A noisy cough is a wet-sounding, unproductive cough that follows pneumonia, bronchitis, the flu, or a severe cold. The cause is inflammation of the lungs, and while most coughs are not serious, a chronic crackling cough may indicate a more serious disorder. Treatments include steam therapy and cough suppressants, but it’s important to see a doctor if the cough persists.
A noisy cough, so called because the lungs feel like they “flap” with exertion, is a wet-sounding, unproductive cough. This type of cough commonly follows pneumonia, bronchitis, the flu, or a particularly severe bout of the common cold. Loud coughing sounds as if the lungs are filled with mucus or fluid, but nothing is expelled by the cough. The patient often feels exhausted from exertion. While a noisy cough can be caused by a variety of diseases or ailments, the real cause lies in inflammation of the lungs.
Inside the lungs are small groups of cells. When inflamed by viruses, bacteria, or allergens, cells become enlarged, red, and inflamed, and may produce mucus. The lung’s automatic response to this inflammation is a cough. A noisy cough is a deep cough in which the lungs attempt to expel mucus or reduce inflammation, to no avail. These types of cough often persist long after the patient has recovered from their ailment.
In most cases, these coughs are not serious. They are the lungs’ natural response to inflammation, and the frequency of coughing usually decreases as the inflammation subsides. A chronic crackling cough, however, is indicative of a more serious disorder. Allergens or a deeply entrenched bacterial infection can trigger a chronic cough. All coughs that are accompanied by fever, last more than three days, or are associated with heart palpitations should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.
A noisy cough can be the result of a congestive illness, such as bronchitis or the flu. When the cause of an infection is viral, such as in the flu, antibiotics will not be effective. But some remedies and treatments such as steam treatment from vaporizers, humidifiers or even a hot shower can reduce symptoms and provide relief.
Cough expectorants can help the lungs clear mucus, but these products can exacerbate inflammation by encouraging more coughing and mucus production. In some cases, a doctor may suggest a cough suppressant at night to allow the patient a brief respite from the constant, exhausting coughing efforts. Never distribute cough medicine to children under 12 without the advice of a doctor.
Most coughs resolve on their own. Rest, fluids, steam therapy, and a healthy diet help accelerate well-being. Because a noisy cough can be very tiring, especially if followed by a serious illness, the patient may need a long period of rest to speed recovery and prevent further complications. It’s important to see a doctor for a noisy cough that doesn’t go away over time.
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