Coughing, although annoying, is a reflex that is vital to keeping your throat and airways clear.

It helps your body to protect and heal itself from infections. Coughs are classified as either acute or chronic.


Acute coughs have a sudden onset and last no longer than two or three weeks. Chronic coughs last longer than two to three weeks. Causes of chronic coughs range from asthma and allergies to smoking and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).