That annoying cough keeping you up at night? It’s actually your body’s way of sending you a message. Coughing is your body’s way to clear an irritant from your throat, airway and lungs, but the type of cough you have can tell you what’s really going on—and whether you need treatment.
The Dry Cough
A dry cough typically means you’re coughing but no mucus or congestion is coming up. It often feels like a tickle in the back of your throat that won’t quit.
What it signals: Postnasal drip, sounding like either a dry or wet cough, is caused by mucus dripping down your throat, often due to a cold or allergies. You might notice it worsens at night with a tickly feeling at the back of your throat, along with itchy eyes and sneezing. Asthma can cause a dry cough ending with a wheeze or rattle, most commonly due to inflamed airways. This type is more noticeable at night or while exercising, and commonly comes with chest tightness and shortness of breath.
When to get help: If you have any suspicion that you may have COVID-19, it’s a good idea to get tested. Also see a doctor if your dry cough lasts more than a few weeks or if you’re struggling to breathe.
The Wet Cough
A wet, or productive, cough occurs when a person coughs up mucus or phlegm. Generally, the mucus associated with a wet cough is usually green or yellow.
What it signals: A wet cough is the No.1 indicator that you have an infection in your lungs—it could be bronchitis, pneumonia, or even just a chest cold. When the parts of the walls of the bronchi become swollen and tender (inflamed), the condition is called bronchitis. The cough is usually dry at first. Later on, it may develop into a phlegmy (“wet”) cough. If the color of the mucus changes to green or yellow, it may be a sign that a bacterial infection has also set in.
When to get help: If you have shortness of breath, that’s when you should see your doctor to have your oxygen levels checked. You should also see a doctor if the cough comes with a persistently high fever. Most wet coughs from bronchitis clear up on their own within two to three weeks, but if yours drags on longer, get checked out.
The Barking Cough
A barking cough sounds really coarse and wet, and can actually sound like you’re barking. It’s distinctive and can be alarming, especially in kids.
What it signals: That barking sound happens because there is swelling in your trachea, the airway that goes from your voice box to your lungs. Croup is a viral infection that causes irritation and swelling in the upper airway, making it difficult to breathe. It usually affects children 5 and younger and often comes with a raspy voice and squeaky breathing. A barking cough could be from any respiratory infection, but it’s a classic sign of pertussis (whooping cough).
When to get help: Although croup can be scary for both kids and parents, it usually clears up on its own in less than a week. However, seek medical care if breathing becomes difficult or if the cough lasts longer than three weeks.
The Wheezing Cough
This type of cough often happens when you have blocked airways. It can be caused by a viral infection, allergies or asthma. You’ll hear a whistling or wheezing sound when breathing.
What it signals: The most likely cause of wheezing is asthma, which can be triggered by weather changes, dust, pollen, or even certain foods. In most cases, asthma results in wheezing and breathlessness, but in cough-variant asthma, coughing is the only symptom. It typically produces a persistent, dry cough that occurs around the clock but may begin at night.
When to get help: If a wheezy cough is accompanied by rapid or shallow breathing you should see a doctor. Your doctor can diagnose asthma with a few tests and prescribe inhalers to help open your airways.
The Uncontrollable Cough
A paroxysmal cough is violent and uncontrolled coughing that is exhausting and painful. You may struggle to breathe and may even vomit.
What it signals: Pertussis or whooping cough is the most common cause of a paroxysmal cough. People with whooping cough typically have mild cold or flu-like symptoms, followed by an aggressive and painful cough. The distinctive “whoop” sound happens when you gasp for air after a coughing fit.
When to get help: If your symptoms get worse after one to two weeks, and you develop a painful and exhausting cough, you should contact a health care provider. You can treat pertussis with prescribed antibiotics. This is highly contagious, so early treatment is critical.
When Any Cough Needs Attention
See a doctor if your cough:
- Lasts longer than 2-3 days while worsening
- Comes with a high fever (over 102°F)
- Produces bloody mucus
- Makes it hard to breathe or catch your breath
- Comes with chest pain or severe fatigue
Most coughs are just your body doing its job—clearing out irritants and fighting off infections.
But knowing what your cough is telling you can help you decide when to ride it out at home and when to get professional help. Listen to your body, stay hydrated, and don’t hesitate to walk into urgent care if something feels off.