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What is a cough?

A cough is a natural reflex that is your body’s way of removing irritants from your upper (throat) and lower (lungs) airways. A cough helps your body heal and protect itself.

What are the types of cough?

There are many types of cough. Some of the names for coughs describe how long they last, while other types describe how they feel or sound, and other types are actual conditions.

Types of coughs may be related to how long they last

• Acute cough begins suddenly and lasts for two to three weeks.
• Subacute cough is one that stays around after you’ve had an infection and lasts three to eight weeks.
• Chronic cough lasts longer than eight weeks. Long-lasting coughs may also be called persistent coughs.
• Refractory cough is a chronic cough that hasn’t responded to treatment.

Types of coughs may be related to mucus

• A productive cough, or a wet cough, is a cough that brings up mucus or phlegm.
• A non-productive cough, or a dry cough, doesn’t bring up mucus or phlegm.