DECODE YOUR COUGH

Whether it's a bark, a wheeze or a hack, the type of cough you have is a sign of what might be wrong. Here's a handy guide to what's behind your cough

- PIP HARRY

IN THE cold winter months it often seems like everyone is coughing and sniffing. One of the reasons coughs are more common during this season is because the cold winter air dries the mucous membranes lining the airways – and these membranes are our first line of defence.

“When the airways dry out, we become more susceptible to viruses and bacteria,” says Australian respiratory physician Dr Simone Barry.

“We also spend more time indoors, increasing our chances of catching a cold from others,” she says.

Coughs can be confusing as there are several different kinds. Here respiratory experts tell how to decipher different coughs and suggest ways to find relief.

DRY COUGH

What is it? A dry cough doesn’t produce any phlegm. “The most common trigger is an infection,” Barry says. “But it can also be caused by asthma, gastroesophageal reflux or GORD (caused by acid from the stomach backing up into the oesophagus) and post-nasal drip (when discharge from your nose drips down into the back of your throat).”

A dry cough often follows a respiratory infection and you may feel a tickling sensation in your throat that sparks coughing. Treatment It usually goes away on its own. Sipping a soothing tea with a teaspoon of honey and some lemon often helps, as do throat lozenges.

If your dry cough is caused by GORD, antacids can help. “It’s also important to cut back on things that can exacerbate it such as high-fat food and caffeine,” Barry says.

BARKING COUGH