What Does Your Cough Say About Your Health?

What Does Your Cough Say About Your Health?
      Coughing is one of the most common symptoms of respiratory issues. Many people often dismiss it as a minor sign of a cold, but in reality, the type of cough can reveal much more about your underlying health condition. Understanding the different types of coughs is important for early detection and timely medical attention.


Dry Cough
      A dry cough produces no phlegm. It often feels itchy or irritating in the throat, as though something is stuck. This usually results from inflammation in the upper respiratory tract or reactions to external irritants like dust, smoke, or chemicals.

Possible causes of dry cough :

• Influenza
  
•  COVID-19
  
• Allergic rhinitis
  
• Early-stage bronchitis
  
• Acid reflux (GERD)
  
• Side effects from certain blood pressure medications

Wet/Productive Cough
      This type of cough produces phlegm or mucus. It occurs when the body is trying to expel waste or foreign substances from the lungs or airways. The color and texture of the mucus can help determine the severity and type of infection.

Possible causes of wet cough :

• Bronchitis
  
• Pneumonia
  
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  
• Respiratory tract infections

Night-time Cough
      A cough that occurs mainly at night or when lying down can disrupt sleep and affect daily quality of life. It’s often related to body position or internal conditions like reflux or airway constriction.

Possible causes of nighttime cough :

• Asthma
  
• GERD
  
• Allergies
  
• Congestive heart failure (especially if accompanied by breathlessness)

Chronic Cough
      A cough that lasts longer than 3 weeks and does not improve should not be ignored. Chronic coughs may signal underlying long-term or serious conditions that require prompt medical investigation.

Possible causes of chronic cough :

• Tuberculosis (TB)
  
• Lung cancer
  
• Chronic bronchitis
  
• Heart or lung-related diseases

      Don't Ignore a Persistent Cough while coughing is common and can happen to anyone, it shouldn't always be seen as a minor issue. It may be your body's way of warning you about something more serious. If you experience a persistent cough or belong to high-risk groups — such as smokers, people exposed to air pollution, or those with a family history of lung cancer — consider getting a lung health screening. The earlier you know, the better your chances of prevention and effective treatmen