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Cough 101
Why do we cough?
Coughing is the body's reflex to expel the following:
- Phlegm from the respiratory tract
- Irritants (e.g., dust) from the throat or windpipe
It is a warning sign, a symptom of a possible disease in the respiratory tract or lungs.
It also usually occurs after a cold (due to post-nasal drip) or during inflammation and bacterial/viral infection in the respiratory tract or lungs.
Dry Cough
Dry cough is cough without phlegm.
Causes: External triggers such as pollutants and foreign particles *dust, debris, pollution, etc)
Symptom: Itchy throat
Treatment: Antitussives
Cough with Phlegm
Causes: Infection in the lung tract
Symptoms: Heaviness, breathlessness, itchy throat, or difficulty in spitting out phlegm.
Treatment: Mucolytics like Solmux can give you the best relief from cough with phlegm.
Allergic Cough
Causes: Reaction to allergies like food, pet dander, pollen, etc.
Symptoms: Coughing, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose and nasal congestion.
Treatment: Anti-allergy treatments
Phlegm Indicator
Phlegm is not always green. As long as there are secretions as a result of coughing, your body is trying to expel what irritates the respiratory tract. Learn about the alert levels of phlegm.
White
This is a sign of the possible start of infection and there may be swollen or inflamed tissues
Yellow
Your infection may be progressing and your body is trying to fight the infection.
Green
Your immune system is continuously fighting the infection that you have. You may want to see your doctor.
Pink or Red
May be a sign of blood. Please consult your doctor immediately.
