Coughing – causes, types and remedies

A cold (influenza infection) manifests itself through symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose, and hoarseness. It is also often accompanied by a cough with phlegm or a dry cough. Colds are particularly common in fall and winter, with two to four infections per year not uncommon in adults. Children can even experience coughs and colds eight to twelve times a year. Overall, the course of a cold is very individual – as a rule of thumb, without complications, symptoms should begin to subside after three to seven days and disappear after about two weeks.

The “real flu,” or influenza, is a viral flu caused by the influenza virus. There are three types of influenza viruses (A, B, C), with type A being the most dangerous. The virus is widespread throughout the world and constantly mutates, which poses a challenge when developing the respective vaccine.

It is usually transmitted through droplet infection. The “flu-like infection,” which refers to a cold, is often equated with influenza. However, caution is advised when making this comparison: influenza and a cold are not the same thing! With real flu, the symptoms usually appear suddenly and severely. Influenza usually begins with chills and a strong feeling of illness. This can be accompanied by a fever of up to 40 degrees Celsius. Other possible symptoms include a sore throat, dry cough, runny nose, watery eyes, nausea, and headaches.

Without complications, the flu usually lasts one to two weeks—bed rest is essential! However, your general state of health plays an important role. In older people, infants, or people with other illnesses, the flu can also take a severe course or even become life-threatening. In addition, the immune system is severely weakened even after the acute infection period. During the acute phase and even afterwards, the body is particularly susceptible to bacterial infections, such as pneumonia or ear infections. Coughing can also be a possible symptom of COVID-19, often accompanied by fever and a runny nose. In this case, it is important to pay close attention to your own symptoms. A rapid test or PCR test can be performed to rule out coronavirus infection. In any case, however, if you suspect you may be infected, be considerate of those around you and, ideally, limit contact with others and stay at home until the risk of infection can be ruled out.

The mucous membrane of the respiratory tract responds to a viral attack with inflammation. Since the lower and upper respiratory tracts are anatomically connected and functionally similar, an infection of the upper respiratory tract, such as a cold or sinusitis, can quickly spread to the bronchi (known as a “change of level”). When this happens, the inflammation of the bronchi, known as acute bronchitis, releases chemical messengers that further irritate the bronchial mucous membrane. In addition, there is increased mucus production, which can trigger a mechanical cough reflex. The millions of tiny hairs responsible for transporting mucus are no longer able to do their job properly. As the condition progresses, the bronchial muscles may cramp up. The body tries to get rid of the mucus by contracting the muscles and coughing.

The severity and duration of pneumonia depend on the pathogen and the patient's constitution. In general, however, it can be said that bacterial pneumonia is the most severe form. It is important to seek medical treatment for pneumonia. If the immune system is weakened, the risk of developing pneumonia is high. In 70 percent of cases, it is caused by bacteria, and less commonly by viruses or fungi. As the body's own defense system is weakened, the infection spreads to the alveoli. This means that breathing is impaired. Pneumonia is usually accompanied by fever, chills, and chest pain.

In people with asthma, the bronchial tubes react excessively to irritants that are inhaled with the air. In allergic asthma, these irritants include allergens such as animal hair, dust mites, or pollen.

There are many causes of asthma: genetic predisposition, allergies, or psychosomatic disorders. During an asthma attack, the airways constrict, creating a feeling of breathlessness. The person affected suddenly suffers from shortness of breath and the fear of suffocating. An asthma attack can be accompanied by wheezing, coughing, phlegm, and a feeling of tightness and pressure in the chest.

Medical treatment is necessary for asthmatic conditions. It is important that asthma-specific therapy is initiated early by a doctor and adhered to by the patient, especially since asthma can be treated effectively with medication.

If the lungs are permanently inflamed, this may be due to COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). In this case, the airways are constantly inflamed and narrowed. As COPD is incurable, it is important to work with your lung specialist to find a treatment that suits your individual circumstances.