Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, explores different types of coughs and their treatments.
“Knowing about different cough types and how to treat them is important – especially if you have a nagging tickle in your throat that won’t go away,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“According to the National Institutes of Health, coughs come in different forms, each with its cause and appropriate treatment. Identifying these differences can help guide you toward better health.”
Dry Cough
This kind of cough doesn’t produce mucus or phlegm. Frequently caused by viral infections, including colds and the flu, a dry cough can also be triggered by allergens or irritants such as smoke or conditions such as asthma. Treating a dry cough involves soothing the throat with lozenges, drinking fluids frequently and sometimes using cough suppressants. Antihistamines may work well for those who have a dry cough as a result of allergies.
Wet Cough
Also called a productive cough, this type of cough is characterised by the expulsion of mucus or phlegm from the respiratory tract. Depending on what’s causing it, the mucus may appear clear or have a greenish tinge. Wet coughs may signal an infection in the lungs (bronchitis or pneumonia) but can also result from chronic disorders like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or postnasal drip syndrome (PNDS).
Expectorants help loosen up phlegm, making it easier to bring out through coughing while staying well hydrated. Using humidifiers can also help relieve symptoms. In cases of bacterial infection, antibiotics may be necessary to fully resolve the issue.
Chronic Cough
A chronic cough lasts eight weeks or longer in adults and four weeks or more in children. Most long-term conditions (asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease – GERD, chronic bronchitis or postnasal drip) can cause chronic coughs. Treating a chronic cough involves addressing the root problem; for instance, inhalers might be prescribed for asthma, acid suppressants for GERD or nasal sprays to manage postnasal drip. The focus isn’t just on the cough itself but the underlying issue causing it.
Barking Cough
A barking cough is loud and harsh – often compared to a big dog’s bark. This type of cough is most commonly associated with croup. This viral infection causes swelling in the throat and windpipe, primarily affecting young children.
Treatment usually includes soothing the throat with cool mist humidifiers or steam from a hot shower; in more severe cases, steroids might be needed to reduce inflammation. The sound can be unsettling, especially at night, but understanding its cause can bring peace of mind.
Whooping Cough
Rapid coughs followed by a distinctive high-pitched “whoop” as the person inhales are characteristic of this highly contagious bacterial infection. Also known as pertussis, whooping cough is particularly dangerous for infants and requires immediate treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications. Vaccination is important in preventing whooping cough.
Nocturnal Cough
A cough that primarily strikes at night can wreak havoc on your sleep, leaving you tired and worn out during the day. Nocturnal coughs may indicate asthma, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), postnasal drip or even heart failure. Treatment options vary depending on the cause and may include asthma inhalers, acid reflux medications or decongestants. Sometimes, simple changes like propping up your head while sleeping can make a big difference.
Hemoptysis
Hemoptysis, or coughing up blood, may signify severe diseases like lung cancer, pulmonary embolism or tuberculosis. For this reason, it is important to diagnose and initiate the right treatment promptly; antibiotics may be enough, or surgery might be needed depending on what’s diagnosed.
Your main priority should be identifying any underlying conditions that may cause a cough. If your cough persists or worsens, you should see a healthcare provider immediately to ensure optimal self-care management.