Coughing is a natural reflex to clear the passages that help us breath. Your body contains cough receptors that when stimulated, send a message to the brain. This message goes to the voice box, the muscles between the ribs and in the abdomen. The glottis, or flap that closes your windpipe to foods, is forced open when pressure changes occur in the lungs. The resulting noise is called a cough.

Many times a person with a chronic cough takes it for granted. This is often true of the "smoker's cough" that many smokers come to accept as a part of waking up. The problem may be more serious than they think. Any cough that lasts a month or more is chronic. This is true even if it occurs only in the morning, only at night, or only in the winter. It is also true if it is either a dry cough or a productive cough. A productive cough is one that brings up sputum. A productive cough that lasts for months or comes back year after year is often a sign of chronic bronchitis. Other causes include pneumonia or tuberculosis.

One common cause of a chronic cough is allergy. In some cases, a trial of antihistamine or decongestant drugs may decrease allergic coughing. However, a cough can also signal a chronic airway obstruction or even cancer. Any cough that causes sustained shortness of breath, severe pain, or brings up blood should get medical attention right away.

Taking cough drops or syrups for more than a week may only mask the illness while it gets worse. Long term use of cough syrups that are purchased without a prescription is usually not helpful. Seek medical evaluation if your cough is unexplained or you have been coughing for a long period.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go