tends to worsen when the person is lying down and improves when the individual eats or drinks warm liquids; this remedy is often used if a trial of Aconite was not successful.

Other Considerations

To successfully treat your cough, it is important to determine the underlying condition that is causing it.

Warnings and Precautions

Call your doctor right away if any of the following symptoms accompany your cough:

• Violent cough that begins suddenly
• High-pitched sound (called stridor) when inhaling
• Cough that produces blood
• Cough in an infant less than 3 months old
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Abdominal swelling
• Unintentional weight loss
• Thick, foul-smelling, green phlegm

Prognosis and Complications

Most causes of cough are very treatable. The prognosis depends on what is causing your cough.

Supporting Research

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Review Date: 9/29/2015  

Reviewed By: Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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