what is cough

A cough is a natural reflex that helps clear the airways of mucus and irritants such as dust or smoke. It can be caused by various factors, including infections, allergies, and other health conditions. A cough is the body's way of responding when something irritates the throat or airways, and it helps protect the body by removing irritants. There are different types of coughs, such as productive (wet) coughs that bring up mucus, and non- productive (dry) coughs that don't produce mucus. Acute coughs come on suddenly and last for 2-3 weeks, while chronic coughs last 8 weeks or longer and may require medical attention