A tickle in the throat, a runny nose – and suddenly, the cough begins. Most of the time, this is caused by a temporary respiratory infection. But a cough is not just annoying: it is an important protective reflex of our body and helps to keep the airways clear.
Why do we cough in the first place? How do you distinguish between a cold, the flu, asthma, and COPD – and when is a cough no longer just a cough?
With every breath, air travels through the nose and throat into the trachea, on into the bronchi, and finally into the alveoli. This is where the actual gas exchange takes place: oxygen enters the blood, and carbon dioxide is released into the exhaled air.
At the same time, dust, particles, and pathogens also enter the airways with the air. The body has various protective mechanisms to counter this.
A large part of the airways is lined with a mucous membrane. Mucus can trap inhaled particles, while tiny cilia help transport this material toward the throat. This interaction is known as mucociliary clearance.
When breathing through the nose, inhaled air is filtered, warmed, and humidified before it reaches the deeper sections of the airways. Thus, the nose and mucous membranes form an important part of our airways' natural protective barrier.
Initially, coughing is not a disease, but a protective reflex. If the airways are irritated, a powerful burst of air can help to remove mucus, foreign bodies, or other irritants from the airways.
With a respiratory infection, a cough can initially be dry and irritating. As it progresses, more mucus may be produced. Even after other cold symptoms have subsided, the cough may persist for some time.
Therefore, it is not just the number of days someone coughs that is decisive. The progression, accompanying symptoms, pre-existing conditions, and the question of whether the cough is gradually improving or getting worse are also important.
In everyday life, colds and the flu are often equated. Medically, however, they are different illnesses.
A cold can be triggered by numerous different viruses. Typical symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, and cough. Symptoms often develop rather gradually.
A true flu – influenza – on the other hand, is caused by influenza viruses. It can start suddenly and be accompanied by fever, a pronounced feeling of illness, headaches and muscle aches, coughing, and other symptoms.
COVID-19 and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can also cause respiratory infections. Since the symptoms of various infections can overlap, it is not always possible to reliably determine which pathogen is behind them based on individual symptoms alone.
Not every cough is a cold. Chronic respiratory diseases can also cause coughing and breathing difficulties.
Pneumonia and numerous other diseases can also be accompanied by a cough. Therefore, a cough that follows an unusual course, recurs repeatedly, or is accompanied by shortness of breath should not be dismissed over the long term as just a "cold cough."
Especially with COPD, symptoms often develop insidiously. A morning cough or phlegm is sometimes accepted for years as "smoker's cough." Later, shortness of breath during physical exertion may be added.
Smoking is the most important risk factor for COPD, but not the only possible influence. Long-term exposure to harmful particles and gases can also play a role.
Anyone who has a cough over a long period, regular phlegm, or increasingly gets out of breath when climbing stairs or walking quickly should have these symptoms medically examined. Spirometry – a lung function test – is an important examination for diagnosing COPD.
One of the most important modifiable factors for lung health is a smoke-free daily life. Anyone who smokes benefits from quitting, regardless of how long they have been smoking.
Regular physical activity supports general physical performance. If existing lung or heart diseases are present, the type and intensity of movement should be adjusted to the individual situation.
With an uncomplicated respiratory infection, the focus is often on rest and sufficient fluid intake. Antibiotics, however, do not help against viruses and are therefore not automatically useful for a common viral respiratory infection.
Many respiratory pathogens are transmitted via droplets and aerosols. Especially in indoor spaces where several people are present, the risk of transmission can be increased.
Anyone with symptoms of a respiratory infection should reduce contacts as much as possible and stay at home. Regular ventilation reduces the concentration of potential pathogens in the indoor air. Coughing and sneezing into a paper tissue or the crook of the arm, as well as good hand hygiene, also help to reduce transmission.
Depending on the personal situation, vaccinations can also play a role. In Switzerland, there are recommendations for vaccinations against influenza, COVID-19, and measures against RSV for certain groups of people. Which vaccinations are individually recommended depends on age, pregnancy, and health risk factors, among other things.
Not automatically. The color of the phlegm alone does not reliably show whether a bacterial infection is present or if an antibiotic is required. The overall clinical picture and the progression are decisive.
No. A cough can persist longer after a respiratory infection than a runny nose or sore throat. It is important whether it gradually improves and whether additional warning signs appear.
Persistent coughing and phlegm should not be dismissed as a normal side effect of smoking. They can be signs of a chronic lung disease like COPD and should be investigated.
Common colds are caused by viruses. Antibiotics work against bacteria and are therefore not effective in an uncomplicated viral infection.
Not every cough requires a visit to the doctor. However, if it lasts an unusually long time, gets stronger instead of better, or recurs repeatedly, the cause should be assessed medically.
This is especially true if you also experience shortness of breath, a pronounced feeling of illness, persistent or high fever, chest pain, or blood in your phlegm. People with chronic heart or lung diseases as well as people with an increased risk of severe respiratory infections should also seek medical advice early if they have symptoms.
Severe or sudden shortness of breath, bluish or grayish discoloration of the lips or skin, impaired consciousness, or severe chest pain require immediate medical assessment. In an acute emergency situation in Switzerland, the emergency number is 144.
Coughing is, first and foremost, a useful protective mechanism of our airways. With a common respiratory infection, it usually disappears again – sometimes, however, later than the other symptoms.
The progression is decisive: persistent or recurring cough, increasing shortness of breath, and other warning signs should not simply be dismissed as a cold. A smoke-free daily life, physical activity, sensible hygiene measures, and individually recommended vaccinations help to protect the airways and general health.
Coughing is a protective reflex. It helps the body remove mucus, foreign bodies, and other irritants from the airways.
Colds are caused by various viruses and often develop rather gradually. Influenza, on the other hand, can start suddenly with fever, severe malaise, headaches and muscle aches, as well as a cough.
A cough can last longer than other cold symptoms and persist for some time after an infection. If it does not gradually get better, lasts an unusually long time, or warning signs are added, the cause should be medically clarified.
Not automatically. The color of the phlegm alone is not enough to distinguish between a viral and a bacterial infection or to decide on the necessity of an antibiotic.
Medicinal mushrooms with tradition
Medicinal mushrooms with tradition
