Cough is a protective reflex of the respiratory system characterized by a sudden, forceful expulsion of air from the lungs, triggered by irritation or stimulation of receptors in the airway, with the primary purpose of clearing secretions, foreign particles, or irritants from the respiratory tract. A careful medical history and precise diagnostic tests provide an important clue that leads to targeted treatment without the need for further investigation. Ideal antitussives suppress the frequency and intensity of cough without affecting normal elimination of secretions. On the other hand, expectorants increase the volume and decrease the viscosity of secretions to improve its propulsion upward and outward by ciliary movement and coughing. In the acute setting, severe manifestations, such as massive hemoptysis, marked dyspnea, or significant hypoxemia, require urgent evaluation, prompt diagnosis, and immediate management.1