Cough is one of the most common symptoms with which we report to the doctor. Although it is not a disease in itself, but only a defensive reaction of the body, its persistence can give a lot. To treat it effectively, it is crucial to recognize its type. Dry cough vs. wet cough – what are the differences and how to distinguish them? This question will be answered in the following article.
Why do we need a cough?
Before we move on to the types of cough, it is worth understanding what function it serves in our body. A cough is a reflex to clear the airways of lingering secretions (phlegm), foreign bodies, irritants (such as dust, smoke) or allergens. It involves contraction of the muscles of the chest and diaphragm, which causes rapid expulsion of air from the lungs.
Dry cough – symptoms and causes
Dry cough, also known as non-productive cough, is characterized by a lack of expectoration of secretions. It is a tiring, irritating cough that is often accompanied by a feeling of dryness and scratchy throat.
The most common causes of dry cough:
- Viral infections of the upper respiratory tract: cold, flu, COVID-19. In the initial phase of the infection, the cough is usually dry, and only later, when the body begins to produce secretions, it turns into a wet cough.
- Allergies: an allergic reaction to pollen, dust, mites, animal dander can manifest as a dry, napばd cough, often accompanied by a runny nose, watery eyes and itchy skin.
- Asthma: a dry cough, especially worsening at night or after exercise, can be a symptom of asthma. It is often accompanied by wheezing and shortness of breath.
- Gastroesophageal reflux: the accumulation of acidic gastric contents into the esophagus can irritate the throat and cause a dry cough, especially when lying down.
- Medications: some drugs, such as ACE inhibitors (used to treat high blood pressure), can cause dry cough as a side effect.
- Air pollutants: tobacco smoke, exhaust fumes, industrial pollutants irritate the respiratory tract and can lead to dry cough.
- Dry air: being in air-conditioned rooms or during the heating season, when the air is dry, can cause irritation of the throat mucosa and a dry cough.
Wet cough – symptoms and causes
A wet cough, also known as a productive cough, is characterized by expectoration of secretions, or phlegm. Phlegm is a mixture of mucus, inflammatory cells and bacteria that is produced by the body to clear the airways.
The most common causes of wet cough:
- Bacterial and viral infections of the lower respiratory tract: bronchitis, pneumonia. A wet cough usually accompanies the later phase of an infection, when the body begins to fight off pathogens and produces secretions.
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease): a disease characterized by permanent narrowing of the airways, which makes breathing difficult and causes chronic coughing with expectoration of secretions.
- Cystic fibrosis: a genetic disease in which the body produces thick, sticky secretions that lodge in the lungs and other organs, causing, among other things, a chronic wet cough.
- Emphysema: a disease that leads to the destruction of the alveoli, which impedes gas exchange and causes coughing with expectoration of secretions.
How to recognize the type of cough?
Distinguishing between a dry cough and a wet cough is key to choosing the right treatment. Here are some tips to help you self-diagnose:
- The presence of secretions: wet cough is accompanied by expectoration of phlegm, while in dry cough there are no secretions.
- Nature of cough: dry cough is usually tiring, irritating, paroxysmal. A wet cough can also be intense, but is usually relieved by clearing the airways.
- Cough sound: a dry cough is usually loud, barking or metallic. A wet cough has a more “bubbling” sound, caused by the presence of secretions.
- Accompanying symptoms: dry cough often appears in the initial phase of a viral infection and is accompanied by other symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, fever. Wet cough usually occurs in the later phase of infection and may be accompanied by weakness, muscle pain, shortness of breath.
Cough treatment
Treatment of cough depends on its type and cause.
Dry cough:
- Cough suppressants: they inhibit the cough reflex, so they provide relief from a strenuous dry cough. Note, however, that these drugs should not be used for wet coughs, as they can make it difficult to expectorate secretions.
- Coating syrups: form a protective layer on the mucous membrane of the throat, relieving irritation and reducing coughing.
- Humidify the air: using humidifiers or saline inhalation helps moisten the throat mucosa and relieve coughing.
- Home remedies: drinking plenty of fluids, sucking on lozenges, rinsing the throat with salt water or herbal infusions (e.g., sage, chamomile) can provide relief from a dry cough.
Wet cough:
- Expectorant medications: dilute secretions and make them easier to expectorate.
- Muolytic syrups: reduce the viscosity of secretions, making them easier to expectorate.
- Inhalations: inhalations of saline or bronchodilators can help clear the airways.
- Patting: gently patting the back can help expectorate secretions.
- Home remedies: drinking plenty of fluids, especially warm water with honey and lemon, can help thin secretions.
When should you go to the doctor?
In most cases, the cough passes spontaneously after a few days. However, you should consult your doctor if:
- The cough persists for more than 2-3 weeks.
- Cough is accompanied by high fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, and hemoptysis.
- The cough is very intense and makes daily functioning difficult.
- Other worrisome symptoms appear, such as weight loss and night sweats.
Remember that self-medication can be dangerous. When in doubt, always consult your doctor.
