An important guide to coughs in the time of COVID-19

If you have a cough, you might be worried, as coughing is a hallmark symptom of COVID-19. But there are many different types of coughs. And of course, developing a cough doesn’t mean you have COVID-19.

Coughing has a purpose. It’s a reflex that helps protect your body by clearing germs, toxins, and mucus from your lungs and trachea. However, a cough that lasts longer than eight weeks is considered persistent; if you have a persistent cough, you should contact your doctor because chronic coughs may be a sign of an underlying health issue.

Why you still need to visit your doctor during COVID-19?

If you have noticed you are coughing, try to remember when it started. Has it been days, weeks, or months? And keep track of when the cough is at its worst — during the day or at night? Does your cough flare up after eating, exercising, or smoking? How severe is it? And most importantly keep a close check on whether is it wet or dry — the two primary classifications of coughs.

Here’s a breakdown of common coughs experienced by adults, some potential causes, and some guidance as to when to consult a Primary Care Physicians in Homer Glen.

Wet coughs

These types of coughs are also known as productive or chest coughs. Wet coughs raise phlegm (or liquid) from the lower respiratory tract. They’re usually temporary, associated with viruses like colds and influenza, and accompanied by symptoms like aches/pains, sore throat, stuffy nose, and wheezing.

But a wet cough can linger after recovering from a virus, becoming persistent. At this point, it’s a good idea to call your doctor, although they may not be able to do much more than recommend an over-the-counter cough syrup. Coughs that are virally based do not respond to antibiotics.

You may have a persistent wet cough if you smoke or have a lung condition such as emphysema, bronchitis, or asthma. If your cough persists, contact your doctor, as they may want to adjust your medications or order diagnostic tests.

Finally, call your doctor immediately if your cough is producing blood. The presence of blood in the cough can be an indicator of an infection, chronic inflammation, or cancer. Visit the Cough Treatment Clinic Homer Glen to get rid of that annoying cough!

Dry coughs

Irritated, inflamed upper airways can lead to coughing. Since the upper airways don’t have as many secretory glands as the lower airways, this type of cough doesn’t bring up mucus – hence the term “dry coughs.”

Some dry coughs are temporary. Choking, a tickle in your throat, and environmental irritants like smoke can trigger a temporary dry cough. But if you have noticed your dry cough has become persistent, medical attention may be necessary. For instance, laryngitis, tonsillitis, and sinusitis can spark a dry cough. And bacterial infections tied to whooping cough and tuberculosis cause a paroxysmal cough, recognized by fits of severe hacking.

Of course, some underlying conditions such as allergies, emphysema, bronchitis, asthma, or GERD can cause dry coughing, as can certain medications. It’s important to share as much information as possible about your coughing with your doctor so they can try to find the exact cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.

COVID-19 and coughing

COVID-19 is a respiratory tract infection. Many COVID-19 patients complain of coughing. And since COVID-19 can affect the upper and lower airways, it can produce a dry or wet cough. The former seems to be linked to mild and early-stage cases of COVID-19; whereas, the latter is more common in advanced cases.

If you’re concerned about a cough you’ve developed or suspect you have COVID-19, call your doctor. From dry coughs to wet coughs and anything in-between, Suburban Wellness has a friendly team of physicians who are always ready to help. They will get you diagnosed and treated promptly. PatientMD assists Suburban Wellness to connect with their patients through telemedicine services. The doctors can consult the patient remotely with the help of safe and secure telemedicine services which would in turn protect the patients and the doctors from virus transmission.