Dry or Wet Cough? How to Tell the Difference?

During the fall and winter seasons, people suffer from colds very frequently. Most often, they are accompanied by another symptom that often leaves an important question: dry or wet cough? How to tell one type from the other? When we go to the nearest pharmacy, the pharmacist will always ask about the type of cough before suggesting one of the available syrups. Choosing the right syrup will depend on the type of cough. A cough is a reflex that helps the body clear the lungs of mucus, dust, and other particles. It can also help clear phlegm or vomit from the throat. Coughing can be caused by various factors, such as a cold, allergies, asthma, or bronchitis.

What is a cough?

Most of us have probably experienced a cough in our lives, but actually, what is a cough? It is a reaction produced reflexively by the body. It aims to defend the respiratory tract against factors that may irritate it. It can be caused by irritation of the nerves on the mucous membrane or triggered by a person's conscious action. A cough can be classified as dry or wet. A dry cough is usually the result of a cold and typically produces a small amount of mucus. A wet cough is caused by bronchitis, pneumonia, and other lung infections and produces large amounts of mucus.

Dry and wet cough - differences

When choosing the right syrup or treatment, it is worth knowing how to recognize a dry and wet cough. The differences are visible to the person. A wet cough is present during an infection. Secretions along with microorganisms linger in the respiratory tract and are removed during coughing. This type of cough is deep, and expectoration occurs throughout the day and is sticky in nature. A wet cough can be detected in the area of the trachea and throat. Expectoration is not easy, and the color of the secretion can provide an answer as to whether it is a bacterial infection (colored) or caused by a virus (transparent). A dry cough is characterized by a lack of secretions and a constant sensation of scratching in the area of the trachea. Furthermore, a person with a dry cough feels irritation and tickling. Initially, throat clearing occurs, and the subsequent cough reflex is difficult to stop. A dry cough also manifests at night and can be exhausting. It often turns into a wet cough after a few days, although the occurrence of a dry cough can be caused by allergies or asthma. A dry cough can be a symptom of the start of an infection, but it can also lead to more serious conditions that require diagnostics from specialist doctors.

How to effectively treat a dry cough vs. a wet cough?

A dry cough usually resolves on its own. It may be accompanied by a sore throat, fever, and body aches. A wet cough is caused by a bacterial infection in the lungs or a virus and may require antibiotic treatment. How to effectively treat a dry cough vs. a wet cough? The most important thing is to determine the type of cough so that the appropriate treatment can be selected. In this case, a family doctor can help. Syrup for a wet cough should be an expectorant and facilitate the clearing of secretions. It can be purchased over the counter in pharmacies; however, remember not to use it in the evenings. When fighting a dry type of cough, it is worth choosing antitussive medications. These act very strongly against the cough and are productive. They are available in tablet form or as dry cough syrup. While treating a dry cough, you can try herbal remedies or undergo inhalation, which will help moisturize the patient's respiratory system. If we cannot distinguish whether our respiratory system is attacked by a wet or dry cough, it is worth checking the range of syrups that work simultaneously on both wet and dry coughs. If the cough does not subside after a few days, it is worth scheduling an appointment with a primary care physician.