öksürük

Öksürük is the Turkish term for the reflex commonly known as cough. It is a protective mechanism that helps clear the airways of irritants, mucus, or foreign material, but it can also be a symptom of illness. Clinically, cough is categorized by duration: acute (<3 weeks), subacute (3–8 weeks), and chronic (>8 weeks). It can be productive (with sputum) or nonproductive (dry).

Common causes include viral upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Chronic cough etiologies include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, postnasal drip from allergic rhinitis or sinusitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Medications such as ACE inhibitors can trigger cough. Less frequent causes include tuberculosis, lung cancer, and interstitial lung disease. Environmental irritants and smoking are additional contributors.

Assessment relies on medical history and physical examination, with attention to duration, sputum factors, fever, weight change, and chest symptoms. Red flags prompting urgent evaluation include coughing up blood, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, persistent high fever, or unexplained weight loss. Diagnostic tests may include a chest radiograph, spirometry for suspected asthma or COPD, and, if indicated, sputum analysis or CT scanning to evaluate infection or malignancy.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Acute cough from viral infections is usually managed with supportive care: fluids, rest, and symptomatic relief. For nonproductive cough, antitussives such as dextromethorphan may be used; expectorants like guaifenesin are sometimes employed for chest congestion, though evidence varies. Long-term management targets underlying conditions: asthma or COPD with appropriate inhaled therapies, postnasal drip with nasal steroids or antihistamines, and GERD with dietary measures and acid-suppressive treatment. Smoking cessation is strongly advised.

Most acute coughs resolve within a couple of weeks; chronic cough requires medical evaluation to identify and treat the underlying cause.