THE DOCTORS Explains The Major Types of Coughs

I really hate being sick. I'm currently still recovering from a viral flu. I started with a sore throat last week. It started to get better after a few days, but then I started coughing and felt even worse. Yesterday, I had to see my family doctor and she prescribed me some cough medicine.

One of the biggest “sick day” culprits is the cough, but it can be hard to determine whether a cough requires over-the-counter medicine and rest or a visit to the doctor. On Wednesday, March 7, the hosts of the Emmy Award-winning syndicated talk show THE DOCTORS explain the four major types of coughs. In addition to the basic descriptions, please feel free to use the clip below that will allow your readers to hear what each cough sounds like.




· Whooping Cough/Pertussis – A highly contagious bacterial disease, Pertussis affects 48.5 million people yearly, but can be prevented altogether with a vaccine. Infected babies and children often develop severe coughing fits that produce a high-pitched “whoop,” in a stage of the disease that can last approximately six weeks. Antibiotics can help decrease duration of infection.

· Croup – Croup is a respiratory condition triggered by a viral infection of the upper airway that causes swelling inside the throat and interferes with breathing. This cough sounds like the “bark” of a seal and often worsens at night. The steam from a hot shower can help loosen and open pathways, but oral steroids are sometimes necessary.

· Productive/Wet Cough – Characterized by a “crackle,” this cough can be due to a cold, post-nasal drip, bronchitis or possibly pneumonia.

· Dry Cough – The most common cough, a dry cough (i.e. no “crackle”) can be caused by or a symptom of asthma, general irritants, the flu, or in much rarer instances, tuberculosis or pneumonia.

THE DOCTORS says that individuals need to use the level of discomfort as well as the length of sick time to determine whether or not a visit to the doctor is necessary. If a cough lasts more than eight weeks, see a doctor.



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