A cough occurs when something irritates your throat. It’s just a reflex that keeps our throats clear. A quick discharge of air through the breathing passage helps clear the bacteria. Many people cough regularly
to clear their throats as bacteria get involved in their lungs. This cough may only continue for two weeks; if it causes more irritation and extends to more than three weeks, then we should consult a doctor.
What Are the Different Types of Cough?
There are various types of coughs that can cause a viral infection in your throat.
Dry Cough
A dry cough can occur in many people, and you can call it "ineffectual." It means there is no specific reason for getting a cough, and it
doesn’t have any kind of mucus in it. Dry cough may occur due to various reasons, like irritation dry respiratory issues, inflammation, or any physical strain.
Dry Cough Symptoms
Tickling Sensation: A persistent tickling or irritation in the throat.
Sore Throat: A sore or scratchy throat often accompanies a dry cough.
No Phlegm: Unlike a productive cough, a dry cough doesn't produce mucus or phlegm.
Fatigue: Frequent coughing can lead to tiredness and exhaustion.
Hoarseness: Repeated coughing can cause hoarseness or changes in the voice.
Chest Discomfort: Continuous coughing might cause mild to moderate chest pain or discomfort.
Wet Cough
Wet cough, which can be called “chest cough.”. It is very low and heavy. This cough is a productive kind of cough. Here, mucus is expelled from the lungs, which leads to chest pain and a continued cough. We can get allergies from cold, flu,
pneumonia, and allergies. The wet cough can be controlled by reducing
the mucus.
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A wet cough, also known as a productive cough, involves the presence of mucus or phlegm. Symptoms typically include:
Coughing up mucus: The primary symptom is coughing that brings up mucus, which can be clear, white, yellow, or green.
Chest congestion: There is often a feeling of heaviness or fullness in the chest due to mucus buildup.
Wheezing: A whistling or rattling sound during breathing, indicating that mucus is obstructing the airways.
Shortness of breath: Difficulty in breathing, especially after physical activities.
Sore throat: Due to frequent coughing, the throat may become irritated or sore.
Whooping Cough
Whooping cough can be found dangerous as it releases a high amount of oxygen from the lungs. It’s a bacterial infection that is commonly
found in many people. But it can cause pneumonia, asthma attacks, and tuberculosis.
If a person is found to have whooping cough, he should start getting treatment.
Whooping Cough Symptoms
Initial Stage (1-2 weeks)
Runny nose
Mild cough
Low-grade fever
Sneezing
Paroxysmal Stage (1-6 weeks)
Severe coughing fits
"Whoop" sound when breathing in
Vomiting after coughing
Exhaustion
Convalescent Stage (weeks to months)
Gradual improvement
Less frequent coughing
Burning Cough
The name itself signifies that if there is any burning in your throat, then it can be called a burning cough. This disease is a symptom of acid reflux and heartburn.
The irritation can be felt as a burning sensation and it leads to coughing. Medicines that help in reducing the acid in our stomach can help in controlling the acid that is created by the stomach.
Burning Cough Symptoms
A burning cough can be a symptom of various conditions. Here are some common causes:
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid from the stomach can travel up to the throat, causing irritation and a burning sensation along with a cough.
Infections: Respiratory infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, or the common cold can lead to a burning sensation in the chest or throat accompanied by a cough.
Asthma: Asthma can cause a cough that may be accompanied by a burning sensation, particularly after exercise or at night.
Postnasal Drip: Mucus dripping down the back of the throat from sinus infections or allergies can cause irritation and a burning cough.
Irritants: Exposure to smoke, pollution, or other environmental irritants can lead to a burning sensation in the throat and a persistent cough.
Serious Cough
Some serious cough require some medical treatment and more attention from the doctor. The symptoms that are found in the skin become pale due to lack of oxygen, having a high fever for more than three to four days, and coughing that remains for more than two weeks. If we are feeling some discomfort and have a high level of coughing, a doctor's consultation should be taken.
Serious Cough Symptoms
here are the symptoms of a serious cough listed in points:
Persistent coughing lasting more than a few weeks.
Coughing up blood.
Coughing up green or yellow mucus.
Shortness of breath.
Wheezing.
Chest pain.
Fever.
Night sweats.
What Are the Major Causes of Cough?
Coughing can occur for many reasons, like:
Due to running or sober nose
Regular cleaning of the throat due to the presence of bacteria or infection
Burning heart or bitter taste in your mouth
Unable to breathe properly sometimes
A rare cough is normal as it clears the secretion of liquid from the lungs. If the cough remains for more than two weeks, then some preventive measures should be taken. Some of the cough cause can be:
The nose produces a high rate of mucus, which drips back into the throat and leads to coughing.
