How much energy does coughing burn?

Coughing causes the body to expend energy; depending on the type, the amount of calories burned varies, ranging from 2 calories or more.

Coughing is the body's reaction to an irritant in the throat or airways. The brain receives messages from the nerves, then orders the muscles in the chest and abdomen to expel air from the lungs by coughing.

Coughing helps expel irritants, but if it lasts for several weeks or if it produces phlegm or blood, it is often a sign of an underlying medical condition and requires medical attention.

A severe and prolonged cough can irritate the lungs, causing fatigue and potentially leading to insomnia, dizziness, headaches, urinary incontinence, and vomiting. The duration of the cough depends on the underlying cause.

According to WebMD, coughs are classified into several types. A productive cough is one that produces a lot of mucus, creating a raspy sound in the lungs when coughing. A non-productive cough is a dry cough that does not produce mucus. Coughs are also classified as acute and subacute. An acute cough appears suddenly and lasts for 2-3 weeks. A subacute cough occurs with infection and lasts for about 3-4 weeks. People with chronic coughs (lasting 8 weeks or longer) require medical attention.

Every activity burns calories, and coughing is no exception. Coughing burns energy, and depending on the type, the amount of calories burned varies.

The number of calories the body uses when coughing is measured by the intensity of the cough plus the duration of the cough. If the cough lasts for a long time, the body burns more calories than with a simple cough. Severe coughing affects the whole body, burning calories at the highest rate. Dry coughs or coughs due to weather irritation usually don't consume much energy. A single cough can burn 2-3 calories, so people with persistent coughs often lose weight and find it difficult to gain weight.

Coughing also burns energy in the body. Photo: Freepik — Coughing also burns energy in the body. Photo: *Freepik*

To avoid energy loss due to coughing leading to fatigue and poor health, patients should identify the cause early to find a suitable treatment. Some common causes include coughs caused by viruses such as colds and flu, allergies to allergens like mold, dust mites, and animal dander, and asthma.

Postnasal drip, which causes mucus to drain from the nose down the throat, can also lead to coughing. Sinus infections, acid reflux, and bronchitis can also irritate the trachea, vocal cords, and throat, all of which can cause coughing.

People can try some of the following natural ways to reduce coughing, such as using lozenges, drinking warm fluids, inhaling warm, moist air, and using cough medicine. Drink honey with hot tea or warm water with a spoonful of honey before bed. Avoid triggers if the cough is caused by allergies. Treat underlying conditions such as asthma, acid reflux, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or pneumonia (if present).

Most coughs are harmless, but if they last for more than two weeks without a clear cause, are accompanied by green or yellow mucus, blood, shortness of breath, etc., patients should seek medical attention promptly for appropriate treatment to avoid complications.

( According to WebMD and Livestrong )

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