PULSE YOUR HEALTH

  A cough is a common symptom that affects many people. It is a natural reflex that helps your body clear your airways from irritants, mucus, or infections. But what are the main causes of cough and how can you treat them? Common causes of acute and subacute cough Acute cough is a cough that lasts less than three weeks, while subacute cough lasts three to eight weeks. These types of cough are usually caused by viral infections, such as the common cold, influenza , respiratory syncytial virus infection or COVID-19 . These infections can cause inflammation and irritation in your throat, nose, and lungs, leading to a cough that may be dry or productive (bringing up mucus). Other possible causes of acute and subacute cough include: Inhaling an irritant, such as smoke, dust, chemicals, or a foreign object Pneumonia , which is an infection in one or both lungs Whooping cough, which is a bacterial infection that causes a severe cough with a whooping sound Bronchitis, which is an inflammation