Acute coughing and chronic cough: differences and similarities

The worst phase of the cold seems to be over, but there it is again – or still there: that unpleasant scratchy throat that heralds the next inevitable coughing fit. Unpleasant for yourself and sure to attract disapproving looks in public. After two weeks at the latest, everyone wonders whether the annoying cough is still part of the acute cold or whether a chronic cough has developed.

Acute cough: usually caused by a cold or flu

Alongside a runny nose, coughing is a typical symptom of a common cold. Often, the acute coughing fits only become more severe once the other symptoms have already started to subside. This is why coughing usually lasts longer than the other cold symptoms and often develops from an acute tickly cough to a cough with phlegm and then to a dry tickly cough. A cough can therefore last for two weeks or longer when you have a cold. A dry cough in particular is often still a nuisance even after the actual cold has passed.

In contrast to a cold, a dry cough usually starts suddenly with real flu and often lasts longer. In addition to natural home remedies, a herbal cough remedy such as Prospan can also help to alleviate cough symptoms and shorten the duration of a cold.

Acute coughing without a cold or flu

Coughing with a cold or flu can be really unpleasant, but acute coughing without any disease-causing culprits involved is actually nothing to worry about – on the contrary: coughing serves as our body's natural defence mechanism. The acute coughing reflex expels germs, dust and other unwanted particles from the respiratory tract so that we can breathe freely again. In this way, the body protects us from irritants and keeps the throat, bronchi and lungs clean. Sometimes we cough deliberately, sometimes it just happens automatically.

Subacute cough

Between acute coughing and chronic coughing, there is another form: subacute coughing. It usually lasts three to eight weeks and often occurs when you have just recovered from a cold or bronchitis. Although the actual infection has been overcome, the airways are still sensitive – the mucous membranes are irritated and the cough receptors are overactive. It is usually a dry, persistent cough that is triggered especially by cold weather, laughter or exercise. Although quite annoying, it is harmless in most cases and will subside with a little patience. It is important to take care of your body during this time and to look after your respiratory tract, e.g. by drinking plenty of fluids, exercising in the fresh air or regularly inhaling steam, so that it can recover completely.

When is a cough chronic?

If a cough lasts longer than eight weeks, it is considered chronic. Often, there is a harmless cause, such as mucus running from the nose into the throat (postnasal drip), stomach acid rising during reflux and irritating the airways, or asthma. Allergies can also be a common cause. In some cases, chronic bronchitis or another lung disease may also be the cause. Because there are so many possible triggers, it is advisable to see your GP, pulmonologist or ENT specialist if you have a chronic cough.

Acute, subacute and chronic cough: similarities and differences

Whether acute, subacute or chronic, all three types of cough are caused by the same mechanism: a protective reflex of the respiratory tract to get rid of something that does not belong there. The main difference between coughs lies in their duration and the causes that can trigger the urge to cough:

Acute cough:

• Lasts between 2-3 weeks
• Usually caused by a cold or flu
• With phlegm or dry
• Generally harmless, drink plenty of fluids & rest

Subacute cough:

• Lasts between 3-8 weeks
• Respiratory tract still sensitive after infection
• Dry cough when cold, laughing, exercising
• Patience and gentle care of the respiratory tract: drink plenty of fluids, inhale steam, get fresh air, avoid smoke and pollutants

Chronic cough:

• Lasts for more than 8 weeks
• Possible causes: allergies, asthma, bronchitis, reflux, medication
• Dry or productive cough
• Best to have it checked by a doctor

Natural relief for acute and chronic coughs

For acute coughs, e.g. as part of a cold, natural home remedies such as drinking plenty of fluids, warm teas and steam inhalations can gently relieve the symptoms. Herbal cough remedies such as Prospan with the special ivy extract EA 575 also help to loosen mucus and make breathing easier. Prospan can also relieve the urge to cough and relax the bronchial tubes in cases of chronic coughs that persist or recur.