Description:

A cough is the body’s response mechanism to expel irritants, secretions and foreign articles from the throat and airways through sudden loud expulsion of air from the lungs.

 

Causes:

— Chronic – lasts longer than eight weeks
     Allergies
     Asthma
     Bronchitis
     Postnatal Drip

— Acute-  lasts less than three weeks
     Common Cold
     Influenza (flu)
     Pneumonia
     Whooping Cough

 

Complications:

A cough that persists and is unusually productive or bloody may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention.