Experience coughing often since autumn, is it a dry cough or a wet cough?

Cough is a common symptom of respiratory diseases. Cough may be a reaction caused by dry throat or trachea, or it may be caused by more serious infections such as colds, pneumonia, tuberculosis or even lung cancer. Although coughing could be uncomfortable, this action clears the throat and airways of foreign irritants and excess secretions such as thick phlegm. If the cough persists for more than two weeks, it is recommended to seek medical attention ASAP; if the cough lasts more than a month, the doctor may recommend chest X-ray to check if there are abnormal lesions.

Coughs are commonly divided into two types: dry cough and wet cough. Dry cough is often caused by trachea allergy or dry throat, which is commonly caused by the dry and cold air in autumn and winter. As for wet cough usually caused by infection, pneumonia patients may be accompanied by yellow orgreen and sometimes withblood stained sputum, fever, shortness of breath, cough-related chest pain, etc., while pulmonary tuberculosis patients will have symptoms such as blood in sputum and weight loss, which need extra care.

Source: Medical News Today

Treatments of persistent cough depends on the cause. Generally, coughs caused by upper respiratory tract infections such as colds will be cured within 7 to 10 days. For most cases, only phlegm-relief and cough-relief drugs may be used, and antibiotics are not required. However, pneumonia and other lower respiratory tract infections cases would require antibiotics, and severe cases require hospitalisation.

If the cough is related to low humidity, consider installing a humidifier in the room to reduce discomfort.

November is the peak season for influenza, with the Covid-19 pandemic, individuals aged 6 months or above are recommended to have influenza vaccination to protect yourselves and their loved ones.