What should you know about seal cough in adults?

People often use seal-like or barking to describe a harsh, dry cough. It may arise when the upper airway or voice box is swollen or irritated. A viral illness such as a common cold or acute bronchitis can cause coughing, while post-nasal drainage from allergic rhinitis may keep the throat irritated. Acid reflux can trigger cough after meals or when lying down. Asthma may cause cough with chest tightness or wheeze; bronchiectasis often brings persistent mucus and recurrent chest infections. The sound alone cannot identify the cause.

Adults can also develop a cough that lingers after an infection. Note whether it began suddenly, is worse at night, comes with mucus, or changes your voice.

Drink fluids, rest your voice and avoid smoke, strong scents and cold dry air if they provoke coughing. Warm drinks may soothe an irritated throat. If reflux seems linked, avoid lying down soon after eating and discuss persistent symptoms with a clinician. Do not start antibiotics or someone else’s inhaler without advice. Keep a brief record of triggers, mucus, fever, wheeze and medicines.

Get urgent help for severe breathlessness, noisy breathing at rest, blue or grey lips, inability to speak normally, chest pain, confusion or coughing blood. Arrange medical assessment if the cough is worsening, repeatedly disturbs sleep, follows choking, or does not settle. Seek prompt care when asthma symptoms are not controlled by your prescribed plan.

Ask whether your examination suggests an upper-airway problem, infection, reflux or asthma, and whether you need a chest assessment, inhaler review or other testing. Mention smoking, workplace exposures and any new medicines.