Suffering from Wet Cough or Dry Cough? Here's all you need to know!

Among its various joys, the changing season also sometimes brings out the ever-frustrating cough. Though common and seemingly innocuous, cough can be a warning sign, typically for respiratory system diseases. Here is a guide to the different types of coughs. 

1. Dry Cough

Dry cough or non-productive cough is mucus-less or no phlegm/sputum cough triggered by a sore or tickling sensation in the throat. There are many types of dry cough reasons, but it is usually caused by viral illnesses such as cold and flu (influenza), allergies or throat irritants like smoke, pollution, etc. Dry Cough usually lasts up to 2 weeks, mostly cleared up by 3 weeks. A cough over 8 weeks is described as a persistent cough. 

Various dry cough home remedies that help soothe the throat and relieve the triggers could provide relief. These include honey, drinking plenty of liquids, gargling with salt water or steam inhalation. Other short-term therapy include cough suppressants, Vitamin C or Phytorelief-CC, to name a few. 

AlchemLife Phytorelief is a clinically proven sugar-free lozenge, with plant actives of turmeric, ginger and pomegranate, for natural cough relief. It reduces cold and cough symptoms while working to boost the immune system and is considered one of the best medicines for dry cough.  

2. Wet Cough

Wet cough or productive cough is commonly caused by cold, flu, asthma, pneumonia, or acute bronchitis and typically brings up mucus. It is accompanied by symptoms such as runny nose, fatigue, and postnasal drip. The acute wet cough usually lasts less than 3 weeks, while chronic cough lasts over 8 weeks. Treatments for wet cough include consuming honey, warm fluids, steam inhalation and herbal solutions such as natural sugar-free lozenges Phytorelief-CC. For bouts longer than 3 weeks, antibiotics may be required. 

3. Whooping Cough

Whooping cough is caused by bacterial infection. It sounds like a severe hacking cough accompanied by a sharp ‘whooping' sound as you intake your breath and throat pain. Telltale symptoms of whooping cough include the usual influenza symptoms and a hacking so intense that you may want to throw up or turn red while coughing. It needs to be treated with antibiotics. 

4. Croup Cough

What is Croup? Croup is an upper respiratory viral infection that lasts from 5-7 days. It is contagious, especially during the first few days and children upto age 5 are most at risk. It is characterized by high-pitched sounds like a barking seal while breathing in, and the condition causes swelling around the vocal cords, heavy breathing, hoarse voice and could be accompanied by high fever. 

What is the best treatment for croup cough

Treatment of croup cough in mild cases can be done with home remedies like cool mist humidifiers, cough medicines and supplements which relieve pain and soothe the throat, while in case of severe cases doctor visit might be warranted. Different types of cough aren’t always serious and can usually be treated with proper care. However, it is advisable to see a doctor if you have a persistent cough for 3 weeks or more, wheezing and breathing difficulties, fever higher than 100 degrees, thick phlegm or blood discharge, accompanying heartburn or severe diarrhoea.  

The article is based on the information available in public and which the author believes to be true. The author is not disseminating any information, which the author believes or knows, is confidential or in conflict with the privacy of any person. The views expressed or information supplied through this article is mere opinion and observation of the author. The author does not intend to defame, insult or, cause loss or damage to anyone, in any manner, through this article.