cough is a protective reflex action by the body to clear the throat of unwanted phlegm or an irritant substance such as crumb of food. Our body responds to inhaled irritant substances such as smoke or dust by coughing. So, it is advisable to avoid treating cough which is not painful, and which doesn’t keep you awake for long hours at time and produces sputum. On the other hand, a non-productive, painful, dry and irritating cough needs treatment. The sputum coughed out may be watery or sticky and thick; whitish or discolored.

CAUSES OF COUGH
Respiratory tract infection such as cold, pneumonia, e.t.c.
Smoking
Allergy

HOME TREATMENT OF COUGH
Rest in warm and well ventilated room.
Steam inhalation, mentholated or pure steam.
Take plenty of water.
Take cough medicines if the cough is painful and irritating and does not let you sleep.

WHEN TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL
If there is blood in the sputum.
If the sputum is greenish or yellowish in colour.
If there is severe chest pain, shortness of breath or persistent fever.

COMMON COLD
The common cold also known as “cold” or “catarrh”, is an infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by many different viruses. The infection causes the swelling and inflammation of the lining of the nose (rhinitis) in particular and also the throat (pharyngitis) and the larynx or voice-box (laryngitis). The infection can be transmitted to other through the mucus of an infected person which is loaded with the viruses by breathing, coughing or sneezing.

SYMPTOMS OF COMMON COLD
Inflamed nasal mucosa accompanied by nasal congestion and a runny nose (catarrh). The discharge is clear and runny at first, later becoming thicker and greenish-yellow, tending to block the nose. Sneezing is common.
Sore throat, and cough which may be dry and irritating.
Headache and a slight fever.
General feeling of pains and lack of energy.
Lack of appetite.

HOME TREATMENT OF COMMON COLD
Rest in a warm, airy room.
Take plenty of water and fruit juices to replaces fluid being lost and cool the body.
Take aspirin or paracetamol in the recommended dosages to relieve the fever, headache and body pains.
Sore throat may require the use of gargle or throat lozenges.
Avoid smoking.

WHEN TO GO TO HOSPITAL
If you cough up blood or discoloured spuctum.
If you suffer chest pain or lung infection.
If you develop earache or a runny ear.
If breathing becomes difficult or noisy particularly in children.

More at http://healthnfitnessguide.com.ng/home-treatment-of-cough-and-cold/

Chronic cough can be prevented by not smoking, managing medical problems such as asthma, GERD, postnasal drips and also getting vaccinated against whooping cough. Click on the link below to know more about cough, their causes, preventions and treatments.
http://www.gigihealth.com/chronic-cough-some-facts-about-cough-you-dont-know-about/