4 Common Types of Cough, U.S. Experts Explain Symptoms and Causes

There are many different types of coughs, none of which make me feel good. Whether it's a productive cough or a dry, painful cough, a cough is your body trying to protect itself, says Raymond Casiari, M.D., a pulmonologist at St. Joseph's Hospital in the United States.

"When you cough, your body is trying to push disease-causing agents out of your lungs," says Jeon Liar, M.D., primary care physician at Mercy Personal Physician.

However, the underlying causes of coughing are wide-ranging, and knowing exactly what they are can help you treat them.

Most Common Types of Cough

I summarized the main types of cough, symptoms, and treatments.

About coughing: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a cough without mucus or congestion is usually called an "empty cough." It can cause pain in the airway, throat and chest, says Dr. Lyre.

Cause: Asthma, pharyngitis, sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), COVID-19, and more.

Treatment: "Treatment for dry cough depends largely on the cause," says Eileen M. Holmes, clinical associate professor at Rutgers University School of Nursing.

Also, Dr. Lier advises, ``If you suffer from dry cough with asthma, talk to your doctor as your current treatment plan may need to be tweaked.''

Additionally, according to the CDC, viral pharyngitis requires adjunctive treatment such as sucking lozenges or drinking plenty of fluids while waiting for the virus to emerge. If you suspect you have gastroesophageal reflux, take a stomach antacid and keep an eye on it.

Since a dry cough is usually a sign of dry, inflamed lungs, Dr. Lyre recommends using a humidifier while sleeping to soothe the lungs.

Also, if you suspect that you have the new coronavirus, take an antigen test or PCR test that you can do immediately at home.

Cough: It's also called "sputum" because it's mucus or congestion in the back of the lungs or throat, Holmes said.

The cause: "A productive cough is the most common sign of a lung infection. It could be pneumonia, bronchitis, or something else," says Dr. Lyre.

But it's not always a sign of a severe infection. Even a cough can produce phlegm, especially if you have an underlying lung condition such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Treatment: “The appropriate treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms,” explains Holmes. But if clear mucus comes out, infection is unlikely.

In that case, just pay attention to the symptoms and take adjunctive treatment such as drinking lots of water or drinking caffeine-free tea with honey.

But if you have yellow or green phlegm, see a doctor as you may need antibiotics.

About cough: What is called "paroxysmal cough". "Once you start coughing, it lasts and nothing comes out. It's very exhausting because the diaphragm spasms," says Holmes.

Some people cough so hard that they vomit, says Dr. Lyre.

Cause: It's most likely whooping cough, and it's more common in adults these days, Dr. Kasiari says. Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia also cause this cough.

Cure: A cough that you can't handle on your own. "You need to talk to your doctor. It's usually not something that can be cured with over-the-counter drugs," Holmes explains.

About coughing: "It's very rough and productive, like a barking dog or fur seal," Dr. Liar says.

Possible cause: A swollen trachea, which runs from the pharynx to the lungs, is what makes the sound like barking, says Holmes.

Also, "It could be a respiratory infection, but it's also a classic sign of whooping cough," explains Dr. Lyre.

Cure: This also requires medical attention, and the sooner the better. "You don't want the swelling to last or get worse," says Holmes.

When should I see a doctor for a cough?

Anytime a cough lasts longer than three weeks, Dr. Kasiari recommends seeing a doctor. Also, if you feel that your cough is interfering with your daily life, or if you cough up a lot of phlegm or blood, go to the hospital as soon as possible.

*This article is a translated version of what was posted on an overseas site. All data and research results are from original articles.

Translation: Mitsuko Kanno From Prevention