hæsta

Hósta is the Icelandic verb meaning to cough. It refers to the reflex action that helps clear the airways by expelling air from the lungs through the vocal cords. The related noun hósti denotes a cough.

Historically, hósta comes from Old Norse hósta and is related to similar terms in other Nordic languages, such as Danish hoste, Norwegian hoste, and Swedish hosta.

Causes of coughing are varied. Most coughs result from viral infections such as the common cold or influenza, but allergies, asthma, smoking or exposure to air irritants, postnasal drip, and gastroesophageal reflux can also cause coughing. Coughs are commonly described by duration: acute (up to about three weeks), subacute (roughly three to eight weeks), and chronic (more than eight weeks).

Management and treatment depend on the cause and the cough’s severity. For many acute coughs, rest, fluids, and throat soothing are sufficient. Some people use cough syrups, lozenges, or humidifiers to ease symptoms. Expectorants may help productive coughs, while suppressants may be used for dry coughs in appropriate cases. Children, pregnant people, and those with chronic health conditions should seek medical advice for suitable treatment. Seek urgent care if the cough is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, high fever, or if it lasts many weeks, or if the affected person is very young, elderly, or immunocompromised.