Coughing is the body's natural defense reflex system of getting away of irritants and to protect the body from irritants like mucus, smoke, pollens, dust, and allergens. It can also be a sign of underlying conditions like cold, cardiovascular conditions, and respiratory problems. There are various forms of cough including wet, dry, paroxysmal, and croup.

Wet Cough:

A wet cough is commonly caused due to flu or cold. It produces mucus and may cause a runny nose and fatigue. Pneumonia, COPD, bronchitis, and asthma are the underlying conditions with a wet cough.  Humidifiers, steaming, OTC medications and antibiotics can relive the signs. 

Dry Cough:

A dry cough occurs due to respiratory tract inflammation. It doesn't produce mucus and may feel like a tickle in the throat. Upper respiratory infections, sore throat, tonsillitis, allergies are the underlying cause of a dry cough. Steam bath, cough drops, antibiotics, antihistamines, asthma medications can reduce the signs.

Paroxysmal Cough:

Its uncontrolled coughing may appear as an intermittent attack and are reoccurring. It can be exhausting and painful. It can cause difficulty in breathing and vomiting. A whooping cough, TB, choking, asthma, pneumonia COPD is the underlining conditions. Antibiotic treatment can relieve the symptoms.

Croup Cough:

It is caused by viral infection, occurs in children, and causes swollen and irritated airways. It affects children below 5 years and follows troubled breathing, wheezing sound during inhalation; rapid breathing is the common signs. Cold humidifier, steam bath acetaminophen, nebulization can reduce the symptoms.

Talk to your doctor for a correct diagnosis and treatment.