A cough is a reflex action to clear your airways of mucus, phlegm and irritants, such as dust, smoke or a foreign body. A cough can be caused by inflammation of your upper respiratory tract (throat and windpipe) due to a viral infection. A viral infection can be a common cold, flu, laryngitis or bronchitis. Coughs caused by the common cold or the flu usually clear up after a few days. However a cough which is caused by a lung infection, such as bronchitis, may be present for several weeks after the infection has gone due to inflammation in the airways. A bad cough is the main symptom of a viral infection, such as the cold or flu. The cough can be very irritating, and may keep you awake at night and make your chest hurt. If you have bronchitis, a cough will usually develop a few days after the other symptoms of the infection. These may include:
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The Common Cold
A cold is a contagious viral disease which infects the soft lining (mucus membrane) of the nose. There are more than 100 different viruses which can result in a cold.
Usually the common cold is a mild condition, with recovery taking place within a week. A person is contagious from the day before the illness breaks out until one to three days after they start to feel better. The infection is spread by airborne droplets when the sufferer coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread by hand. Symptoms of a cold can include:
For further detailed information, visit http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/colds.htm
