What should you know about crute cough?

People use unusual cough words to describe different sounds. A dry tickle, barking noise, rattling mucus or a cough that follows throat clearing may point to different airway problems. A [Common Cold](/conditions/common-cold/) or [Acute Bronchitis](/conditions/acute-bronchitis/) can irritate the airways. Nasal drainage from [Allergic Rhinitis](/conditions/allergic-rhinitis/) and throat irritation from [Acid Reflux](/conditions/acid-reflux/) can also provoke coughing.

Wheeze, chest tightness or cough after a trigger can occur with [Asthma](/conditions/asthma/). A cough that persists or repeatedly produces mucus may need assessment for [Chronic Cough](/conditions/chronic-cough/) or [Bronchiectasis](/conditions/bronchiectasis/). In young children, noisy breathing with a cough can occur with [Bronchiolitis](/conditions/bronchiolitis/), so age and breathing effort matter.

Describe the cough in plain terms: dry or phlegmy, harsh or wheezy, daytime or nighttime, sudden or gradual. Note fever, breathlessness, chest pain, vomiting, exposures and any medicines. If safe, a short recording may help a clinician understand the sound.

Drink fluids, avoid smoke and use prescribed inhalers exactly as directed. Warm drinks may soothe an irritated throat; honey is suitable only for people older than one year. Do not give cough or cold medicines to a child without checking age-specific advice. Arrange a review if symptoms worsen or fail to settle.

Get urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, chest pain, coughing blood or a child who is working hard to breathe. Seek prompt advice for new breathlessness, persistent fever, dehydration or a cough that repeatedly returns.

What does this cough sound suggest when combined with my other symptoms? Could allergies, reflux, asthma or infection be contributing? Do I need an examination, breathing test or treatment review?