Yskäisy

Yskäisy is a Finnish word that translates to "cough" or "a cough" in English. It refers to the sudden, forceful expulsion of air from the lungs, typically to clear the airways of irritants or mucus. This is a common reflex action experienced by humans and many animals.

The act of coughing can be triggered by various factors. Inhaling irritants like dust, smoke, or strong fumes can stimulate the cough reflex. The presence of mucus in the airways, often a symptom of respiratory infections such as the common cold or flu, also prompts coughing as the body attempts to expel it. Certain medical conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia, can cause persistent coughing. In some cases, coughing might be a symptom of more serious underlying issues like heart failure or lung cancer, though these are less common causes.

Coughs can be classified in different ways. A dry cough, also known as an unproductive cough, does not produce phlegm or mucus. In contrast, a wet cough, or productive cough, brings up mucus or phlegm from the lungs. The duration of a cough is also a significant factor in diagnosis. An acute cough typically lasts less than three weeks, a subacute cough lasts between three and eight weeks, and a chronic cough persists for longer than eight weeks.

The sound of a cough can vary depending on its cause. For example, a barking cough might indicate croup in children, while a wheezing sound during coughing could be associated with asthma. Treatment for a cough usually depends on its underlying cause. For simple irritant-induced or infection-related coughs, rest, hydration, and sometimes over-the-counter cough suppressants or expectorants are recommended. Persistent or severe coughs require medical evaluation to determine the appropriate course of treatment.