What does a barking cough mean?

The sound can arise from swelling around the voice box during a viral illness, but it may also accompany acute bronchitis or a common cold. Nasal drainage from allergic rhinitis, airway sensitivity from asthma, and acid reflux can keep the cough going. If cough persists or repeatedly brings up phlegm, a clinician may assess for chronic cough or bronchiectasis. Pay attention to whether the noise occurs during breathing in, only during the cough, or alongside wheezing. Fever, hoarseness, chest pain, and breathlessness add useful context.

Sip fluids, rest, avoid smoke and irritating scents, and keep a note of timing and triggers. Sitting upright may reduce coughing linked with reflux or post-nasal drainage. Avoid diagnosing yourself from the sound or using someone else's prescription. If the cough follows a choking episode, treat that history as significant even if the person briefly seems better.

Emergency help is needed for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, fainting, confusion, inability to speak, or rapidly worsening noisy breathing. Seek prompt care for a cough after choking, coughing blood, chest pain, or a person who is becoming unusually sleepy. Book a review when the cough is recurring, affects sleep or activity, or fails to improve.

Is the noise coming from the upper airway or the chest? Could reflux, allergy, asthma, or infection be involved? What examination or testing is appropriate? Which changes require urgent help?