Coughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. However,too much coughing may mean you have a disease or disorder.
Some coughs are dry. Others are considered productive. A productive cough is one that brings up mucus. Mucus is also called phlegm or sputum.
Coughs can be either acute or chronic:
Acute coughs usually begin suddenly and are often due to a cold,flu or sinus infection. They usually go away after 3 weeks.
Subacute coughs last 3 to 8 weeks. Chronic coughs last longer than 3 weeks.