What type of coughs are there

This blood comes from the lungs and is typically nothing to worry about. If a person finds themselves coughing up blood that is dark and contains food, or what resembles coffee grounds , they should seek medical help.

Staying hydrated can help a wet cough stay productive and ease the symptoms of a cold. Some people also find relief from over-the-counter OTC cough remedies, such as cough drops, chest rubs, and pain relievers.

If a bacterial infection is causing the cough, a person may need antibiotics. Pertussis , better known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection. Newborns and people who have not had a vaccination may develop this illness. A person with whooping cough typically has mild cold or flu-like symptoms, followed by an aggressive and painful cough.

People with weak immune systems, such as babies, may struggle to fight the infection or have trouble breathing. Those with this infection are most likely to pass it on for roughly 2 weeks from when they begin coughing. The best protection against the illness is a whooping cough vaccination. Taking antibiotics early can decrease the severity of whooping cough, so an unvaccinated person should see a doctor as soon as possible if symptoms develop.

A person may cough if they have a partially blocked airway, and the body tries to get rid of the object. Likewise, a person who eats something large or something that irritates their throat may cough. A person who is choking severely will not make a sound when they cough. Someone who stops coughing and is having trouble breathing may be choking. A person with them should perform the Heimlich maneuver and call Learn what to do when someone has food stuck in their throat here.

A chronic cough is a cough that lasts longer than a typical illness, usually 8 weeks or more. These coughs sometimes signal an underlying disease. A person should see a doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Although children can develop the same coughs as adults, some children develop a cough that sounds like a seal barking. A barking, painful cough usually means a child has croup. The flu or a cold virus typically causes croup, which is common among children younger than 5 years old. Children under 14 years old should not take OTC cough medication, as they can be harmful.

Croup usually lasts for 5—6 days , but the cough can continue for around 2 weeks. First signs of croup include a stuffy nose and a fever. If the airways continue to swell, then it can make it more difficult for the child to breathe and they develop the high-pitched squeaking noise of stridor when they breath.

The symptoms worsen at night and when the child is upset. Most cases of croup can be treated at home and it will clear within a week. Allow them to breathe some moist air from a steam filled bathroom, ensure adequate fluids are taken, and using over the counter medication such as acetaminophen to relieve fever. If they develop fast rapid breathing, indrawing of breath where the skin pulls in under the ribs when breathing, or they have a bluish tinge round the mouth, then medical attention should be sought.

Otherwise known as pertussis , this is a serious respiratory infection which causes violent coughing fits. Babies may not cough or make the whooping sound but may gag and gasp.

Anyone presenting with a sudden episode of coughing or choking should seek immediate medical attention, in case a foreign body is present. We also have a blogpost on what to do if someone is choking. You should see your doctor if you experience any of the following:. The causes of the various types of cough do overlap and so determining the type of cough and its severity and nature will help you decide where to seek care and treatment if needed.

To help you distinguish possible causes of your cough type, use the Isabel Symptom Checker to enter all your symptoms and get a list of possible diagnoses to discuss with your doctor.

Mandy has worked for Isabel Healthcare since Her experience in the healthcare industry for the past 28 years in both the UK and USA means she's a vital resource for our organization. Mandy currently lives and works in Scottsdale, Arizona. Forgot Password? Remember me. Subscribe Now. July 19, 9 Types of Cough - symptoms, causes and when to seek help A cough is the rapid expulsion of air from the lungs when the air passages are irritated.

Tickly cough This is the most common type of cough. Using a cool-mist humidifier and giving her a warm bath can also help. Also ask your doctor before giving your child any over-the-counter medicines, and inquire when she'll be old enough to suck on cough drops. And know that if your child has persistent green snot and a fever, she may have developed a bacterial sinus infection. Your child has had an annoying cough off and on all winter long.

It gets worse every night and any time he runs around. The Likely Cause: A dry cough in kids may be caused by asthma , a chronic condition in which the airways in the lungs become inflamed and narrowed, and they produce excess mucus. Although parents often think that wheezing is the primary sign of asthma, a hacking cough—particularly at night—may be a child's only symptom.

Other red flags: The cough is triggered by exercise, allergies, colds, or cold air. If your child is young or thin, you may see his chest caving in as he breathes. Asthma Treatment: See your doctor if you suspect asthma. Children who are old enough usually age 5 or 6 will blow into a special tube to test lung function.

To make a diagnosis in younger kids, doctors usually rely on the child's exam along with parents' reports about the pattern of symptoms and any family history of asthma or allergies. Children with mild cases can take inhaled bronchodilator medication during an attack, while kids with moderate-to-severe asthma also need a daily preventive medicine. Call if your child ever has significant trouble breathing or he becomes unable to speak, eat, or drink.

For the first time in her life, your child is too wiped out to play. She's got a weak, hoarse cough, as well as a high fever, muscle aches, and sniffles. The Likely Cause: Influenza, otherwise known as the flu, is a viral illness that attacks the respiratory system and causes this type of cough in kids.

The flu has a long incubation period in children, so they can walk around with the virus for days before they get sick, while sharing it with friends and family. Flu Treatment: Give her plenty of fluids, as well as either acetaminophen or ibuprofen in children older than 6 months with food or milk to bring down her fever and relieve aches. Next year, be sure she gets the flu vaccine. Your little one has had a cold for a few days, and now his cough has a raspy, whistling sound. He seems to be breathing rapidly and is very irritable.

What's probably causing it: Bronchiolitis is an infection of the bronchioles, the tiniest airways in the lungs. When they swell and fill with mucus, it's difficult for a child to breathe.

The most common cause is the respiratory syncytial virus known as RSV. Bronchiolitis most often strikes young babies during the winter months, says Allan Lieberthal, M.

Wheezing Cough Treatment: Contact your pediatrician immediately if your child seems to be having difficulty breathing or drinking. Your doctor can diagnose bronchiolitis with a physical exam and a thorough history. Encourage your child to rest and drink plenty of fluids.

Most children don't need medication bronchodilators, antibiotics, or steroids , according to the guidelines. In serious cases, a child may need to be hospitalized to receive oxygen, fluids, or medication. Your child has had a cold for more than a week and now she's having coughing fits—sometimes she'll cough more than 20 times in one breath.

Between coughs, she has trouble breathing and makes a strange whooping sound as she inhales.