Coughing is a protective reflex that usually is a sign of irritation somewhere in the respiratory tract. Coughing itself is a symptom, not a disease or condition, and it can help clear blockages in the airway. More to Know Causes Common respiratory tract irritations that can cause coughing include inflammation from infections, allergies and asthma, sinusitis and postnasal drip, and irritating chemicals. A common but often unrecognized cause of chronic cough is gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which is when stomach acid moves backward (refluxes) into the respiratory tract. Chronic cough also happens with a wide range of other medical conditions that can irritate or affect the lungs or upper airway. Treatment Treatment depends on the cause. Most coughs that are due to a common viral infection, such as a cold, only need home care (lots of fluids and other comfort measures). Cough suppressants are not recommended for kids. Some infections, though, do require medical evaluation and treatment, such as bacterial infections, allergies, inhaled objects, or stomach acid reflux. Someone with a cough caused by an infection should not be around others until any fever is gone and the person is no longer considered contagious. Keep in Mind Coughing usually is not harmful in itself. But it can be upsetting, especially when there are other symptoms, and can disrupt activities and sleep. Intense or prolonged coughing may indicate a serious or ongoing problem, such as an inhaled object or other medical issue that needs prompt medical attention. Call your doctor if you have concerns. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles Word! Cough A cough is a reflex that helps your body clear your throat and lungs. Read More Flu Center Get the basics on how flu spreads and how to protect yourself. Read More Flu Center The flu can make you sick for a week or more. Find out how to get protected from the influenza virus. Read More Flu Center Learn all about protecting your family from the flu and what to do if your child gets flu-like symptoms. Read More First Aid: Coughing Coughing is a healthy reflex that helps clear the airways. A severe or lingering cough requires medical treatment, but many coughs are caused by viruses that just need to run their course. Read More Coping With Colds Most teens get between two and four colds each year. Read this article for the facts on colds and ways to feel better when you catch one. Read More Asthma Asthma makes it hard to breathe. Find out more in this article for kids. Read More Asthma Asthma makes it hard to breathe. But with treatment, the condition can be managed so that kids can still do the things they love. Learn all about asthma. Read More Asthma Asthma is a lung condition that makes it hard to breathe. Learn all about asthma here. Read More Choking Choking is an emergency - so it's important to recognize the signs of choking and know what to do if happens. Read More Flu The flu is a virus that can make you sick for a week or longer. Find out more in this article for kids. Read More Coughing Coughs are a common symptom, but most aren't a sign of a serious condition. Learn about different coughs, how to help your child feel better, and when to call your doctor. Read More Croup Croup often causes kids to have a loud cough that sounds like a seal barking. Most cases of croup are caused by viruses, are mild, and can be treated at home. Read More Colds Colds are the most common infectious disease in the United States - and the top reason kids visit the doctor and miss school. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.