Know About The Various Types of Coughs: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Understanding cough symptoms, causes, and effective treatment

Key highlights or summary

  • A cough is a strong defensive reflex of the body to clear germs, mucus, or dust that can irritate the throat and air passage.
  • There are various ways to differentiate one type of cough from another be it dry cough, wet cough, barking cough, whooping, or allergic cough.  
  • Treatment of cough depends on the type, duration, and underlying conditions associated with it.
  • Home remedies constitute a major part of therapy for managing various types of coughs.
  • A doctor’s intervention involves medical management of symptoms if not resolved on their own. 

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Frequently asked questions

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Different home tips can help manage the cough spells naturally. These include getting enough rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and having smaller meals. Keep the air clean, and wash hands often to prevent spread. 

A dry cough without phlegm is rarely cause for worry and usually disappears on its own. However, a prolonged dry cough may be associated with an underlying condition like reflux disease or asthma.

Coughing either for a short or prolonged period can strain the muscles of the stomach and make your abdomen feel painful. 

Use throat lozenges, gargle about 4 times a day with lukewarm saltwater. This can reduce throat irritation. Take a hot shower bath as this can provide moisture to the throat.  

A dry or itchy throat can have various causes including dehydration, inflammation, and sinusitis. A doctor may also recommend cough lozenges, hot tea with lemon or honey, and enough rest.  

Steam inhalation, consumption of ginger, honey, and turmeric, warm saltwater gargling, and plenty of rest help reduce cough due to bronchitis. Avoid taking any medicines unless the cough keeps you awake at night. 

Coughing up phlegm is good because it helps to remove irritants and infection from your body.

 A cough can usually last for about 2 weeks. If it lingers for more than 2 weeks, you may need a physician’s advice to cure the cough. 

Hydration, honey, steam inhalation, saltwater gargle, eucalyptus oil, herbal teas and head elevation are some of the ways to clear a chest cough.