Coughing is a symptom, not a disease. It is the underlying cause of the cough that needs to be treated.

You should consult your doctor if any of the following symptoms accompany a cough, so that possible underlying causes can be investigated and treated where necessary:

* coughing up phlegm that is green, rusty brown, yellow, blood-stained or foul smelling.

* chest pain.

* shortness of breath or wheezing.

* pain and swelling in the calf.

* recurrent night-time cough.

* whooping cough or croup.

* worsening smokerā??s cough.

* sudden weight loss.

* fever and sweating.

If you can't cough but need to, problems soon arise. Equally, when coughing is painful (for example, because of a broken rib), patients try not to cough and this can be dangerous.

Ineffective clearance of the airway can lead to a chest infection and possible pneumonia. In these circumstances, pain-relieving medicine can be useful to permit an efficient cough.
beachguy in thongs Reviewed by beachguy in thongs on . Coughing: A neutral perspective Coughing is a symptom, not a disease. It is the underlying cause of the cough that needs to be treated. You should consult your doctor if any of the following symptoms accompany a cough, so that possible underlying causes can be investigated and treated where necessary: * coughing up phlegm that is green, rusty brown, yellow, blood-stained or foul smelling. * chest pain. * shortness of breath or wheezing. Rating: 5