Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Coughing is one of the main symptoms of coronavirus infection, but not all coughs are indicative of COVID-19. Cough assessment is a useful diagnostic tool that doctors have used for centuries. What are the telltale signs that the source of the cough is SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection?
Coughing itself is not a specific symptom that may be harmless. Knowledgeable healthcare professionals, however, can use the cough as a guide in making a diagnosis. A visit to the doctor is recommended especially in a situation where we are dealing with a cough that lasts for weeks, is accompanied by expectoration of secretions with blood or a change in the color of phlegm. A disease symptom, also with coronavirus infection, there is also a cough with fever, dizziness and fatigue.
For the doctor useful information about coughingto help you evaluate this symptom will include the following:
- duration of cough – it is important whether the symptom lasts for a few or several days, or for weeks or months;
- when the cough gets worse – at night, in the morning or maybe it occurs irregularly during the day;
- what the cough sounds like – it can be dry, barking (a type of dry cough), wet or choking;
- what is the severity of your cough – the cough may be persistent, intermittent or debilitating, and sometimes it is difficult to carry out daily activities;
- whether the cough causes additional symptomssuch as vomiting, dizziness or insomnia.
The rest of the article under the video:
COVID-19 dry cough
The predominant symptoms indicative of COVID-19 are fever and fatigue, as well as a feeling similar to that of colds and flu. About half of those infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus also have a cough.
In the course of COVID-19 the cough is dry and persistentwhich is due to irritation of the lung tissue. Muscle aches and shortness of breath (dyspnoea) also appear when you cough. As the disease progresses, fluid builds up in your lungs, so your breathing difficulties may become worse over time.
Check that the symptoms you notice are not related to the coronavirus as soon as possible. Perform one of the COVID-19 Shipping Tests you can buy on Medonet Market.
How is a wet cough different from a dry cough?
When a person experiences a wet cough, it means that phlegm is coming into the mouth from the lower respiratory tract, not from the nose and throat. Wet sound is made by fluid in the airways and may be accompanied by wheezing. Lower respiratory tract infections are accompanied by a wet cough because they have more secretory glands than there are in the throat.
There is no phlegm with dry cough as the cough reflex starts in the throat. The sound of this type of cough is barking or hoarse. A dry cough does not clear the airways of secretions, so experiencing it may be described as unsatisfactory. This is the symptom that is typical of infections affecting the nose and throat, such as flu or a cold.
It happens that a dry cough becomes a wet cough. An example is pneumonia. Initially, a dry cough appears which may be painful and may be associated with worsening breathlessness. Over time, as inflammation develops, mucus begins to fill the alveoli and the lungs become full of fluid and blood. Then the cough becomes wet. At this stage of the disease, the sputum becomes foamy and blood-stained.
Cough indicating other diseases
Dry cough also occurs in the course of bacterial infection with pertussis. With this disease, the symptom takes the form of coughing fitsending in a loud breath and difficulty catching breath. Often there is also discharge when coughing.
If you have a cough, it is worth considering the need to consult a doctor. Seeking medical advice is especially important if you are struggling with chronic and violent cough. It can lead to damage to the respiratory tract, muscle tears or fractures in the ribs.
Coughing is a symptom that should not be underestimated. Medical consultation (also in the form of teleportation) is recommended especially when the symptom persists for a long time or intensifies.
You can buy an antigen test for coronavirus quickly and safely at medonetmarket.pl.
Read also:
- Telemedicine – what is an e-visit? Who Can Use Teleportation?
- Could a sore throat be a symptom of the coronavirus?
- Lesser-known COVID-19 symptoms you need to know about
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.