Introduction
The body expels the irritant in the form of a cough. When a foreign body irritates the throat, nerve signals are sent to the brain. The brain responds and contracts the breathing muscles to expel cough. A cough is a defense mechanism against smoke, pollutants, and allergens. Cough is a symptom of many respiratory illnesses. The systemic condition can be identified with the characteristic of cough - dry cough or wet cough.
What Is a Dry Cough?
A dry cough is considered to be an unproductive cough as it does not produce mucus. There is a tickling sensation in the throat, which triggers coughing. A dry cough is difficult to control, and a severe cough can result in fits. It occurs due to an upper respiratory tract infection. The cough is present for a few weeks, even after the recovery from the flu.
The causes of dry cough are as follows;
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Croup - The vocal cords are affected by a viral infection and end in breathing difficulties along with a dry cough. There is a constant cough. It mostly affects children.
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Asthma - A respiratory illness caused by allergens causes asthma. Wheezing is the initial symptom. Severe asthma attacks result in dry cough. Few individuals produce mucus in asthmatic episodes.
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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - This occurs due to the transfer of food contents from the stomach to the esophagus. It causes a burning sensation in the chest and throat. Eventually, the regurgitation causes a chronic cough.
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Laryngitis - The overuse of the voice box results in irritation of the vocal cords. It occurs due to viral or bacterial infection. Laryngitis makes the throat dry, and the normal voice changes into a hoarse voice. This irritation in the throat develops a dry cough for several weeks.
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Tonsillitis - The tonsils are present on both sides of the throat. These tonsils act as a defense against infections and prevent them from entering the body. The inflammation of the tonsils causes throat infection and produces a dry cough.
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Sinusitis - The issues in the air cavity present on the sides of the cheeks, eyes, and forehead result in sinusitis. The inflammation in the air cavity generates a lingering cough.
How to Diagnose and Manage a Dry Cough?
The dry cough is usually diagnosed using symptoms and past medical history. Physical examination is usually performed by medical professionals to examine the dry cough. The severity and frequency of chronic dry cough are monitored.
The dry cough is treated by the following measures;
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Natural Remedy - Honey is the best natural ingredient to treat dry cough. It soothes down the irritated tissue lining present in the throat.
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Lozenges - The throat appears dry and irritated due to a dry cough. Lozenges are used to soothe the throat and stay moistened.
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Medication - The cough reflex can be controlled by cough suppressants. The commonly used medication for suppressing cough is Dextromethorphan.
What Is a Wet Cough?
A wet cough arises after the flu due to bacterial or viral infection. The normal respiratory tract is lined by a mucous membrane. It produces more mucus due to irritants and is known as a productive cough. The excess mucus present in the lungs is expelled during a wet cough. It lasts for three to four weeks.
The causes of wet cough include:
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Pneumonia - Due to pneumonia, the lungs are affected by microbial infection. The inflammation in air sacs results in pus formation. A wet cough removes the phlegm from the lungs.
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - The air sacs are destroyed along with the narrowing of the bronchi. If the disease progresses to a severe stage, it interferes with the breathing mechanism. There is a recurring cough with the phlegm.
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Cystic Fibrosis - It occurs in infants due to genetic respiratory illness. The mucus appears thick and sticky. It is a life-threatening disease and damages the bronchi and air sacs.
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Whooping Cough - The viral infection in children causes whooping cough with phlegm. The child gasps for air due to an uncontrollable cough.
How Is Wet Cough Diagnosed and Treated?
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Chest X-rays - The extent of the lung inflammation can be observed using X-rays. The pus collection in the lungs is identified in the radiographic image. The abnormality in the lungs is visualized.
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Pulmonary Function Test - The severity of respiratory infections in the lungs is determined with the help of a pulmonary function test. Spirometry detects the working efficiency of the lungs during inhalation and forceful exhalation. The results are obtained in two to three days.
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Sputum Test - The mucus is obtained during a wet cough. It is used as a sample for culture tests. Positive results reveal the presence of respiratory infection in the lungs.
The various Treatment Methods for Wet Cough include:
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Airway Clearance Devices - The mucus should be expelled to ease the airflow. Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) delivers pressure under vibration and eliminates phlegm. It is effective against a wet cough.
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Mucolytics - Mucolytics are prescribed by medical professionals to thin the mucus. The phlegm becomes less sticky and is expelled. Steam inhalation makes the mucus thin and gives relief to the nose and throat.
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Medications for wet cough- The bronchodilators are prescribed to widen the air passages for airflow. Medications like Acetaminophen are used to reduce body pain and fatigue. Decongestants like Phenylephrine are used to clear the air passages. It also reduces the nose block and aids breathing. Chlorpheniramine is used as an antihistamine against allergic reactions.
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Humidifier - The cool mist humidifier is used for the children to ease their breathing mechanism. It reduces the wet cough during the night and encourages sleep. Saline nasal drops can also be used to clear stuffy noses in children.
Does COVID-19 Cause a Wet or Dry Cough?
A cough is a common sign of a COVID-19 infection, especially in the early stages. It is often described as a new, continuous cough, meaning it suddenly appears, lasts for over an hour, or has 3 or more episodes in a day. COVID-19 coughs are usually dry, caused by irritation in the lungs due to the virus. This kind of cough does not produce phlegm or mucus. Less commonly, the cough can come with phlegm. The sound of the cough might vary depending on the COVID variant. The Omicron variant can cause a cough that sounds like a barking seal, especially in children. If someone is noticing a persistent cough, paying attention and taking necessary precautions is important.
What Is the Difference Between a Dry and Wet Cough?
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The throat becomes itchy and dry due to a dry cough, whereas there is mild to no itching in a wet cough.
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Dry cough increases during dehydration and causes discomfort. The patient has pain near the throat or chest due to effort produced during a wet cough.
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In dry cough, the patient is not aware of the underlying conditions or causes like GERD, air conditioners, or medications (ACE inhibitors). A wet cough is produced due to the presence of a foreign body in the lungs, causing systemic diseases.
When Is It Necessary to Consult a Doctor for a Cough?
If someone has a cough that lasts more than three weeks, gets worse at night, or makes it hard to do daily tasks, they should see a doctor. It is important to go to the doctor if the cough is accompanied by a high fever, chest pain, trouble breathing, or if there is blood when they cough. People with existing health problems like asthma or heart issues should be especially careful and see a doctor if they have a persistent cough. If they are around someone with a bad cough or if they smoke, they need to get medical advice, too. If there are any signs of COVID-19, like losing the sense of taste or smell, consult a doctor and get tested
Conclusion
Coughing is a prevalent respiratory symptom associated with various illnesses, and it can be either dry or wet, depending on the underlying condition. Typically, coughs resolve within two weeks, but a persistent dry barking cough can be challenging, disrupting sleep. It's crucial for individuals experiencing severe coughs, especially if accompanied by weight loss or fever, to consult a healthcare professional. Urgent medical attention is essential if coughing is accompanied by blood discharge. The appropriate treatment varies based on the specific cause and type of cough.
