Cough

The Problem
You have a cough, which is the body’s reflex to an irritation in the sinuses, throat, breathing tubes, or lungs, you have either a productive cough, which brings up mucus, or a nonproductive cough, which is dry and hacking

Causes of Cough
Cigarette smoking. You cough may be nonproductive or productive and gagging, and it is worse when you get up in the morning or after smoking. Smoker’s cough is caused by the many poisonous chemicals in cigarette smoke, and the only way to get rid of it is to stop smoking

Respiratory infection. You have a productive cough and fever (102℉ or higher). You are extremely tired, your muscles ache, and you feel too sick to go about your normal daily activities. Coughing up white mucus is usually a sign of a viral infection, which needs to run its course, but you can relieve the symptoms with self-care measures. Green or rust-colored mucus is often a sign of a bacterial infection, which may require an antibiotic.

Self-Care Measures

• If you cough is productive, don’t try to suppress it except at nighttime to allow sleep. Use a cool-mist vaporizer, or take a hot shower to thin the mucus and make it easier to cough up. Try an over-the –counter expectorant cough medicine (look for guaifenesin as an ingredient, but do not use guaifenesin if you have a persistent or chronic cough with large amounts of mucus or an asthma-related cough). Drink plenty of liquids.
• If your cough is nonproductive, try throat lozenges, hard candies, or an over-the –counter cough suppressant (look for the ingredient dextromethorphan, but do not use dextromethorphan if you taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor [MAOI] unless directed to by your doctor). You can also try honey mixed with hot water, tea, or lemon juice.
• If a postnasal drip is irritating the back of your throat and causing your cough, over-the-counter decongestants or antihistamines can help dry up the mucus.
• If a common cold is the cause.
  

Prevention
If your cough is caused by smoking, it may be an indicator of far more serious problems to come. Try to quit, and avoid exposure to second-hand smoke.