Home > Medical > Cough Cough All sections in Cough » About Cough » Associated Diseases » Check your Symptoms » Cough Medication » Cough Q&A » General Information » Interesting Cough Facts » More on Cough » Multimedia » Cough News » Treating Coughs Whooping cough vaccine protection wanes Protection against whooping cough starts to weaken a few years after preschool children get their final diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP) shot. Coughs take a while to clear up Technique IDs deadliest whooping cough cases Toxic cough syrup kills 13 Second-hand smoke impairs cough reflex See All Cough News » What is Cough? The cough reflex is a vital part of the body’s defence mechanisms. Dust or dirt particles that enter the airways allow the possibility of infections. The expulsion of air during a cough forces the particles out of the airways. Coughing is one of the most common symptoms for which treatment is sought. Coughing can be a symptom of a number of problems. and therefore a careful evaluation of signs, symptoms and other factors must be undertaken before treatment can be recommended. Take Action Follow Health24 on Twitter » Listen Paediatrician » Join Parenting » Ask CyberDoc » Places germs love to hide Home remedies for sore throats advertisement About cough Chronic cough Causes and red flags of acute cough What is a cough? Treating an acute cough See All About cough » Cough audio files What your child's cough means See All Cough audio files » General information 16 scary symptoms Your overseas medicines kit See All General information » More on cough Pneumonia Antibiotics' futility against bronchitis confirmed The mechanism of cough Identify your child's cough See All More on cough » Associated diseases Choking Pertussis Whooping cough making a comeback Chronic bronchitis See All Associated diseases » Cough medication in detail Terbutaline (inhaled) - Client Dornase alfa - Client Low efficacy opioids Codeine See All Cough medication in detail » Interesting cough facts Cough: FAQ The mechanism of cough The power of a cough 20 000 viruses in a cough See All Interesting cough facts » Treating coughs A parent's guide to coughs Cough mixtures for toddlers and small children Ingredients in cough mixtures Side effects of cough medicines See All Treating coughs » From our sponsors There are more than 200 different viruses which can cause a cold A clinically proven skin care range is now available Medihelp’s regional information sessions Superior comfort and support