Cough

Definition

A cough is a sudden, forceful expulsion of air from the lungs, often resulting from irritation or inflammation in the respiratory tract. Coughing serves as a reflex mechanism to clear mucus, foreign particles, or pathogens from the airway, and can be a symptom of various underlying health issues including respiratory infections, allergies, and chronic diseases.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coughing can be classified into acute (lasting less than three weeks), subacute (lasting three to eight weeks), and chronic (lasting longer than eight weeks).
2. Chronic cough is often associated with underlying conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
3. Certain antihypertensive medications, particularly ACE inhibitors, are known to cause a persistent dry cough as a side effect.
4. Cough can serve as a protective reflex to prevent aspiration of food or liquids into the lungs.
5. Coughing may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest pain, which can help determine its cause.

Review Questions

• What role does a cough play in the respiratory system and how does it contribute to maintaining airway health?
  • A cough plays a vital role in maintaining airway health by serving as a reflex mechanism to expel irritants such as mucus, dust, or pathogens from the respiratory tract. This protective action helps prevent infections and keeps the airways clear. By forcefully expelling air, coughing helps remove obstructions that could lead to more serious complications if not addressed.
• Discuss how certain antihypertensive drugs can lead to coughing and the implications this has for patient management.
  • Certain antihypertensive drugs, particularly ACE inhibitors, are known to cause a persistent dry cough in some patients due to the accumulation of bradykinin. This side effect can be significant enough for patients to discontinue use of these medications. It’s important for healthcare providers to monitor patients for cough and consider alternative treatments if the cough is bothersome or affects their quality of life.
• Evaluate the impact of cough on patient compliance with antihypertensive therapy and suggest strategies for addressing this challenge.
  • Cough can significantly affect patient compliance with antihypertensive therapy, especially when side effects like a persistent dry cough lead to discontinuation of medication. Addressing this challenge requires healthcare providers to have open discussions with patients about potential side effects and alternative medications that do not cause cough. Additionally, educating patients on the importance of managing hypertension effectively can encourage adherence despite minor side effects.

Related terms

Antitussive: A class of medications designed to suppress or relieve coughing.

Expectorant: A medication that helps loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up.

Bronchospasm: A sudden constriction of the muscles in the walls of the bronchioles, which can lead to coughing and difficulty breathing.