During the winter months, there is a greater chance of catching a virus, and coughing is a common symptom. When debating what the best way to treat the cough is, the answer depends on the type of cough. There is a wet cough as well as a dry one, and you should be asking “what do different coughs mean?” The way you treat a cough depends on the type, so it is a good idea to understand the differences between the two of them so you are not treating them ineffectively.
Suppress Your Cough
Whether it is a dry or wet cough, one of the main reasons people want to treat it is to suppress it. An ongoing cough can be annoying at best, and it can also be exhausting or interfere with sleep.
A dry cough means that no mucus is being produced by the cough. This type of cough is often the result of allergies, smoke, asthma, or dust. It is the body’s way of getting rid of the irritation from the airways. A person suffering from a dry cough may sound like he or she is hacking, and the cough may be the only symptom, or it may be accompanied by other symptoms.
A wet cough is accompanied with mucus, and it is triggered when there is excess fluid in the lungs or throat. It is caused by a number of things, including upper respiratory infections, heart conditions, and lung conditions.
One of the treatment solutions to suppress a dry or wet cough is homeopathic cough medicine for adults. This not only helps to stop the cough, but it also helps fight other symptoms such as sore throat, congestion, and chest tightness. Because it is a homeopathic treatment, it supports the immune system’s abilities and shortens symptom duration. It also does not have side effects like common over the counter or prescription cough medication.
Decrease Mucus Build Up
When examining wet vs dry cough treatment, one of the goals with a wet cough is to decrease the buildup of mucus. Reducing the amount of mucus makes coughing less necessary, which decreases its frequency. An easy and safe at-home remedy is to gargle with salt water. Mixing about a half teaspoon of salt with warm water and gargling it a few times a day decreases the amount of mucus.
Other treatment methods for a wet cough focus on thinning the mucus so it is easier to expel. Some of these remedies include medications such as mucolytics and expectorants.
Treat the Main Cause of the Cough
The specific treatment method for either a dry or wet cough also depends on the specific cause. If a dry cough is due to asthma, a doctor will recommend medications and other treatments for the asthma. If it is due to dust or smoke, an easy treatment remedy is often to spend less time outside or change the environment. If a wet cough is caused by a bacterial infection, an antibiotic may be prescribed along with other treatment solutions.
