Cough

Cough is the body’s response to any irritants which your airways and throat may get exposed to. Coughing helps to remove foreign material in the lungs and airways, or is a reaction to an irritated airway to help expel the irritant. 

Cough usually manifests as a symptom of an underlying disease and is not a disorder on its own. There are many reasons why a patient may be suffering from persistent coughing. Some of these are:

• A bacterial infection in the lung, which may lead to diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, whooping cough, laryngitis or tuberculosis.

• A viral infection, such as the common cold or even bronchiolitis.

• Chronic lung disease.

• Stomach acid reflux into the oesophagus.

• Postnasal drip, whereby nasal discharge is drained down the throat, requiring the patient to constantly clear their throat.

• Influenza.

• Allergies may also trigger cough, such as in the case of allergic rhinitis.

Cough is also a symptom of many other serious diseases, such as lung cancer, heart diseases, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or even neuromuscular diseases such as Parkinsonism. ​​

When to seek expert advice

If you experience shortness of breath, gasping or choking along with your cough, you must seek help from your doctor working with the Section of Otolaryngology (ENT) at The Aga Khan University Hospital. In addition, wheezing, coughing up coloured phlegm and running a fever with your cough are also signs of an underlying infection or disorder and must be assessed by a doctor. In extreme cases, if you cough up blood or pink-coloured phlegm, it indicates the need for immediate medical care.

At the Section of Otolaryngology (ENT), our internationally trained staff is dedicated to providing quality healthcare to all patients. You can be assured of receiving personalized attention and care from your doctor, and can discuss your symptoms and concerns in complete confidence for a complete treatment plan to be developed for you.​​