Pediatrician, Primary Care Physician
M.D. (USA), F.C.P.S. (Pediatrics)
Pediatrician, Primary Care Physician
M.D. (USA), F.C.P.S. (Pediatrics)
Internal Medicine Specialist, Consultant Physician
MD
A cough is a reflex action to clear your airways of mucus and irritants such as dust or smoke. It's rarely a sign of anything serious. A 'dry cough' means it's tickly and doesn't produce any phlegm (thick mucus). A 'chesty cough' means phlegm is produced to help clear your airways.