Respiratory disorders

There are many different types of breathing problem. They may affect the upper respiratory system (nose ears, sinuses and throat) or the lower respiratory system (bronchial tubes and lungs).

Symptoms of an upper respiratory problem may include coughing, fever, a runny or stuffy nose and irritability.

A cough is a sudden release of air from the lungs and may have many causes. It is a reflex mechanism activated by irritation or obstruction of the airways. Coughing is often accompanied by a cold and a runny nose.

A common cause of coughing is postnasal drip running down the back of the throat as a result of a cold, allergic rhinitis or sinusitis. Coughing may bring up mucus from the lungs or it may be dry.

Coughing may interfere with sleep, going to school or work.

Treating respiratory disorders

Coughing is relieved by antitussives or cough suppressants. They may contain a mild narcotic that is believed to act directly on the cough centre of the brain to control or suppress the cough reflex. They may be combined with an antihistamine to help relieve symptoms such as itching and swelling and dry up runny eyes, nose and throat.

Antitussives are mainly used to relieve cough due to colds, flu or allergy.