Cough classification
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Cough classification On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Cough can be divided into productive cough and non-productive cough.
Classification
Depending on duration, a cough can be classified as acute, subacute, or chronic. Acute coughs last less than 3 weeks and often result from a cold or other upper respiratory tract infection such as flu, pneumonia, or whooping cough. Subacute coughs, which last between 3 and 8 weeks, are frequently the residual cough after an illness or infection has resolved. Chronic coughs, which typically last longer than 8 weeks, can be caused by medical conditions and medications.1
A cough can further be classified as productive or nonproductive. The productive cough produces phlegm or mucus, which may have come from the lungs or the nasal sinuses. Some causes of a productive cough include viral illnesses, bacterial infection, postnasal drip, tobacco use, or the reflux of stomach acid. Nonproductive cough does not produce sputum. This may be the result of the residual effects of a viral illness or bacterial infection, bronchospasm, allergies, medications, exposure to irritants, asthma, or airway blockage.3