When you cough, you're basically getting rid of the irritants, or mucus, in your airways. It is a natural reflex that clears your throat and lungs and can occur due to various reasons, including infections or allergies. The type of cough you have can tell a lot about what you're suffering from and whether or not it is something serious. Additionally, the sound, the duration, and the overall impact the cough has on you can also reveal a lot. Listed below are four common types of coughs.
Dry Cough
A dry cough is when you have no mucus or phlegm to release; instead, it is accompanied by a scratchy or ticklish feeling in the throat. Common causes of this type of cough include irritants like smoke, dust, or allergies, or it can be a symptom of viral infections, such as the common cold or flu. Dry cough is also a telltale symptom of COVID-19, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Also Read: Troubled With Wet Cough? Here Are Simple Home Remedies To Stop Coughing
Wet Cough
Unlike a dry cough, a wet cough, also known as a productive cough, is characterised by the presence of mucus or phlegm. With this type of cough, one may always feel the need to expel something from the throat. It often indicates an underlying respiratory condition such as bronchitis or pneumonia, according to Medical News Today.
Many times, the duration of your cough can also reveal the cause. While an acute wet cough lasts less than three weeks, a chronic cough can go on for more than eight weeks, as per research.
Barking Cough
Barking cough, also known as croup, is common among children. It is an infection of the upper airway, the nose, the nasal cavity, and the throat, which leads to a loud barking sound. It may also cause a hoarse voice, fever, and breathing difficulties. According to StatsPearls Publishing, the condition affects about 3% of children annually, between the ages of six months and three years.
Whooping Cough Or Pertussis
According to the CDC, whooping cough, or pertussis, is a serious illness that can occur in people of all ages but is mostly dangerous for babies. It is a highly contagious infection that affects an estimated 2.41 crore people worldwide and contributes to more than 1.6 lakh deaths in children below the age of 5 years annually, as per the US National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.
It gets its name from the hacking cough it causes, which is followed by a high-pitched gasp of breath that actually sounds like a 'whoop,' shares the Mayo Clinic.
Also Read: Winter and Pneumonia Risk in the Elderly: 6 Preventive Measures That Can Help
How To Treat Cough
While treating coughs depends on their underlying cause, there are some ways to ease the symptoms.
- Get plenty of rest
- Stay hydrated by drinking water and herbal teas
- Humidifiers can help relieve dry coughs, especially in dry environments
- Prescribed cough drops or syrups containing cough suppressants
- Decongestants to relieve nasal congestion
Conclusion
Coughs can be of different types, and their treatment can vary accordingly. The key is to understand their characteristics and identify the underlying causes. At the end of the day, if your cough is persistent, seek professional advice for proper evaluation and effective treatment.