One of the symptoms of a cold is cough. But not all coughs are the same: whether a dry cough or a cough with mucus is of considerable importance in the treatment of coughs. But what is the difference between a dry irritating cough and a mucous cough with sputum and when is which treatment advisable? You can find out here!
Why does a cough develop?
Cough is a self-cleaning and defense mechanism of the respiratory tract. It is therefore a useful protective reflex, with which, for example, pathogens or invaded dust particles can be expelled from the respiratory tract. This mechanism is supported by the movement of the so-called ciliated epithelium and the production of mucus, which remove the foreign substances. In the course of an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, there is an increased production of viscous mucus, which the ciliated epithelium can no longer remove. Coughing then helps to remove the mucus.
Dry cough
In the first phase of an infection, the bronchial tubes often respond to each breath with a coughing irritation. The invading viruses – the main trigger of a cold – attack the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes and trigger inflammation. Initially, however, neither excessive nor pathologically altered mucus is produced in the bronchial tubes. The cough that is nevertheless present therefore does not transport mucus – it is dry and does not provide relief at this stage of the disease. Therefore, it is also called “unproductive”. This form of cough is also called an irritable cough, and many people find it particularly distressing.
What helps against dry cough?
Although the “dry” cough is very exhausting and stressful, it is usually over after two to three days. In this phase, cough-irritant preparations help best. They act according to different principles:
- First, by attenuating the center of the cough. Here are the active ingredients codeine, dihydrocodeine or noscapine.
- In addition, by inhibiting the cough receptors in the bronchial mucosa or by reducing the transmission of stimuli (clobutinol, pentoxyverine).
When choosing a cough suppressant, pay attention to side effects, as some active ingredients can make tired. Herbal cough suppressants are marshmallow root, Iceland moss, mullein, mallow leaves or ribwort herb. Home remedies for dry coughs include onion syrup, inhalation, warm potato wraps or tea made from fennel, coltsfoot or ribwort. Chamomile tea, on the other hand, is considered counterproductive for an irritating cough. You can find more tips against a chesty cough here.
Aggravated cough
After a few days, this phase is followed by the “productive” cough, which is usually perceived as liberating. Large amounts of mucus form in the bronchial tubes and are expelled with the cough. It is therefore also referred to as a cough with sputum. If the dry cough turns into a productive cough, so-called expectorants, i.e. expectorants, should be taken. Cough suppressants are now counterproductive, as they suppress the cough and therefore the mucus cannot be removed. However, for those who cannot sleep through the night, it is actually useful to take a cough suppressant before going to bed. If a dry cough is followed by mucus production, but with tough, solid mucus that cannot be coughed up, this is also known as a stuck cough.
This is how expectorants work
In the group of expectorants, there are also different principles of action:
- Mucolytics reduce the viscosity of mucus, it is better removed (for example, bromhexine, ambroxol, N-acetylcysteine).
- Secretolytics stimulate the production of thin mucus, the secretion is liquefied (for example, saponins, essential oils, potassium iodide, mucilage, guaifenesin).
- Secretomotor agents stimulate the activity of the cilia (for example, essential oils).
Cough expectorants on a plant basis are anise, ivy leaves, primrose root, thyme herb, thyme herb or licorice root. Simple but effective home remedy for phlegmy cough is thyme tea. Common cold: what helps against the symptoms?
Measures and tips for cough
Especially with a phlegmy cough, it is quite important to drink enough fluids (at least 1.5 to 2 liters a day). Then also the mucus can be sufficiently liquefied and thus better removed.Also recommended are walks in the fresh air and adequate humidification. In addition, factors that can damage the bronchial mucosa should be avoided. These include:
- Cigarette smoke
- Air that is too dry (overheated rooms)
- Irritants in the air
After about a week, mucus flow and thus the cough irritation should have returned to normal. If the cough symptoms have not improved despite medical treatment, or the mucus turns yellow or green, a doctor should be consulted.
