Is my Cough Dry or Chesty?

Is my cough dry or chesty?

This article has been written and medically approved by Pharmacist Conor McSorley GPhC Reg No. 2223070

When it comes to coughing, it is not as simple as just trying to clear your throat. There are two main types of cough, each with a different range of treatments to best relieve your symptoms. Dry coughs and chesty coughs are quite easy to separate but to get the best treatment for your cough, you should know the difference.

Dry Coughs

Also known as a non-productive cough, a dry cough does not produce any phlegm or mucus. It can be a result of allergies or acid reflux and sometimes have no obvious cause.

Dry coughs can be difficult to treat as once your airways become sensitive they are easily irritated by coughing which can create a vicious cycle.

  • Use throat lozenges to moisturise and soothe irritation
  • Cough syrups which contain dextromethorphan will suppress your cough reflex
  • Honey is great for soothing irritation in the throat so add it to a hot drink

Chesty Coughs

Productive coughs mean that you bring up phlegm or mucus and are coughing to get this out of your chest or lungs. If you bring up green or yellow mucus you may be suffering from a chest infection which will usually get better on its own in about 7 to 10 days. To prevent passing on the infection you should follow good hygiene such as washing your hands regularly.

If you have a chesty cough you should:

  • Get plenty of rest
  • Drink lots of fluid to help loosen the mucus and bring it up easier
  • Raise your head up while sleeping using extra pillows – this will make breathing easier and clear your chest of mucus
  • Use cough syrups which contain Guaifenesin which will help break the mucus up and make it easier for you to bring it up

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recommends that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines shouldn't be given to children under the age of six. Children aged 6 to 12 should only use them on the advice of a pharmacist or doctor.

A homemade remedy containing honey and lemon is likely to be just as useful and safer to take. Honey shouldn't be given to babies under the age of one because of the risk of infant botulism.

Seek medical advice if:

  • you've had a cough for more than 3 weeks
  • your cough is particularly severe
  • you cough up blood 
  • you experience shortness of breath, breathing difficulties or chest pain
  • you have any other worrying symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, a persistent change in your voice, or lumps or swellings in your neck