A cough is a reflex action that helps clear the throat and lungs of irritants, mucus, or foreign objects. While coughing can be a nuisance, it is usually a harmless reflex that does not require medical treatment. However, if a cough is severe or persistent, it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia.
There are a number of things that can be done to alleviate a cough, including: