Wet and dry cough are two different coughs with varying symptoms and treatments. A wet cough is said to be a productive cough because of mucus production whereas a dry cough is said to be a non-productive cough due to the absence of mucus when it happens. There are many causes behind each one of these coughs. In general, a cough is often triggered by micro-organisms, irritants, secretions, and foreign particles in the respiratory tract.
Understanding a wet cough and a dry cough will help you take a suitable treatment for the specific cough. If any cough persists for a long time, then medical attention is advised. Sometimes a cough could indicate an underlying problem that needs medical treatment. Let’s delve into these types of coughs.
What is wet cough?
As mentioned earlier, wet cough is a productive cough that is characterized by mucus. This mucus may be produced in the lungs and then come out when coughing. It can contain unwanted particles in it. Therefore, it is vital to expel the mucus whenever coughing. In addition to the mucus, a wet cough is also characterized by phlegm that often results when one has cold.
What are the causes of wet cough?
In fact, wet cough causes include bacterial infection, viral infection, smoking, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These are explained below:
Bacterial infection — bacterial infections can affect the lungs and respiratory passage. There are certain bacteria that are responsible for these infections. To expel these bacteria, the body secretes mucus that will trap these bacteria and get rid of them. A cough will then result. But bacterial infections may indicate an underlying problem such as TB, pneumonia, and bronchitis.
Viral infection — it regarded as one of common triggers of a wet cough.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease —this disease causes wet cough. The disease is often indicative of an intense infection that should receive medical treatment.
Smoking — regular smokers often suffer from a wet cough. This cough is indicative of the lung damage and esophagus irritation. Mucus is produced to expel the smoking particles.
What is a dry cough?
As mentioned already, a dry cough is a non-productive cough. It is not accompanied by phlegm or mucus.
What are causes of dry cough?
The triggers of a dry cough include viral infection, Bronchospasm, asthma, and allergies. They are explained below:
Viral infection — a wet cough and dry cough share this cause. The cough caused by viral infection last for a few weeks. It intensifies mostly at night.
Bronchospasm — the irritation in the bronchial tubes caused by spasm results in a dry cough.
Allergies — smoke; dust, chemical substances, and smoke particles trigger a dry cough
Asthma — if a dry cough occurs for a long time, then it may be a sign of asthma. For this reason, one needs medical attention.
