The 5 differences between dry cough and productive cough

Every day, we breathe about 21,000 times, circulating more than 8,000 liters of air through our respiratory system. This translates to more than 600 million breaths and the circulation of around 240 million liters of air during a lifetime. And with each inhalation, we introduce chemical or biological particles that can damage this system.

The respiratory system is one of the thirteen systems of the human body, and its function is to supply oxygen to the blood and remove toxic carbon dioxide from the bloodstream. And in this sense, the structures that make up the respiratory system (pharynx, larynx, trachea, lungs, bronchi, etc.) are the most exposed to environmental hazards.

And in the context of the entry of irritating chemical substances (such as tobacco smoke or dust) or the presence of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, or fungi) that colonize some part of the respiratory system, cough presents itself as a great barrier of protection and elimination of harmful substances.

Coughing is a recurring action that clears the upper respiratory tract of mucus, inorganic microorganisms, or germs. And in the United States alone, more than 30 million people see a doctor for cough-related symptoms. Therefore, in today’s article, we will learn to distinguish the causes, complications, and forms of treatment between dry cough and productive cough. We’re going over there.

What is a dry cough? And the productive cough?

Before delving into the differences between the two concepts, it is interesting (and necessary) to define and comprehend what dry cough and productive cough are.And it is in this regard that their differences will become much clearer.Then we will present them in the form of key points.

Dry cough: what?

A dry cough is one that does not produce mucus. In this case, the cough is triggered as a recurring action after a tingling sensation in the back of the throat (pharynx), which is characterized by the production of hoarseness.

Also known as unproductive or unproductive cough, dry cough is one in which we do not eliminate mucus or phlegm. It is also the most irritating to the throat and, therefore, the one that irritates the throat the most and causes the most discomfort. It has a loud sound and what it does is irritate the throat more and more.

It is a more frequent cough at night, but it is clear that it can occur at any time of the day, due to many different circumstances: from inflammation of the respiratory tract due to the presence of irritating particles (smoke or dust) to viral infections (flu , cold and, as we well know, the covid-19 disease), through episodes of nervousness, laryngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, asthma, allergy and consumption of certain medications for which this dry cough is a potential side effect of a they. ingested

Dry cough is very difficult to control and usually occurs for a long time in the form of prolonged or minor coughing. That cough is associated with inflammation or irritation in the respiratory tract, but without expectation or expulsion of excessive mucus. In a dry cough, then, there is no prospect of mucus.

Because it is a cough that increases the underlying problem (the cough itself helps with irritation, so it is a fish that sticks to its tail), it is recommended to treat with the administration of antitussives or, if due to a allergic reaction, antihistamines.

Productive cough: what?

A productive cough is one that produces mucus. . In this case, the cough is accompanied by mucus or phlegm in the airways. It is triggered by the recurring action of the need to expel these mucus. Coughing, therefore, is the way to expel mucus and, incidentally, eliminate harmful substances that stimulated its secretion. It is the cough that generates expectation.

And mucus is a protective substance that is produced in the epithelium of the respiratory tract and, in case of infection, increases its viscosity to increase its barrier function. The problem is that this increase in viscosity can lead to partial obstruction of the airways. And at that point, to expel the mucus and germs that it has stored, the coughing begins.

Also known as a wet cough, the productive cough Its goal is to clear mucus from the airways. , so it is usually accompanied by the feeling that something is stuck or dripping down the throat. It is also common for this cough to bring some mucus into the mouth.

Because it is usually associated with bacterial or viral infections such as colds, flu, pneumonia, or bronchitis (although it can be caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma), a productive cough is often associated with other symptoms such as fever, chest pain, wheezing. or fatigue.

However, coughing not only does not irritate the airways, but also has the function of cleaning them from excess mucus and the particles retained in these mucus. Therefore, unless it is too bothersome and/or lasts too long, you should not take cough medicine . If there is an underlying bacterial infection, antibiotic treatment may be necessary.

What is the difference between a dry and productive cough?

After analyzing the clinical basis of the two types of cough, the differences between the two concepts are certainly clearer. However, in case you need the clearest and most accessible information, we have prepared this selection of the differences between a dry cough and a productive cough in the form of key points. Let us begin.

1. In productive cough there is expectoration; dry, no

The most important difference of all. Productive cough is one that is associated with expectoration, that is, the expulsion of sputum from the respiratory tract through the mouth. The productive one consists of the elimination of mucus or phlegm.

Dry cough, on the other hand, is not related to expectoration. . We do not expel any sputum through the mouth because there is no removal of mucus. For this reason, a dry cough is also called an unproductive cough, because it does not produce mucus or phlegm.

2. Productive cough is wet; dry it, no

A productive cough feels like a wet cough and something feels sticky or dripping in the airways. This wet cough is due to the presence of mucus in the respiratory tract, which is intended, only through this perspective, to be eliminated from the body. On the other hand, in a dry cough there is no sensation of humidity. The airways feel dry, irritated, with a hard sound and a stinging sensation. .

3. Dry cough is due to irritation; the productive one, due to excess mucus

Dry cough attacks are due to irritation or inflammation of the throat due to the presence of chemical or biological substances that have an irritant capacity. We use coughing as a repetitive action to eliminate these substances that irritate the respiratory tract, but without excess mucus.

On the other hand, attacks of productive cough or wet cough are due to excess mucus in the respiratory tract. . These are not irritated or inflamed, but contain too high amounts of highly viscous mucus that can partially block them. Therefore, coughing is a repetitive action to remove excess mucus and clear the airways.

4. Productive cough usually results from infections; the dry one has more triggers

Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma can also cause a productive cough, the reality is that most of the time the mucosa is superinfected due to a respiratory tract infection by bacteria or viruses, such as colds, influenza, pneumonia and bronchitis. main causes of this wet cough.

Dry cough, on the other hand, has many causes, although it can be associated with viral infections (such as covid-19), as there are many factors that can lead to irritation of the airways (more than those that can cause excessive mucus) such as nervousness, laryngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, asthma, allergy and consumption of certain medications for which dry cough is a side effect.

5. Dry cough should be treated with antitussives; the productive one, better let it act

As we have seen, a dry cough exacerbates the underlying problem. The cough increases due to irritation of the respiratory tract. Therefore, it is advisable to treat unproductive cough with antitussive medications.

Productive cough, on the other hand, solves the underlying problem. . Coughing because there is too much mucus in the airways reduces the amount of mucus. Therefore, unless there is a bacterial infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics or the cough is too mild and/or prolonged, it is best to let it pass on its own.