In the olden days, if you had a minor cough, you could have relied on over-the-counter cough treatment or waited for it to go away on its own. You went to the doctor if it was more severe or followed by other symptoms.
However, since coughing is a typical indication of COVID-19,
the tiniest of coughs might now raise the alarm.
Yet, there are many different
reasons why you're coughing a lot. Keep on reading to learn all about the
various causes of a cough and the six different types of illnesses that
might be powering your coughing at night.
The
Mechanism of Coughing a Lot
It goes without saying that if you
suspect your cough to be a symptom of COVID, then you'll want to head to MedNow Urgent
Care and have the professionals run a test and give your care
instructions.
Now, let's explore what coughing is
all about. You may clear your throat by coughing. Coughing is a reflex response
when your airways get congested with mucus or foreign particles such as smoke
or dust.
When exposed to irritants like
smoke, this form of coughing will become more frequent than it usually is.
Identifying
Kinds of Coughs: Dry or Wet Cough
A wet cough differs from a dry cough
in that the former is more frequent.
Doctors often question whether or
not a patient coughs with water or dry mucus in it. You may cough up mucus or
have a salty taste in your mouth if you have a wet cough, also known as a
productive cough.
Coughing up mucus is a sign that you
have bronchitis or pneumonia; it may also be a symptom of the flu, cold, or
COPD.
Coughs that generate no mucus, or
dry coughs, are particularly difficult to manage. Once you start coughing, it
may be impossible to stop. Exposure to irritating substances or certain medical
conditions, such as COVID-19 (sinusitis with GERD and reflux), may cause a dry
cough.
1.
The Common Flu or Cold: Lasting One to Two Weeks
If you also have a wet cough and other
symptoms like a stuffy nose, sore throat, sneezing, or a fever, you're more
likely to have the flu or the cold. Have you already heard the jingle for the
nasal medication advertisement in your head?
Consult your pharmacist before using
any of the more strong cough and cold drugs that are easily accessible at
pharmacies. It's essential to deal with each symptom one at a time in order to
prevent pharmaceutical interactions.
Using a cough suppressant at night
should only be done if you're having trouble sleeping since cleaning the lungs
is generally beneficial.
2.
Bronchitis: Lasting a Few Days to a Few Weeks
There are occasions when an upper
respiratory infection may evolve into a chronic and often severe wet cough that
produces phlegm in a variety of colors, including brown, green, and yellow.
Mucus in the lungs may be loosened
by using an inhaler or by relaxing with warm drinks. Bronchitis caused by a
bacterial infection necessitates the use of antibiotics.
3.
Pneumonia or Chest Infection: A Few Weeks to a Month
Infected air sacs in the lungs may
produce moderate to severe symptoms such as phlegmy or dry cough, fever, and
shortness of breath. Viruses, bacteria, or fungi can cause this.
Having little energy and coughing up
dark mucous are two more telltale indications. A chest x-ray and a course of
medicines (if the illness is bacterial) may help you get rid of the bugs and
the cough. Hospitalization may be necessary for elderly or small children who
need medical treatment.
4.
A Post-nasal Drip: Chronic
People with PND often have a wet
cough (generally at night, when you're kicked back) and an upset stomach in the
morning because of the snot flow when they have PND.
For some individuals, it's evident
this is occurring, and they have additional allergy symptoms like sneezing or
an itchy nose, while others display more subtle signals.
A nasal steroid or antihistamine
(both available over-the-counter) may help clear the sinuses, and using a
humidifier at night, particularly in the winter, can help alleviate the
symptoms.
5.
Asthma: Chronic
Breathing becomes difficult (imagine
wheezing and chest pressure), and a dry cough may emerge as the airways
constrict and swell. Your lungs have smoother airflow at night or in the early
mornings.
Therefore, this sort of cough
generally occurs. Asthma is often diagnosed by a series of breathing or lung
function tests and treated with inhaled steroids or albuterol.
6.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Chronic
A dry cough might be brought on by
stomach acids traveling back up the esophagus (hello, heartburn). If you've
just eaten a large meal, or if you're lying down in the morning or at night,
you're more likely to suffer from acid reflux.
Some individuals can acquire a cough
without any other visible signs of heartburn, making it difficult to diagnose.
If you or your doctor suspect GERD
is to blame for all of your hacking and throat clearings, dietary changes
include restricting fatty or spicy meals, alcohol, and caffeine. Also, acid
reflux medications may be helpful.
Signs
You're Getting Sick: Exploring the Potential Causes
No one enjoys being sick. Yet, it's
a part of the human condition that we need to address and address as soon as
possible for a better quality of life. We hope that if you've
been coughing a lot, this guide has shed some light on the six potential
drivers of your illness.
And, if you liked reading our article, you can check out our health and lifestyle sections for more explainers and tips on becoming healthier and living a better life.
