Everything You Need to Know About Cough Symptoms

Allergies: Allergies to dust, pollen, or other allergens can cause a cough.
Environmental irritants: Exposure to smoke, dust, or fumes can irritate the airways and cause a cough.
Asthma: Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Coughing is a common symptom of asthma.
COPD: COPD is a group of lung diseases that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Coughing is a common symptom of COPD.
GERD: GERD is a condition in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Coughing is a common symptom of GERD.
Medications: Some medications, such as ACE inhibitors, can cause a cough.
Heart disease: Heart disease can sometimes cause a cough.
Lung cancer: Lung cancer can sometimes cause a cough.

Treatment for Coughs

The treatment for a cough depends on the underlying cause. In most cases, coughs will resolve on their own without treatment. However, there are a number of things you can do to help relieve the symptoms of a cough, including:

Drink plenty of fluids: Fluids help to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up.
Get plenty of rest: Rest helps your body to heal.
Use over-the-counter cough medications: Over-the-counter cough medications can help to suppress the cough or loosen mucus.
Use a humidifier: A humidifier can help to add moisture to the air, which can help to loosen mucus.
Try home remedies: There are a number of home remedies that may help to relieve the symptoms of a cough, such as gargling with salt water or sucking on lozenges.

When to See a Doctor

If you have a cough that is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain, you should see a doctor.