SFI Health
What is Your Cough Trying to Tell You?

What is Your Cough Trying to Tell You?

Ever wondered what your cough was trying to tell you? Lets explore why we get a cough and a few simple ways to help get some relief.

Lifestyle insight
Reading time: 1 minutes

If that nasty cough is getting you down, perhaps it’s time to listen to what your body is trying to tell you. We find out why we get a cough, and simple ways to help relieve it.

Why we cough

Sometimes a cough can be involuntary, but most often we cough when there are foreign particles, irritants, fluids or mucus in the throat or airways.  

While a cough can be a sign of a serious illness (and you should always check with your doctor if you’re worried about your cough), it is usually an indication that you’re getting a cold, or already have one. 

When we get a cold, our airways play host to many harmful substances, and our body tries to clear the area of these invaders. As colds invade our body through our nasal linings and lungs (hence our tendency to get a runny nose and chest congestion as we’re getting ill), our immune system responds, triggering the body to cough and clear excess mucus produced during the process.

How long does a cough last for?

Most coughs tend to clear up within 2 to 3 weeks, although you should always discuss any concerns, particularly persistent coughs, with your doctor.

How to treat your cough

There’s nothing worse than being constantly disrupted by a nasty cough. It can make you feel tired and in discomfort. 

When it comes to finding relief, keeping hydrated, eating well and getting enough rest are all musts. If you need to bring in the heavyweights, Ivy leaf extract EA 575 has been proven to relieve chesty coughs and ease chest congestion during a cold. Research showed that after 7 days, 95% of people showed improvement in their symptoms.

References available on request.

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