A persistent cough can be debilitating, socially distressing, and adversely impair quality of life.<ref name="omaretal">{{cite journal | author = Omar S. Usmani, Maria G. Belvisi, Hema J. Patel, Natascia Crispino, Mark A. Birrell, Marta Korbonits, Dezso Korbonits, and Peter J. Barnes | title = Theobromine inhibits sensory nerve activation and cough. | journal = The FASEB Journal | volume = 19 | pages = 231-233 | year = 2005 | url = http://www.fasebj.org/cgi/reprint/19/2/231.pdf | format = pdf | language = english}}</ref> One of the more common presentations to a medical practitioner is a dry cough. The common causes of chronic dry coughing include [[post-nasal drip]], [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]], [[asthma]], [[post viral cough]] and certain [[drug]]s such as [[beta blockers]], [[ACE inhibitors]] and [[aspirin]]. If a cough lasts for more than three weeks, multiple causes are likely and symptoms will abate only when all the causes are treated will the patient be symptom free. Individuals who [[Smoking|smoke]] often have a [[smoker's cough]], a loud, hacking cough which often results in the expiration of [[phlegm]].
Coughing may also be used for psychological or social reasons, such as the coughing before giving a speech. This is known as psychogenic, habit or tic coughing, and may increase in frequency in social situations featuring conflict.<ref>{{citation | title = Coughing as an Indicator of Displacement Behaviour | url = http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/ftp01/MQ33337.pdf | author = Arella, A. | year = nd }} (Unpublished thesis)</ref>
Given its irritant nature to mammal tissues, [[capsaicin]] is widely used to determine the cough threshold and as a tussive stimulant in clinical research of cough suppressants.
==Complete List of Differential Diagnoses Sorted by Nonproductive vs Productive Nature of Cough==
==Complete List of Differential Diagnoses Sorted by Nonproductive vs Productive Nature of Cough==
Coughs can be treated with cough medicines. Dry coughs are treated with cough suppressants (antitussives) that suppress the body's urge to cough, while productive coughs (coughs that produce phlegm) are treated with expectorants that loosen mucus from the respiratory tract. Centrally acting cough suppressants, such as codeine and dextromethorphan reduce the urge to cough by inhibiting the response of the sensory endings by depolarization of the vagus nerve. A recent study indicates that, because of the presence of theobromine in chocolate, 50 grams of dark chocolate may be an effective treatment for a persistent cough.[3]
Gargling with salt and warm water can also be helpful by reducing phlegm.
During injections
Coughing during an injection can lessen the pain of the needle stick caused by a sudden, temporary rise in pressure in the chest and spinal canal, inhibiting the pain-conducting structures of the spinal cord.[4]
↑Sailer, Christian, Wasner, Susanne. Differential Diagnosis Pocket. Hermosa Beach, CA: Borm Bruckmeir Publishing LLC, 2002:77 ISBN 1591032016
↑Kahan, Scott, Smith, Ellen G. In A Page: Signs and Symptoms. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, 2004:68 ISBN 140510368X
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↑Usichenko, TI (2004). "Reducing venipuncture pain by a cough trick: a randomized crossover volunteer study". Anesthesia and Analgesia. 99 (3): 952–3. PMID14742367. Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (help); |access-date= requires |url= (help)
Additional Resource
McCool F (2006). "Global physiology and pathophysiology of cough: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines". Chest. 129 (1 Suppl): 48S–53S. PMID 16428691.Full text