Unpacking the hidden link between inflammation and cough

When you are battling a cough, there are several aspects to consider. Mucus, headaches, and sleepless nights are all common companions to a cough, but there is one important aspect that is often overlooked– inflammation.

Inflammation plays a significant role in causing and prolonging recovery from a cough, yet we often don’t look for cough medications that actively address this problem, looking rather at the tangible symptoms like mucus and headaches.

In this blog we will break down the important link between mucus, inflammation, and a cough, unpacking how they interact and delving into the importance of choosing a cough medication with anti-inflammatory properties, like Prospan.

cough due to inflammation, WET VS DRY COUGH

The types of cough

There are two main types of cough: a dry cough and a wet cough.

Dry cough

Often occurs early in inflammation when mucus production is minimal or when irritation is due to factors like allergens. Most dry coughs are the result of inflammation left after a recent cold or flu.

Wet (Productive) Cough

A wet cough is caused by the buildup of excess mucus or phlegm in the airways and characterised by this mucus being coughed up. It is mainly associated with infections or conditions that cause excess mucus, as the body attempts to expel it.

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The link between inflammation and a cough

Inflammation, mucus, and a cough can sometimes work in a vicious cycle, each causing the other to worsen and prolonging the cough.

Irritation

Coughs are usually caused by some kind of irritation in the airway. Infections like colds and flu, irritants like smoke or pollution, and allergens like pollen and dust can all cause irritation in the airways.

Inflammation

Inflammation is the body’s protective response to this irritation. Inflammation in mucus membranes along the airways not only causes pain and swelling; it can also prompt glands to produce more mucus.

Mucus

Mucus is a naturally occurring substance in your body and an important part of the immune system. However, when there is inflammation in the airways, the body produces more mucus. This overproduction can trigger a cough response as the body tries to clear it.

Cough

Coughing is a natural protective reflex designed to clear the airways of mucus, pathogens, and other irritants. When there is a buildup of mucus in your airways due to inflammation, your body will trigger this cough reflex to help clear the trapped pathogens from your body. However, uncontrolled coughing fits can trap mucus in your airways, making the cough worse.

Post-viral cough

A classic example of how inflammation and mucus production can affect a cough is a post-viral cough. Post-viral cough is defined as a cough that lingers more than 3 weeks after you have recovered from a viral infection. Often accompanied by a sore or irritated throat, post-viral coughs are thought to be the result of prolonged inflammation left behind by the infection that triggers the cough response. While most of these coughs clear up on their own, over the counter (OTC) medications are often prescribed to reduce inflammation and soothe the cough.

Why would I want an anti-inflammatory cough syrup?

The use of anti-inflammatory drugs to treat cold and cough symptoms has been studied, showing positive results for medications with anti-inflammatory properties. Since inflammation plays a key role in triggering a cough and prolonging recovery from a cough, it is an important symptom to address.

Medications like Prospan provide a holistic approach, not only loosening and clearing mucus and relieving cough, but also by combating inflammation to open airways and reduce the likelihood of your cough lingering after you have recovered.

Unlock relief for the whole family. Try Prospan today.

Unlock relief for the whole family. Try Prospan today ➜