cough

The cough - A reflex action that helps to clear the airways of sputum, a foreign body, or any other irritant or blockage. A cough is described as “productive” when it brings up mucus or sputum and “unproductive” or “dry” when it does not.

CAUSES:
Many coughs are due to irritation of the airways by dust, smoke (see cough, smoker’s), or a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (see cold, common; laryngitis; pharyngitis; tracheitis). Coughing is also a feature of bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, and lung cancer.

TREATMENT:
Over-the-counter cough remedies are available, but, in general, they just ease symptoms. More specific treatment is directed at the underlying disorder.