If a person has asthma, then there is a chance of getting a cough. The symptoms of asthma patients are coughing and due to cold air and certain chemicals, there is a high rate of getting a cough.
Gastric disease is common in every human being and may sometimes cause you to cough. As acid flows back to a tube that has a connection between the stomach and throat, there can be a chance of getting a
cough
If we have a cold, flu, pneumonia, or any other infection, it can cause us to cough.
Types
Causes
Symptoms
Dry cough
Presence of bacteria
Presence of mucus
Dry respiratory issues
Irritation
Inflammation
Physical Strain
Sober nose
Wet Cough
Increase of mucus
Allergies
Dust allergies
Cold
Flu
Pneumonia
Chest Pain
Whooping Cough
Bacterial Infection
Release of the high amount of Oxygen
Pneumonia
Asthma attacks
Tuberculosis
Serious Cough
Infection
Increase of Bacteria
Lack of oxygen
Pale Skin
High Fever
Pneumonia
Asthma attacks
Tuberculosis
What are the Treatments for Cough?
There are treatments available for all diseases. Coughs can also be effectively treated with appropriate medication and therapy.
Herbal syrup can be the best solution for your sore throat. Also, a menthol flavor candy sometimes gives soothness to the throat.
Drinking hot water and taking hot sips of herbal tea can give relief from cough. We cough when our throat has bacteria or infection in it. To reduce the cough, we drink hot water.
Home remedies for cough treatment are a great way of getting a cure from cough, like taking a tablespoon of honey with tulsi leaves, which sometimes gives us relief from cough.
Heating the airways by having some hot food or hot soup can control the release of bacteria.
If coughing can be controlled through homemade remedies, we can go for medicines. It’s better to cough sometimes because it releases mucus and cleans our lungs. If the cough remains for many days,
then consulting a doctor and taking proper medication is a better option for controlling the cough.
Sometimes a heavy nose can be a reason for coughing, it can be cured by taking nostrils, which will help in clearing the nose.
Dry throat can be another reason for a heavy cough so try to take steam from hot water. Also, using a vaporizer can sometimes give you relief.
Few people have an allergy to dust and pollution, they may avoid going frequently or else can use a mask to avoid dust and coughing. Also, they use anti-allergy medicines prescribed by doctors, which will
give them relief from dust and cough.
If a person is having a high cold, he/she may take rest to avoid getting contact from outside germs.
Gargling with hot and saltwater is by far the best way to get rid of the cold and cough. Gargling several times a day will give you the best result.
Eating frozen ice cream sometimes will give you relaxation from a sore throat.
Severe throat pain can be cured by taking some of the painkiller medicines.
Some of the cough remedies that will naturally give you relief from coughing are:
A study says that honey works wonders during cough as it works as medication for everyone. Two teaspoons of honey with warm water will show you results.
Ginger will help you with a dry cough and it also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Drinking fluids at room temperature or drinking hot water may relieve you from getting a cough.
Taking bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties, can cure cough immediately.
Having natural yogurt or hot soup will do wonders to cure your cough.
These household cough remedies sometimes give better results in curing your sore throat and help increase metabolism. Staying hydrated and drinking more water will keep you from getting any kind of disease. Still,
if the household cough treatment is not giving you relief, you can go consult a doctor.
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An acute cough caused by an irritant, allergens, or an infection usually clears up within a few weeks. But it's a good idea to follow up with your doctor if it lasts longer than 3 weeks or if it occurs in
conjunction with any of the following symptoms:
Cough is a simple reflection of high mucus that is secreted from the lungs. It may be because of the extra bacteria present in our respiratory pipes. The cough shouldn’t last for more than two weeks.
2. How to prevent coughing with exercises?
Relax your body.
Take 2-3 deep breaths and exhale slowly with your mouth open.
3. What is a dry cough?
A dry cough can occur in many people and you can call it "ineffectual.". Dry cough may occur due to various reasons, like irritation, dry respiratory issues, inflammation, or any physical strain.
4. Is excessive coughing dangerous?
An excessive cough may irritate your throat and you may get vomiting or a throat infection. Also, it may cause you dizziness and exhaustion.
5. What is the advice for coughing?
The advice for coughing typically includes covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing to prevent the spread of germs, staying hydrated, avoiding irritants such as smoke or allergens, and seeking
medical attention if the cough persists or worsens.
6. What are the precautions for coughing?
Precautions for coughing include practicing good respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, washing your hands frequently with soap and water, avoiding close contact with individuals who
are sick, and staying home from work or school if you are unwell to prevent the spread of illness.
