A rattling cough can be caused by mucus buildup or sinus drainage and is often a symptom of illnesses like the flu, colds, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, and medical attention is necessary for vulnerable populations and if the cough lasts more than a week.
A rattling cough is a condition that causes a rattling, rattling or wheezing sound in the chest or throat accompanied by a chronic cough. Annoying noises are usually caused by mucus buildup in the chest or sinus drainage in the throat. There are various illnesses that can cause noisy cough symptoms, including flu, colds, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Other less common causes, including viruses such as whooping cough, also called whooping cough.
In many cases, a loud cough is nothing to worry about. The common cold often causes congestion in the throat or chest which can lead to wheezing or a rustling in the chest. The flu is another common cause of noisy cough symptoms. It is not life threatening for most sufferers, although some members of the population are at risk of serious complications. The elderly, pregnant women, children under two and those with compromised immune systems are the most vulnerable. Very rarely, complications can arise in vulnerable people.
Occasionally, a loud cough can signal a serious health condition. Pneumonia, an infection of the lungs, is a condition that often occurs due to a less threatening illness that fails to heal, such as the flu. Large amounts of mucus can form and block the airways. Breathing becomes labored and medical attention is usually required.
There are “wet” and “dry” forms of noisy cough. A “wet” cough is usually accompanied by mucus, which backs up through the throat and into the mouth during coughing fits. The “dry” cough produces no mucus, but the noises are still present deep within the chest. This may require medications to loosen the mucus so it can be expelled effectively.
Treatment for rattling cough will depend on the underlying cause. Viruses can only be destroyed by the body’s immune system, but medications can be helpful in relieving symptoms. Bacterial infections can often be treated with antibiotics. Breathing can be helped in severe cases by using oxygen or ventilators.
A noisy cough should always be checked by a doctor, especially when it occurs in the elderly or very young children. Influenza, whooping cough and pneumonia are potentially life-threatening for newborns and immediate medical attention is needed to prevent complications. Parents or family members should take loved ones to the doctor if the cough lasts more than a week with no signs of improvement, the person seems to be having difficulty breathing, or if the person stops eating.
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