Cough, which occurs as a reflex with the guidance of the brain, occurs in order to keep away microbial factors, liquids or mucus that can be seen in the throat and respiratory tract. With the resulting cough, air is quickly expelled from the lungs. There are two potentially dangerous types of cough. These coughs, called dry and phlegmy coughs, may occur due to various reasons.
What causes dry cough?
Dry cough is a type of cough that does not contain mucus. It is triggered by an uncomfortable feeling in the back of the throat. It can be seen as attacks and may occur due to various reasons. It is generally seen due to infections in the upper respiratory tract.
Like other types of cough, dry cough can be a symptom of very serious diseases. In order to clarify this possibility and make a timely diagnosis, a doctor should be consulted immediately when a dry cough occurs. The doctor detects the source of the cough and initiates treatment as deemed necessary.
What causes phlegmy cough?
Phlegmy cough occurs when mucus is expelled while coughing. For this reason, it is also called wet cough, productive cough or wet cough. Basically, a phlegmy cough is an indication that the body is producing more mucus. However, it may also occur as an indicator of a bacterial infection or a viral infection.
In general, phlegmy cough occurs due to the following reasons:
- When there is a factor that irritates the lungs or respiratory tract and causes inflammation
- Flu
- cold
- Respiratory diseases
How to cure dry cough?
It is also important to keep the throat moist in dry cough. Therefore, it is recommended to drink plenty of water. Excessively fatty or acidic foods and drinks should be avoided. It is also important to avoid situations that trigger this type of cough.
Foods known to be rich in histamine should also be avoided. Reflux disease is also one of the causes of dry cough. Here are some suggestions to prevent dry cough:
- Using throat lozenges
- Consuming herbal teas such as marshmallow root, ginger and turmeric
- Consuming honey and lemon water
- consuming plenty of fluids
- Gargling with salt and warm water
- taking a hot shower
- taking a steamy bath
How to get rid of phlegmy cough?
Phlegmy cough is noticed by the person with the feeling of something stuck in the back of the throat. Patients feel as if something is dripping into their throat. Some mucus may come into the mouth when coughing, and it occurs due to different reasons. The difference from dry cough is that it is accompanied by fluid.
Treatment methods are applied to relieve phlegmy or wet cough. The treatment process begins depending on which type of treatment the doctor deems appropriate. The following precautions can be taken to prevent this type of cough:
- Using moisturizers to prevent the throat from drying out and becoming irritated
- take a steam bath
- Consuming vitamin C or using vitamin supplements
- Consuming pomegranate juice, carrot juice, dark chocolate
- Ensuring that the throat does not remain dry by consuming plenty of water
What is good for dry cough?
There are some foods known to be good for dry cough. In general, people with dry cough are recommended to drink herbal teas such as licorice root, marshmallow root, thyme, mint and ginger. However, the most important point to relieve this discomfort is to keep the throat moist. Therefore, it is important to consume plenty of fluids.
Inhaling steam is also considered to be good for dry cough. Not only the throat but also the air in living spaces should not be dry. One of the most consumed recipes that is considered to be good for dry cough is:
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon ginger (in powder form)
- 1 teaspoon of powdered cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- half a lemon
All ingredients are mixed and can be consumed on an empty stomach during the day, between meals. Two to three teaspoons a day is sufficient. In this way, it is possible to reduce the irritating effect of dry cough on the throat.
What is good for phlegmy cough?
When it comes to phlegmy or wet cough, consuming plenty of fluids is one of the top recommendations. Consuming herbal teas containing thyme, cloves and ginger is another recommended method for phlegmy cough.
Since phlegm needs to be removed, consuming such herbal teas helps to remove phlegm. It is also important to sleep with a high pillow to relieve wet cough. Having devices that humidify the air in living spaces is also recommended for phlegmy cough situations. Medicines should not be used unconsciously without consulting a doctor.