First Signs of cough and cold

Coughing is a natural defense mechanism that aids in the removal of phlegm from the respiratory tract. There are a number of chronic and acute causes of cough. The most common of which are viral infections and allergies, but in some cases, it could be due to the presence of various bacteria and other infectious organisms.

An acute cough lasts for several weeks and indicates that there is something wrong in your respiratory tract. In fact, most coughs are only short-lived because they are not dangerous in themselves but signal a deeper problem if left untreated. When you have a cold or cough, you might experience any of the following symptoms:

Nasal congestion

Nasal congestion or a "stuffy nose" develops when the blood vessels and tissues surrounding the nose swell with excess fluid.

Fever or chills

If you cough up thick or dark mucus or get a fever, you may have an infection with bacteria.

Difficulty breathing

Excess mucus production and a tightening of your airways, along with increased phlegm, can make breathing difficult and cause a persistent cough.

Yellow or green phlegm

Green or yellow phlegm is often a sign that your body is fighting an infection.