Is it possible to spread cough even if I'm not coughing?

Question

I don't have a cough but sometimes when I go into a place a moment later a person starts to cough. Last time I met my friend that I didn't seen for a long time, having some conversation after a few minutes he suddenly coughs. It keeps bothering me, what does it mean? When I go into a place or talk to someone they will start coughing.

Answer 1

There are many reasons for coughing. Remember our cough reflex is so important/life saving--it helps prevent us from chocking and hopefully can cough up obstruction. Often times people will cough is the air is very dry or there are irritants in the air. Sometimes we even swallow our own saliva wrong and that protective cough kicks in. Sometimes cough is in response to irritation of airways--like asthma. Or sometimes a sign of illness--coughing to keep airway open or cough up phlegm. Sometimes people that have GERD have a cough because of the irritation in that area. Many, many reasons for a cough. How do you know why someone is coughing--well use your nursing skills--start assessing and asking questions.