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What is a Bronchial Cough?

Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers

A bronchial cough is typically identified as a tight feeling in the chest, as it affects the bronchus, which is the body's airway. This type of cough is often accompanied by wheezing, tickling in the throat, and mucus. There are various causes of a bronchial cough, with some of the most common being a cold, bronchitis, the flu, asthma, and pneumonia. It is often necessary to see a doctor to cure this condition, but some home remedies include cough suppressants, a humidifier, and warm liquids, such as tea.

Many people get a cough when they are suffering from the common cold, in which case they may also notice yellow or clear mucus that comes up when they cough, along with congestion, a sore throat, and a fever. Mucus that is tan or green may signal bronchitis, which typically occurs when a cold gets worse, bringing with it shortness of breath and wheezing. Of course, a bronchial cough combined with wheezing may also be due to asthma, especially if the rest of the body feels fine.

A bronchial cough is accompanied by a tight or painful feeling in the chest.
A bronchial cough is accompanied by a tight or painful feeling in the chest.

On the other hand, a dry cough that produces no mucus could indicate the flu, which is typically accompanied by chills, fatigue, and a high fever, to name a few symptoms. Pneumonia seems similar, but it by definition occurs when the cough has gone into the lungs. Other symptoms of pneumonia include chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Unfortunately, a bronchial cough may also signal more serious conditions that are not easily treated, such as emphysema or lung cancer, which is why seeing a doctor to get an official diagnosis is usually advised.

Putting some honey in hot tea is often used to treat a bronchial cough.
Putting some honey in hot tea is often used to treat a bronchial cough.

A bronchial cough may be soothed at home in some cases, using either over-the-counter medication or items that most people already have in the house. For example, drinking warm liquids is often soothing for the throat, and can also loosen up mucus so that it is not necessary to cough very hard to get rid of it. For this reason, hot tea with honey is often used for home treatment of a bronchial cough. Breathing in warm, moist air is also useful when it comes to helping the throat feel better while relieving congestion, so those suffering from a dry cough can use a humidifier or even breathe in the vapors of a pot of boiled water. Finally, cough suppressants can be found at most stores without a prescription, ranging from cough drops to liquid that will likely stop the cough long enough to get a good night's sleep.

Discussion Comments

anon354673

I had a dry cough for four years. The doctors couldn't figure out why. Then, a nurse practitioner said tell your doctor to change your blood pressure medicines. The NP said I was having a side effect from my blood pressure medicine called Lisinapril and to tell my doctor.

anon257946

I have had a dry cough which often interferes with speaking for four years. I have had an endoscopy (clear) and been tested for allergies (of which I have several). The cough is getting worse instead of better and often interferes with my teaching. (I am a professor.) My PCP does not think that it is anything to be overly concerned about, but symptoms of extreme fatigue on top of the cough have me worried.

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    • A bronchial cough is accompanied by a tight or painful feeling in the chest.
      By: bsites
      A bronchial cough is accompanied by a tight or painful feeling in the chest.
    • Putting some honey in hot tea is often used to treat a bronchial cough.
      By: Nitr
      Putting some honey in hot tea is often used to treat a bronchial cough.
    • A sore throat might accompany a bronchial cough caused by the common cold.
      By: absolutimages
      A sore throat might accompany a bronchial cough caused by the common cold.
    • Cough suppressant lozenges may help those suffering from a dry bronchial cough.
      By: Mark Herreid
      Cough suppressant lozenges may help those suffering from a dry bronchial cough.
    • Those suffering from a bronchial cough can try using a humidifier as a home remedy.
      By: StockPhotosArt
      Those suffering from a bronchial cough can try using a humidifier as a home remedy.
    • A bronchial cough is typically accompanied by wheezing.
      By: ISO K° - photography
      A bronchial cough is typically accompanied by wheezing.
    • A nebulizer mask may be used to treat a bronchial cough.
      By: bnmk0819
      A nebulizer mask may be used to treat a bronchial cough.
    • Bronchitis can cause a bronchial cough.
      By: rob3000
      Bronchitis can cause a bronchial cough.