Coughing is a normal reflex of the human body, but frequent coughing beyond the physiologic range is a common symptom of respiratory diseases and needs to be treated according to the cause. Some causes such as allergies or self-limiting diseases can be treated with general therapy to relieve coughing without the need for medication. However, other pathologic coughs such as lung infections require medication. Some coughs that can recover on their own, such as allergic cough caused by irritating odors, can be relieved by detaching the cough from the allergen. Coughs caused by common colds are self-limiting, and can be cured by drinking plenty of water, eating a light diet, and resting to avoid catching cold. However, some diseases such as lung infection, cough variant asthma, bronchiectasis with infection, bronchopulmonary cancer, mitral stenosis, left heart failure and other coughs need to be treated with medication or surgery, depending on the cause. If there is a recurrent cough, it is recommended to consult a doctor in time to clarify the cause of the cough and follow the doctor’s instructions.