Cough is a body's common reflex action that clears the throat when it is filled with mucus or foreign irritants.

It stimulates the nerves that send a message to the brain and the brain signals the chest and abdominal muscles to push air out of the lungs to force out the irritant.

An occasional cough is a normal and healthy reflex of the body. But, if it persists for several weeks or months and brings up discolored or bloody mucus may indicate a condition that needs medical advice.

Prolonged and forceful coughing can irritate the lungs and can cause severe chest pain, exhausting, sleeplessness, headaches, vomiting, dizziness, and even broken ribs.