Learn About the Types of Coughs, Their Triggers, and How to Treat Them
Did you know that at least one in ten patients who visit a doctor in Indonesia do so with a cough?[1] This means that coughing is a very common health problem in society. Unfortunately, however, not many people know the different types of cough and how they differ.
This information is very important to know, as the different types of cough and how to treat them may vary. Some coughs can even be fatal. This is evident from the many deaths caused by people mistaking a serious cough for an ordinary one and not treating it promptly.
So, learn about the different types of cough and their symptoms below!
1. Dry Cough

Have you ever had a cough and an itchy throat, but no mucus came up? If so, you are most likely experiencing a dry cough. This condition is generally accompanied by pain when swallowing food and sometimes difficulty breathing.
Many things can trigger this cough, but the most common causes are allergies and asthma. You can also develop this health problem due to viral or bacterial infections, dust, mold, and dirt. The respiratory tract then clears these irritants by making you cough.
Treatment is quite simple and may include:
- Drinking more warm water
- Taking cough medicine
- Using a vaporizer
- Sucking on throat lozenges
- Taking honey
- Drinking warm ginger tea or warm honey and lime tea
2. Wet Cough

Another common type is a wet cough, familiar to many people. Its most noticeable symptom is white to yellowish mucus that comes up when you cough. This mucus means the cough does not feel dry, so your throat is less itchy.
Mucus also plays an important role by trapping dust, allergens, and microorganisms that try to enter the respiratory tract. However, when you are unwell, your body may produce excess mucus, which then drips down the back of your throat and becomes phlegm.[2]
This is generally caused by a fever, flu, lung infection, bronchitis, or a similar illness. Broadly speaking, you can treat this cough in the same way as a dry cough.
Also, be sure to clear your phlegm regularly. It can often make your nose feel blocked and make it difficult to breathe.
3. Chronic Cough

If you have been coughing for more than 8 weeks, you may have a chronic cough. This long-lasting cough is usually caused by other conditions that you should be aware of, such as asthma, GERD, tuberculosis, and others.
In addition to common cough symptoms such as fever, nasal congestion, and a sore throat, you may also experience other symptoms. These include drastic weight loss, bloody phlegm, shortness of breath, wheezing, hoarseness lasting for weeks, and heavy sweating at night.[3]
You can treat it by:
- Taking medication as directed by your doctor.
- Using inhalation therapy.
- Avoiding spicy and acidic foods, as well as other foods that trigger GERD.
4. Smoker’s Cough

If you smoke and have been smoking for a long time, you are very likely to develop this cough. It is usually persistent, meaning it occurs continuously. This is because your respiratory tract is clearing itself of the toxic substances in cigarettes.
This is certainly a dangerous type of cough, as it can be an early symptom of various lung disorders, including cancer. So, you should address it promptly by:
- Quitting smoking
- Staying hydrated
- Gargling with salt water
- Getting enough sleep
- Drinking warm tea with mint and honey
5. Whooping Cough

If you are wondering which type of cough is contagious, whooping cough is the answer. It is caused by infection with the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which attaches to the cilia in the upper respiratory tract. This infection can cause your airways to swell.[4]
In infants and children, this cough can be fatal, especially if they have not been vaccinated. This is because the condition can weaken the immune system. You can help prevent and treat it by:
- Getting the DTaP vaccine for children aged 0–6
- Getting the Tdap vaccine for those aged 11 and over
- Taking antibiotics
- Maintaining good hygiene to prevent transmission
- Always wearing a mask when coughing
In addition to the steps above, you can also start taking Sido Muncul Tolak Angin Batuk regularly to help you recover faster. This herbal medicine is made from ingredients that can soothe a cough, such as honey, mint leaves, ginger, fennel fruit, aromatic ginger, kayu ules, rice, and clove leaves.
This herbal medicine can help with recovery from all types of cough, especially wet and dry coughs. In addition, Sido Muncul Tolak Angin Batuk can relieve an itchy throat and soothe irritation. So, what are you waiting for? Try it today!
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