Nowadays, even a mild cough can raise eyebrows given its association with COVID-19.
However, while coughing can indicate COVID-19, it can also arise from various other causes. The following questions should help you gauge the likely reason behind your cough and guide you on the next steps to take.
What triggers coughing?
Various factors can lead to coughing. They include:
- You’ve been exposed to irritants or pollutants. Breathing in dust, pollution, or potent chemicals, like smoke, can initiate coughing. Typically, once you’re away from these irritants, the coughing should subside.
- You have a virus.Viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, or even the coronavirus, often come with coughing as a symptom. Alongside the cough, you might notice other signs like runny nose, fever, or a sore throat.
- You have asthma or allergies. Asthmatic or allergic reactions can induce coughing spells. Asthma might also present with symptoms like chest tightness or breathlessness. Distinguishing between allergies and a cold can be challenging since the manifestations are often alike.
- You have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is the result of stomach acids reversing into the esophagus. This acid reflux can irritate the esophagus’s lining, leading to symptoms like coughing, heartburn, an unpleasant taste, or a sensation of a lump in the throat.
- You smoke.Often termed “smoker’s cough,” this kind of cough arises as the body attempts to expel harmful chemicals from the lungs.
What’s the difference between a wet cough and dry cough?
When assessing your symptoms, your doctor might inquire if your cough is wet or dry. A wet, or productive cough, leads to the expulsion of mucus and can sometimes leave a salty taste in your mouth. Common causes for a wet cough include the flu, colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
How can I stop coughing so much?
While over-the-counter cough remedies might not tackle the root cause of your cough, they can certainly alleviate the symptom, allowing for better sleep and comfort. In some situations, cold and flu medications might also offer relief.
Using humidifiers is beneficial for both types of coughs—wet and dry. These devices emit a consistent stream of humidified air, aiding in reducing cough and easing congestion.
Staying hydrated is essential as it aids in mucus thinning, potentially diminishing the frequency of your cough. Addressing and managing conditions like asthma, allergies, or GERD can also help in keeping coughing at bay.
On the other hand, dry coughs don’t result in mucus production and can often be persistent. Once a dry coughing fit begins, it can be challenging to halt. This type of cough is frequently triggered by irritants, allergies, asthma, croup, GERD, sinusitis, or even COVID-19.
How do I know if my cough is serious?
If you’re dealing with a mild cough that persists beyond 1-2 weeks, it’s advisable to consult your doctor.
A cough that extends beyond 8 weeks is considered chronic. The Chronic Cough Program at the Temple Lung Center is adept at identifying the root causes of such coughs. Their experts provide treatments that either reduce the cough’s intensity or address the core problem.
To consult with the Chronic Cough Program team, you can dial 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) or book an appointment online.
However, if your cough presents with any of the following symptoms, it’s crucial to contact your physician promptly, even if the cough is relatively new:
- Breathing difficulties
- Challenges in swallowing
- Discharge of green or yellow mucus
- Elevated body temperature
- Whistling sound while breathing
- Persistent coughing preventing sleep
In emergencies, like facing severe breathing issues, pain in the chest, skin or lips turning blue, or coughing up blood, head straight to the closest emergency facility or dial 911.
