What is the Difference Between Dry Cough and Wet Cough?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a dry cough and a wet cough lies in the presence of mucus or phlegm. Here are the characteristics of each type of cough:
- Dry Cough: Also known as a hacking cough, it has a consistent tone and is free from the sound of mucus. It is caused by irritation and inflammation of the airway. A cough accompanied by a tickling sensation in the throat is usually a dry cough, and you can also feel chest tightness after a dry cough.
- Wet Cough: Also known as a productive or chest cough, it raises phlegm (or liquid) from the lower respiratory tract. Wet coughs are usually temporary and associated with viruses like colds and influenza, and accompanied by symptoms like a stuffy nose, aches/pains, sore throat, and wheezing.
Understanding the difference between a dry cough and a wet cough can help you identify the type of cough you or your child is experiencing and determine if further medical attention is necessary. If a cough persists or is accompanied by other symptoms of illness, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
Comparative Table: Dry Cough vs Wet Cough
The main difference between a dry cough and a wet cough lies in the presence or absence of mucus or phlegm. Here is a table comparing the two types of coughs:
| Feature | Dry Cough | Wet Cough |
|---|---|---|
| Mucus Production | None | Present |
| Also Known As | Non-productive cough | Productive cough |
| Caused By | Inflammation or irritation in the respiratory tract, upper respiratory infections, acid reflux, air-born pollutants, sore throat, tonsillitis, croup, sinusitis, allergies, and GERD | Common cold, flu, pneumonia, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), asthma, and acute bronchitis |
| Associated Symptoms | May be temporary, triggered by choking, tickle in the throat, or environmental irritants like smoke | Usually temporary, associated with viruses like colds and influenza, accompanied by symptoms like stuffy nose, aches/pains, sore throat, and wheezing |
| Treatment | Over-the-counter medications, addressing underlying causes | Over-the-counter cough syrup, medical attention may be necessary for persistent wet coughs |
A dry cough is a gag reflex often caused by inflammation or irritation in the respiratory tract, and it does not bring up mucus. On the other hand, a wet cough raises phlegm or liquid from the lower respiratory tract and is usually temporary, associated with viruses like colds and influenza.
- Sore Throat vs Dry Cough
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- Catarrh vs Mucus
- Diphtheria vs Whooping Cough
- Mucus vs Phlegm
- Mucus vs Mucous
- Catarrh vs Coryza
- Curing vs Drying
- Stridor vs Wheezing
- Pneumonia vs Bronchitis
- Cold vs Flu
- Hayfever vs Cold
- Asthma vs Bronchitis
- Bronchitis vs Bronchiolitis
- Sore Throat vs Strep Throat
- Bronchitis vs Bronchiectasis
- Asthma vs Wheezing
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