Cough is one of the most frequent clinical manifestations that are observed in every day medical practice and is an important protective reflex of the respiratory system. It is important in clearing the airway of mucus, airway irritants, and foreign particles, hence, normal respiratory functioning. Despite the fact that cough is often related to minor conditions like a viral infection, cough can also be a symptom of serious sicknesses such as asthma, pneumonia, tuberculosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A good explanation of the underlying mechanisms, types, causes, and clinical approach to cough is the key to making accurate diagnosis and effective management. This article presents a clear and simple overview of cough focusing on its correlation, physiology, classification, differential diagnosis, red flag signs, investigation and treatment principles in a simple and clinically relevant manner to medical students.

Cough, Respiratory reflex, Acute cough, Chronic cough, Asthma, Airways clearance, GERD, Pneumonia, TB, Clinical approach.

Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology Hall JE. Elsevier.

World Health Organization Tuberculosis and respiratory disease guidelines.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Clinical resources on respiratory infections and chronic cough.

Global Initiative for Asthma International asthma management guidelines.

Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine Murray Longmore, Ian Wilkinson, Andrew Baldwin, et al.

API Textbook of Medicine Association of Physicians of India.

National Tuberculosis Elimination Program Government of India TB guidelines.

Indian Council of Medical Research Respiratory infection and antimicrobial guidelines.

Textbook of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine S.K. Jindal.