Reflex expectoration of sputum is a standard reaction to irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. The influence of adverse factors on sensitive receptors causes a sharp release of air from the lungs, in other words, a cough. Diseases of the respiratory organs do not always lead to this. Cough often occurs as a protective mechanism when necessary to release the airways from mucus, fluid, foreign bodies.
How to distinguish between dry and wet cough? What treatment methods should be resorted to in case of similar reactions of the body? You will find answers to these and other questions in this article.
How to recognize a dry cough?
How to distinguish between dry and wet cough? With the development of respiratory diseases at first, the urge to dry cough is most often manifested. But expectoration of sputum gradually develops , which leads to the formation of a wet cough.
There are several features according to which you can recognize a dry cough:
- the process is paroxysmal in nature;
- cough begins and ends abruptly;
- in most cases, there is a feeling of having a foreign body in the airways ;
- attacks are periodically repeated for several minutes;
- during a dry cough, a person feels short of breath;
- attacks occur at night, not allowing to fall asleep;
- during dry cough, abundant mucus is not observed;
- the sensation of itching in the airways does not disappear even after the end of the attack;
- after a dry cough, chest pain may occur as a result of a prolonged sharp contraction of the muscles and bronchi.
Based on the above features, you can understand how to distinguish a dry cough from a wet cough. Next, consider the common causes according to which attacks of dry cough may occur.
Causes of dry cough
The appearance of dry cough indicates the development of a certain disease:
- Laryngitis - at the beginning of the disease, the mucous membrane of the throat is irritated. It is for this reason that a dry cough occurs. The patient feels a sore throat. Since there is no sputum in the airways, the cough is dry.
- Tracheitis - inflammation of the tissues in the airways leads to protracted coughing attacks, which are extremely difficult to eliminate. Muscle contraction is extremely painful. During a dry cough, a person has a feeling as if he was turning inside out.
- Asthma - with a disease, not only attacks of dry cough occur. The disease proceeds with periodic blockage of the respiratory passages. During a dry cough, choking may occur.
- Bronchitis is one of the most common diseases, which is accompanied by attacks of dry cough. With the development of the disease, the seizures are extremely debilitating, since the body inadequately responds to the course of inflammatory processes.
Non-Infectious Causes of Dry Cough
Not always respiratory infections and colds cause a dry cough. It can occur during the spread of chemical substances sprayed in the air. Attacks often arise simply on the street, when living close to metallurgical enterprises.
Another common cause is a foreign body in air-conducting paths. In this case, the body is trying by any means to get rid of the irritant of the throat mucosa as soon as possible. Thus, dry coughing fits are formed.
The development of dry cough attacks can lead to:
- irritation of the respiratory tract by exhaust fumes;
- specific reactions of the body to household chemicals, cosmetics, perfumes;
- inhalation of building dust;
- allergies
- stresses.
Features of wet cough
How to distinguish a dry cough from a wet cough? In medical practice, a wet cough is called productive. Because at the end of the attack, the person feels relief. In this case, a positive result of the manifestation of an expectorant reflex is noticeable.
How is a dry cough different from a wet one? With a wet cough, a person expectorates lumps of sputum that come out of the bronchi. During the attacks, there is no pain. During sleep, wheezing often occurs, sometimes shortness of breath manifests itself. Wet coughing spells do not last long.
Causes of wet cough
The occurrence of wet coughing attacks is often caused by the development of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza conditions. Diseases of this category usually start with a dry cough. Further, such ailments turn into a reproductive expectoration of mucus.
How to distinguish between dry and wet cough? The main manifestations of a productive cough are sputum production. The latter can form with abscesses of lung tissue. With this disease, expectorant mucus has a greenish tint, and also has an unpleasant odor.
Another cause of wet cough is pulmonary tuberculosis. The disease is accompanied by the formation of profuse sputum with impurities of blood or pus. This specific mucus is formed as a result of the breakdown of lung tissue.
Dry cough treatment
So we found out how to distinguish a dry cough from a wet cough. Now let's see what are the ways to fix the problem.
Currently, a wide range of medicines is available, the use of which helps to get rid of attacks of dry cough. Preparations of this spectrum of action are divided into synthetic and natural. Active ingredients in the first are chemical components. The second ones are based on raw materials of plant origin.
For dry coughs, medications are used whose action is aimed at calming the receptors and relieving spasms ("Libexin"). An effective solution is the use of expectorant drugs. The latter contribute to the hydration of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and, as a result, to the relief of coughing attacks.
It is worth noting that products based on herbal components have a milder effect. Therefore, having figured out how to distinguish a dry cough from a wet one in a child, it is worth concentrating on such medications.
Wet Cough Treatment
Eliminating a wet cough in most cases is more difficult than a dry cough. After all, the main task here is the speedy removal of accumulated sputum from the respiratory tract. In this case, it is worth resorting to the use of expectorant and mucolytic drugs. The best remedies in the fight against wet cough are the following:
- Prospan is usually given to children. It produces a sparing effect without causing tissue irritation. Having figured out how to distinguish a dry cough from a wet one in a child, it is worth paying attention to this particular drug, because its active substances effectively affect the separation of sputum.
- "Herbion" is a herbal remedy. Taking the drug allows you to get rid of sputum as soon as possible.
- Bromhexine effectively dilutes phlegm. This contributes to its rapid elimination from the lungs.
As for alternative methods of treating wet cough, inhalations from chamomile, licorice, calendula, coltsfoot will come to the rescue here. Also, the use of licorice-based syrup contributes to the separation of sputum.
Prevention
We figured out how to distinguish a dry cough from a wet one, and considered treatment methods. Now let's find out how to protect ourselves from such manifestations. In order not to suffer from coughing, first of all, you should give up smoking. It is also important to drink warm drinks, maintain the immune system, and lead a healthy lifestyle in general. Proper nutrition, hardening, avoiding drafts, maintaining your own body in good physical shape - all this will not make you think about how to distinguish a dry cough from a wet cough.
Eventually
Consider how to distinguish between wet and dry cough, signs of such manifestations, can be a long time. The above features are known to every adult. Some manifestations of dry and wet cough are purely individual. Whatever the cause of the coughing fits, do not delay the treatment. After all, eliminating the complications of diseases is much more difficult, especially if the ailments have become chronic.