Coughing is the body's way of removing foreign material or mucus from the lungs and upper airway passages. A cough can be caused by recent upper airway infections, medications like ACE inhibitors, allergies, smoking, lung diseases, and lung infections. A cough is classified by its duration as acute, subacute, or chronic and by whether it is dry or produces sputum. Common cold and flu symptoms that can cause coughs include high fever, stiff muscles, sneezing, nasal congestion, and sore throat. Excessive uncoughed coughing can lead to urinary incontinence, dizziness, headaches, and rib fractures if left untreated.