Cough is not always a lung disease, and taking medicine alone will not cure it

Article Writer – Dr. Moe Thit Nay (Ayeyarwaddy Times, September 27) Cough is a symptom that almost everyone experiences. However, not every cough is a lung disease, and simply taking cough medicine does not mean the cause of the cough has been treated. In addition to colds, various diseases such as pneumonia, asthma, tuberculosis, and acid reflux can cause coughing. Some people may even cough as a side effect of certain medications. Why do we cough? In reality, coughing is one of the body's important protective reflexes. When mucus, dust, smoke, chemicals, pathogens, or food particles enter the respiratory tract, sensory organs in the airway are stimulated. From there, nerve pathways transmit signals to the area in the brainstem that controls coughing. In response, the brain first causes a deep inhalation, temporarily closes the glottis, and increases the pressure inside the chest. Finally, when the glottis opens, air is expelled forcefully, clearing out mucus, debris, and irritants. This is the process of coughing. Therefore, it is not always advisable to suppress a cough forcefully. For someone with mucus, coughing helps to expel mucus from the respiratory tract. Dry Cough and Productive Cough Dry Cough (Non-productive cough) This is when you cough but do not produce phlegm. It often feels like an itchy throat or something irritating the throat, and can be caused by early viral infections, COVID-19 and influenza, asthma, allergies, smoke exposure and air pollution, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and some medications. Productive Cough (Wet cough) This is when you cough up phlegm (sputum). It is commonly seen in various respiratory illnesses, including colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, and tuberculosis. It is important to note that the notion that yellow or green phlegm indicates a bacterial infection is incorrect. One cannot conclude that antibiotics are needed based solely on a change in phlegm color. How long the cough lasts is more important Doctors use the duration of a cough as a crucial factor in diagnosis. Coughs lasting less than 3 weeks are generally classified as acute coughs, those lasting 3 to 8 weeks as subacute coughs, and those lasting more than 8 weeks as chronic coughs. After a cold, even if other symptoms disappear, a cough can linger for several weeks. This is because inflammation and a state of increased susceptibility to irritation remain in the airway. Causes and Diseases that Can Cause Coughing Acute coughs are most commonly caused by colds, respiratory viral infections, influenza, COVID-19, and acute bronchitis. If accompanied by fever, chills, rapid breathing, or chest pain, pneumonia should be considered. Symptoms such as wheezing during breathing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and worsening cough at night or in the early morning can be seen in asthma. If you have a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and a feeling of mucus in your throat along with a cough, it could be allergies or upper airway cough syndrome. Post-nasal drip can also be a cause. If the cough worsens after eating or when lying down, and is accompanied by heartburn, acid reflux, and a sour taste in the mouth, it may be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Exposure to cigarettes, vapes, smoke, dust, and chemical fumes can also cause or worsen a cough. In smokers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung diseases should also be considered. Some medications in the ACE inhibitor class, used for high blood pressure, can also cause a dry cough. If a cough starts after taking medication, you should consult the prescribing doctor before stopping it on your own. Be aware of Tuberculosis (TB) and Whooping Cough Especially in areas where TB is prevalent, a persistent cough should not be dismissed as just a cold. Pulmonary TB can manifest as a cough lasting more than 3 weeks, coughing up blood, chest pain, fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Simultaneously, if you have a persistent, severe cough, you should also be aware of whooping cough. Initially, it may resemble a cold, but later it progresses to uncontrollable, violent coughing fits, followed by a "whoop" sound when inhaling or vomiting. In newborns and infants, it can lead to apnea (temporary cessation of breathing) without coughing, making it particularly critical. Danger Signs Requiring Immediate Attention If you experience shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, excessively rapid breathing, bluish lips or face, chest tightness, pain with breathing, coughing up blood, dizziness, loss of consciousness, drowsiness, confusion, high fever, extreme fatigue, dehydration, or a cough lasting more than 3 weeks (especially if accompanied by weight loss or night sweats), or if newborns and infants have difficulty breathing, feeding difficulties, or lethargy, you must seek medical attention. How to treat a cough The most important aspect of treating a cough is not just to "treat the cough itself" but to "treat the underlying cause of the cough." For a common cold caused by a virus, rest, plenty of fluids, warm beverages, and saline nasal drops for congestion can help alleviate symptoms. For children over one year old and adults, a small amount of honey can help relieve a cough, but infants under one year old should never be given honey. If you have a fever, use appropriate medication such as paracetamol as directed by a doctor.