Coughing is the body's way of removing foreign material or mucus from the lungs and upper airway passages or of reacting to an irritated airway. Coughs have distinctive traits you can learn to recognize.

A cough is only a symptom, not a disease, and often the importance of your cough can be determined only when other symptoms are evaluated.

Productive coughs
What is a productive cough?

A productive cough produces phlegm or mucus (sputum). the mucus may have drained down the back of the throat from the nose or sinuses (postnasal drainage) or may have come up from the lungs. A productive cough generally should not be suppressed; it clears mucus from the lungs. there are many causes of a productive cough, such as:

·       viral illnesses. it is normal to have a productive cough when you have a common cold. coughing is often triggered by mucus that drains down the back of the throat.

·       infections. an infection of the lungs or upper airway passages can cause a cough. a productive cough may be a symptom of pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, or tuberculosis.

·       chronic lung disease. a productive cough could be a sign that a disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd) is getting worse.

·       stomach Acid backing up into the esophagus. this type of coughing may be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (Gerd) and may awaken you from Sleep.

·       nasal discharge draining down the back of the throat (postnasal drip syndrome). this can cause a productive cough or the feeling that you constantly need to clear your throat. experts disagree about whether a postnasal drip or the viral illness that caused it is responsible for the cough.

·       smoking or other tobacco use. productive coughs in a person who smokes or uses other forms of tobacco is often a sign of lung damage or irritation of the throat or esophagus..

 
Nonproductive coughs

What are nonproductive cough?

A nonproductive cough is dry and does not produce sputum. a dry, hacking cough may develop toward the end of a cold or after exposure to an irritant, such as dust or smoke. there are many causes of a nonproductive cough, such as:

Viral illnesses.
Bronchospasm. a nonproductive cough, particularly at night, may indicate spasms in the bronchial tubes (bronchospasm) caused by irritation.
allergies. frequent sneezing is also a common symptom of allergic rhinitis.

Medications called ace inhibitors that are used to control high Blood pressure. examples of ace inhibitors include captopril (capoten), enalapril maleate (vasotec), and lisinopril (prinivil, zestril, or zestoretic).

Exposure to dust, fumes, and chemicals in the work environment.
Asthma. A chronic dry cough may be a sign of mild Asthma. other symptoms may include wheezing, shortness of breath, or a feeling of tightness in the chest. For more information, see the topic Asthma.

Coughs in children

children may develop coughs from diseases or causes that usually do not affect adults, such as:

• ·       croup.
• ·       bronchiolitis.
• ·       infection of the lower respiratory system (such as caused by respiratory syncytial virus, or rsv).
• ·       a foreign object, such as a toy or a food item, stuck in the airway.
• ·       exposure to secondhand smoke from parents or caregivers who smoke.
• ·       emotional or psychological problems. a dry, nonproductive "psychogenic cough" is seen more frequently in children than in adults.

Many coughs are caused by a viral illness. antibiotics are not used to treat viral illnesses and do not alter the course of viral infections. unnecessary use of an antibiotic exposes you to the risks of an allergic reaction and antibiotic side effects, such as Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, rashes, and yeast infections. antibiotics also may kill beneficial bacteria and encourage the development of dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

A careful evaluation of your health may help you identify other symptoms. Remember, a cough is only a symptom, not a disease, and often the importance of your cough can only be determined when other symptoms are evaluated. coughs occur with bacterial and viral respiratory infections.

Treatment

Anise (pimpinella anisum)
anise helps expel mucus, while being anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic.  When used for colds, coughs and bronchitis it also reduces Nausea, gas and Bloating.  It’s safe for infants and children and is a popular Colic and indigestion remedy.  It’s often mixed with other herbs for above effects and for the sweet licorice taste.

 
Elecampane (inula helenium)
this herb has been used for coughs and bronchitis including chronic cough since it’s so gentle for children.  Its soothing expectorant properties help expel excess mucus while having antibacterial effects.  Elecampane relieves bronchial spasms in Asthma emphysema and bronchitis.

 
Horehound (marrubium vulgare)
Horehound has been used for hundreds of years as a cough remedy as it loosens mucus, soothes coughs, aids stuffy noses, relieves sore throats and colds.  It is excellent for bronchitis, wheezing and congested chest that is unable to expel mucus.  Use horehound for treating Asthma or chronic lung conditions with poor expectoration.

 
Wild cherry bark (prunus serotina)
Wild cherry bark is astringent and antispasmodic, helping to quiet coughs and dry up mucus.  It will relieve dry irritating coughs in bronchitis, Whooping cough and Asthma.  It eases indigestion and irritable bowel and other digestive complaints.

 
Yerba santa (eriodictyon californicum)
Yerba santa is a native american herb that has been used for Asthma, chronic bronchitis and colds.  It benefits dry coughs by being an expectorant for difficult to expel mucus. 

 Other herbs that may help include:

• Camphor
• Coltsfoot
• Couch Grass
• Cowslip
• Eucalyptus
• Fennel
• Iceland Moss
• Ipecac
• Licorice
• Linden Flower
• Marshmallow
• Mullein
• Oregano
• Peppermint
• Poppy
• Red Clover
• Savory
• Senega Root
• Slippery Elm
• Squill
• Thyme
• Turpentine Oil
• Vervain