Cough - Causes, forms and help
This page provides general information about coughs.
The most important information at a glance
How does a cough develop?
Coughing is an important protective mechanism of the body. The cause of coughing can be chemical or mechanical irritants that affect the airways or bronchi, such as inhaled dust particles or foreign bodies. In order to clear the airways of foreign substances, the air is expelled explosively – this allows the irritating particles to be removed and makes it possible to breathe freely again.
Another common cause of coughing—whether dry or with phlegm—is a viral infection, such as a cold or mild bronchitis. Pathogens often first settle in the upper respiratory tract and then spread to the lower respiratory tract.
The invading viruses attack the cells of the bronchial mucosa and can thus disrupt the functions of the so-called cilia. These fine hairs normally ensure that mucus – and everything caught in it – is naturally removed from the respiratory tract. This cleanses our lungs “from the inside out”, so to speak. When an infection occurs, even more mucus is produced to transport the pathogens out of the lungs. However, if the cilia can no longer perform their cleansing function, our body tries to remove the accumulated mucus by coughing. If there is a lot of mucus involved, this is referred to as a productive cough.
What types of cough are there?
In everyday language, a distinction is usually made between a dry or unproductive cough and a productive or phlegmy cough. So what is the difference between these two types of cough?
Causes
Sometimes even a small speck of dust or overly dry heated air is enough: if the mucous membrane in the throat is dry and irritated, the slightest trigger can cause coughing or a full-blown coughing fit.
Symptoms
A characteristic of this type of cough is that the body's ability to clear the airways is insufficient. Without mucus production, the cough is primarily a reaction to an irritant. This unproductive cough is dry and barking.
Description
Unproductive cough, also called dry cough or tickly cough
Healing process
As part of the natural healing process, a dry cough may occur after the productive coughing phase with mucus.
Causes
Distinguishing between a dry and a productive cough with phlegm is not so easy for the average person. A close look at the sputum – if present – can be worthwhile, as it can provide clues to the cause of the illness and can be assessed by a doctor.
Symptoms
A productive cough is moist, mucousy, and involves increased audible expectoration
Description
Productive cough - cough with phlegm (mucus)
Healing Process
Mucus can be a breeding ground for pathogens such as bacteria. Therefore, instead of suppressing the urge to cough, it is important to support the expectoration of the mucus – this helps to clear the congested bronchi of the trapped secretions.
Are there any other species?
In addition to the distinction between dry and phlegmy/moist/mucous, coughs are also classified according to their duration. This results in the subdivision of acute, subacute, and chronic coughs.
Acute cough
This type of cough lasts about two weeks and is usually triggered by a mild respiratory tract infection, such as a cold. Allergies or inhaling a foreign body can also lead to an acute coughing fit.
Subacute cough
Subacute coughs usually last around two to eight weeks. They are usually caused by a mild lingering respiratory infection, although the symptoms have already subsided except for a dry cough.
Chronic cough
A cough may be described as chronic if it persists over a longer period of time.
How long does a cough last?
Just like a runny nose, coughing is part of the normal course of a cold, but it usually peaks when the other symptoms are already subsiding. Accordingly, coughing often lasts longer than the other symptoms. An acute cough associated with a cold can last two weeks or longer and thus turn into a subacute cough. A dry cough can also persist for some time, even after the actual cold has passed.
Phase 1: Dry cough
2-3 days of dry cough without phlegm
Phase 2: Mild bronchitis
Up to 14 days of coughing with phlegm and mucus
Phase 3: Dry cough
Up to 8 weeks of dry cough
What to do about a cough? 3 tips for a speedy recovery
Herbal medicines
Herbal medicines, such as Prospan : Herbal extracts, for example from ivy, have a long tradition in medicine. Some herbal substances – including the ivy special extract EA 575® in Prospan – have now been well scientifically studied and proven effective in relieving the symptoms of acute cough**.
Chest wraps and chest rubs
For colds, especially during the nasal congestion phase, chest rubs with ointments containing essential oils can provide relief: pine needle, eucalyptus, menthol, or camphor. Important: Never use essential oils on infants and toddlers under 2 years old. Chest compresses can also be helpful: cold compresses for excessive sweating and hot compresses for excessive chills.
Inhale
To soothe mucous membranes and ease coughing, steam inhalation with salt water or chamomile tea is recommended. This moisturizes the mucous membranes and thus facilitates expectoration. Alternatively, the hot water can be enriched with essential oils, such as eucalyptus.
Our cough remedies with the special ivy extract EA 575
What are some possible causes of coughing?
A cold
A common cold is a mild viral infection that can cause symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose and hoarseness. A chesty or dry cough is also common. Coughing often occurs as the airways become irritated and produce excess mucus. Colds are common throughout the year, particularly in autumn and winter. Overall, the course of a cold varies greatly from person to person – as a general rule, without complications, symptoms should begin to subside after three to seven days and disappear completely after about two weeks.
The flu
The flu can cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue and cough. These conditions may feel more intense than a common cold and can develop very quickly. Because symptoms can vary in severity, it is important to monitor how you feel and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or persist.
Bronchial irritation or inflammation
When the airways become irritated or inflamed, they may produce excess mucus and trigger a cough. This can happen following a cold or when the respiratory tract is sensitive to environmental factors such as dust, smoke or cold air. Coughing helps clear mucus from the airways, but when irritation persists, symptoms may take time to settle.
Serious chest infections
More serious infections of the lungs can also cause coughing, often alongside symptoms such as fever, fatigue and difficulty breathing. These conditions require medical diagnosis and treatment. If symptoms are severe or worsen, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.
Long-term respiratory conditions
Some long-term respiratory conditions can cause persistent coughing due to narrowing or sensitivity of the airways. These conditions require appropriate medical management and ongoing care. If you experience a persistent or recurring cough, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.
How can I best prevent a cough?
Of course, we all want to avoid catching a cold if possible. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to stay healthy. Here are our top tips on how to prevent a cough:
Follow general hygiene rules
It is best to always wash your hands
thoroughly, ideally with liquid soap from a dispenser. Paper towels are recommended for drying your hands.
Stay warm and dry
If you happen to come out of a downpour soaking wet: A warm shower and hot tea will quickly make you feel comfortably warm again.
Heat moderately and ventilate regularly
A humidifier prevents dry indoor air and keeps your mucous membranes from drying out too quickly.
Stay Hydrated
Drink 2 to 3 litres of fluids daily, preferably still water, diluted fruit juices, or herbal teas. It is best to avoid alcohol and nicotine.
Rest & relaxation
Regularly allow yourself time for rest and relaxation. A structured daily routine with ample planning time can help avoid hectic and stressful situations.
Regular exercise
Cycling, running, swimming - any kind
of sport keeps you fit and strengthens your immune system.
When should I go to the doctor?
The following symptoms require medical evaluation:
Pain, rattling and whistling sounds when breathing
Yellowish, viscous mucus
Severe shortness of breath during exertion
Purulent or bloody sputum
No improvement after starting treatment
Cough that lasts longer than eight weeks
For coughs in children under 2 years old
Prolonged symptoms, i.e., more than five episodes of coughing in the last 24 months.
Sources
* IQVIA PharmaTrend, Absatz, MAT 12/22
** Schaefer A. et al., Pharmazie 2016; 71(9): 504–509.
*** Lang et al., Planta Medica 2015, 81(12/13), 968-974.
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