The Cough-Types,Causes and Effects

The cough is a defensive mechanisme aiming of secretions or inhaled particules from the respiratory tract.

Types:
1.Reflex Cough: (Due to irritation of vagal receptors)
Causes:
-pharyngits,tonsilitis,ulcer,tumours,post-nasal discharge.
-foreign body,laryngitis,ulcer,tumours
-bronchial asthma,bronchial tumours
-pneumonias,abcess,T.B
-pulmonary infections

In case of pharyngeal diseases the cough is painful,non-productive and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
In case of laryngeal diseases the cough is painful,barking and may be accompanied by hoarseness of voice or stridor.

Extra-respiratory causes:
-pulmonary congestionin left sided heart failure
-pulmonary embolism
-ressure on a bronchus
-aortic aneurysm
In this case the cough is brassy and bovine.

2.Central Cough: (Due to irritation of cough centre)
Causes: brain tumours,cerebrovascular strokes,encephalitis.
In this case the cough is dry and is a result of neurological manifestations.

Cough Effects:
-rupture of pulmonary bullae or blebs leading to pneumothorax
-stress fractures of ribs
-precipitate rupture
-hernia
-prolapse of rectum or uterus
-incontinence of urine and stools
-retinal and subconjunctival hemorrhage
-retinal detachment
-insomnia
-infection dissemination.