Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes. This inflammation makes the airways hyperresponsive, leading to asthmatic symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. An asthmatic cough is one of the most common symptoms of asthma. It can help identify asthma in undiagnosed patients. Understanding what an asthmatic cough sounds like can help people recognize asthma in themselves or loved ones earlier. Getting an asthma diagnosis and starting treatment as soon as possible is crucial to prevent asthma attacks and control symptoms long-term. This article will examine the distinguishing features of an asthmatic cough to help readers identify it.
What causes an asthmatic cough?
Asthma flare-ups and asthma attacks cause swelling and excess mucus production in the airways. As a person tries to breathe, air becomes trapped behind mucus plugs and narrowed airways. The individual coughs forcefully in an attempt to clear their airways and resume normal breathing. Certain triggers like allergens, irritants, weather changes, and respiratory infections can set off this inflammatory response and precipitate an asthma attack with coughing.
During an attack, the muscles surrounding the airways also tighten up. This bronchoconstriction further narrows the airways, making it even harder to expel air. The end result is the characteristic wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing of an asthma exacerbation.
Dry cough vs wet cough in asthma
Asthmatic coughs can produce phlegm and mucus, or they can be dry and nonproductive.
A wet or productive cough brings up thick mucus from the lungs and airways. This mucus is often clear, white, yellow, or green. Coughing up thick, rubbery chunks of mucus is very common during an asthma flare-up.
A dry cough does not produce any phlegm or mucus. It often feels like a tickle or irritation in the throat and airways. Dry asthmatic coughs tend to be hacking and forceful as the lungs try to expel air through constricted airways.
Both wet and dry coughs can indicate asthma. Pay attention to any cough that differs from a person’s normal cough.
Important qualities of an asthmatic cough
It tends to be worse at night or early morning
Many people with asthma experience worse symptoms overnight or early in the morning. This is because airways are often more inflamed and sensitive during these times. A cough that wakes someone up or occurs predominantly from midnight to 4 AM can signal uncontrolled asthma.
It persists over time
Asthma is a chronic condition. So an asthmatic cough recurs and persists over weeks or months. It will not resolve quickly like a cold or infection. Be concerned if a cough lingers for more than 3 weeks or keeps returning every few weeks.
It occurs with wheezing
Wheezing is a classic asthma symptom. It creates a high-pitched whistling sound as air struggles to move through narrowed airways. Coughs that are accompanied by noticeable wheezing or difficulty breathing likely indicate an asthma flare-up.
It happens with triggers
Coughs that begin after exposure to known asthma triggers like smoke, pollen, pets, or exercise suggest asthma could be the cause. If you repeatedly cough only when visiting a friend with cats or on high pollution days, those environmental exposures could be irritating your airways.
It responds to asthma medication
One of the surest signs of an asthmatic cough is rapid improvement with asthma treatment. Quick-relief inhalers like albuterol provide fast airway dilation to stop coughs due to bronchoconstriction. Steroid preventive inhalers reduce airway inflammation to prevent chronic coughing over time. If an inhaler provides cough relief, asthma is likely the culprit.
What does an asthmatic cough sound like?
The sound of an asthmatic cough can provide clues to recognize it. Some important auditory features include:
It’s harsh and forceful
An asthmatic cough often sounds very harsh, coarse, and violent. People describe it as a “barking” cough because of its rough, jarring sound. The strength and intensity of the cough reflect the effort it takes to move air through swollen, constricted airways. A gentle throat clearing is less likely to indicate asthma.
It’s repetitive and occurs in rapid bursts
Asthmatic coughs frequently come in bursts of repetitive coughs. A person may have uncontrollable coughing fits lasting many minutes or hours during an asthma attack. The repetition signals the lungs’ continued effort to expel mucus and open the airways. An occasional scattered cough is less suspicious.
It’s high-pitched and musical
The pitch of an asthmatic cough may rise and fall in a musical or singing quality. This high-pitched, whistling component highlights the wheezing often present. It results from air squeaking through tight bronchial tubes. A barking seal-like cough points to asthma.
It sounds congested
Coughs with a notably congested, phlegmy, or “wet” quality often mean excess mucus production in the lungs and airways. Listen for rattling, gurgling, or bubble-blowing sounds as the person coughs up thick mucus. This indicates inflammation in the airways.
What makes an asthmatic cough worse?
Certain triggers and environments can exacerbate an asthmatic cough:
– Coughs worsen when exposed to allergens like pollen, dust mites, mold, pets, and pests
– Irritants like smoke, strong scents, and air pollution aggravate coughing
– Cold, dry air often amplifies coughing, while warm, humid air soothes it
– Respiratory infections increase swelling in the airways, resulting in more coughing
– Exercise and physical activity can prompt coughing by drying out the airways
– Stress and emotions may indirectly worsen coughs by constricting airways
– Seasonal changes like fall and winter can inflame the airways and make coughs more frequent
– Medications like aspirin and beta blockers may exacerbate asthmatic symptoms
Pay attention to any environments or circumstances that consistently provoke coughing. Avoiding those asthma triggers is key to preventing coughs.
Is it asthma or something else?
An asthmatic cough has some unique features, but coughs from other conditions can sound similar. Allergies, COPD, heartburn, and lung infections like pneumonia can also cause chronic coughing and wheezing. Talk to a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. They may recommend lung function tests, allergy testing, chest x-rays, or CT scans to pinpoint the underlying cause. Getting to the root of the cough leads to proper treatment.
When to see a doctor
Consult a doctor if a cough:
– Lasts longer than 3 weeks
– Disrupts sleep
– Occurs without explanation
– Happens alongside wheezing or difficulty breathing
– Persists after trying over-the-counter cough medicine
Seek emergency care for:
– Coughs accompanied by chest pain
– Rapid, labored breathing
– Skin, lips, nails, or gums turning greyish or blue
– Trouble speaking or walking due to shortness of breath
A new, recurring cough in a child may indicate undiagnosed asthma and require prompt medical attention to prevent a life-threatening attack. Parents know their child’s regular cough pattern and can identify when coughs sound abnormal.
Conclusion
Listening closely to cough characteristics provides clues to identify an asthmatic cough caused by uncontrolled asthma and airway inflammation. Hallmark features include a harsh, repetitive, whistling cough that’s worse at night and triggered by things like allergens and cold air. Distinguishing this cough leads to earlier asthma diagnosis and treatment to improve quality of life. Patients learn to minimize exposure to cough triggers and use preventive daily inhalers. Asthma action plans also empower patients to adjust medications early when coughs signal developing attacks. Identifying the sound of asthma helps sufferers gain control.
