Colds - Cough and sore throat: The symptom duo that packs a punch
It's the deep, throaty cough that robs us of our nighttime rest, or the burning pain in our throat that robs us of the joy of eating. These side effects of a cold significantly impair our well-being and can drive us to despair.

In our ongoing "Colds" series, we now examine this persistent duo: cough and sore throat. The focus is on proven strategies for relieving these symptoms and preventative measures to defy the next wave of colds.

We'll start with coughing—a phenomenon that has plagued us all in some form or another. A detailed examination of this symptom, including effective counter-strategies and the differentiation between different types of cough, is essential for anyone who wants to ward off or at least alleviate the next coughing attack.

The many faces of coughing

It's a common misconception that a cough is just a cough. This symptom is far more complex than it appears at first glance. There are different types of cough, each with its own characteristics and causes. In this section, we'll explore the different manifestations to gain a deeper understanding of this common condition.

Some coughs are harmless and temporary, while others can indicate more serious health problems. Therefore, it's important to understand the different types of cough and know when it's time to seek professional medical help.

We also ask ourselves where we should cough. How can we protect ourselves and others by coughing hygienically? This topic is particularly relevant because infections can spread rapidly in our interconnected society, especially through droplet infections.

The causes of coughs are varied and can indicate various health conditions. Whether allergies, asthma, bronchitis, reflux, or even serious diseases like COPD, these conditions can all manifest themselves through coughing. However, they don't always manifest in the same way, and their treatment can vary from case to case.

The mucus and its meaning

A first clue as to why we feel the urge to cough comes from a less appetizing topic. As we already learned in the article about the common cold, mucus, or phlegm, is the clearest and most easily recognizable indicator.

We therefore differentiate between a productive cough and a non-productive cough. As the name suggests, this distinction is based on whether mucus is produced or not.

The non-productive cough is often also called a dry cough and is in many cases the result of irritation or inflammation in the airways and can occur in conditions such as allergies, asthma, our starting point - colds - or the flu.

A productive cough, on the other hand, is accompanied by mucus, also known as phlegm or sputum. This mucus can come from the nose, sinuses, throat, bronchi, or lungs. When coughing, the phlegm is sometimes coughed up directly, especially in conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or COPD.

But it's not just the presence or absence of mucus that can give us an initial clue as to the cause of the cough. Its color can also provide valuable information. As a rule of thumb, if the mucus is yellow or greenish, it indicates a bacterial infection. If it's clear, however, a viral infection could be the cause of the cough.

But as with any other illness, you should avoid self-diagnosis for a symptom as common as a cough and instead consult a doctor. Especially if it's chronic.

Proper cough hygiene

Once the cough has started, no matter what form it takes, there is unfortunately hardly any remedy that can prevent it from continuing.

That's why hygiene is paramount when it comes to coughing. Especially during flu and cold outbreaks, or even pandemics like the coronavirus, proper coughing etiquette is more important than ever. Coughing can quickly transmit viruses and bacteria from person to person. But where should you cough to minimize the spread of pathogens?

The best technique is to cough or sneeze into your elbow. Why is this? By coughing into your elbow instead of your hand, germs are not transferred to your hands, which touch many surfaces and objects in everyday life. This significantly reduces the risk of transmitting pathogens to other people.

But coughing into a tissue is also a good option, at least if you dispose of it immediately and wash your hands thoroughly. This is especially important when you're in public or around other people.

Proper cough hygiene, however, is only one side of the coin. General hand hygiene is equally important, especially after coughing or sneezing. Regular and thorough handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the best way to prevent the spread of disease. Where this isn't possible, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can also be used.

Ultimately, good cough hygiene not only protects one's own health, but is also a sign of consideration and respect for others. Preventing the spread of pathogens is a collective responsibility in which we all have a part to play.

Sore throat: The silent partner of the cough

Cough and sore throat are often an unpleasant duo that occur hand in hand with colds and other respiratory illnesses. But why is this, and what can we do about it?

Sore throats occur when the mucous membranes in the throat become inflamed and irritated. This can be caused by many factors, including dry air, allergies, vocal cord strain, and, of course, infections like colds and flu.

Coughing, in turn, can worsen this sore throat. With each cough, air is forced through the throat at high speed. This can further irritate the already inflamed and sensitive mucous membranes in the throat and lead to a persistent or worsening sore throat.

A sore throat can range from a mild scratch to severe pain that makes swallowing and speaking difficult. It may also be accompanied by a dry cough, hoarseness, and a red, swollen throat.

In most cases, a sore throat is simply an unpleasant side effect. But if it persists for more than a week or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, it may still be beneficial to see a doctor.

How can you relieve a cough and sore throat?

We've now discussed the different types of cough, their manifestations, proper hygiene, and the sore throat that often accompanies them. You're probably wondering what to do the next time you get the cough-sore throat combo.

This unpleasant duo can significantly impact both your daily life and your sleep. Fortunately, there are a few ways to alleviate the symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

For example, there are a few simple home remedies that can provide quick relief. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially warm drinks, can soothe your sore throat and calm your cough. So, reach for tea or soup the next time you're plagued by a scratchy throat.

Gargling with warm salt water can also help with a sore throat. It may not be particularly pleasant, let alone tasty, but it will help. For a dry cough, the use of a humidifier is also recommended, as increased humidity can relieve the urge to cough.

There are also over-the-counter medications that can be used to treat coughs and sore throats. For a dry cough, a cough suppressant, also known as an antitussive, is recommended, as it can largely suppress the urge to cough in a non-productive cough.

For a productive cough, however, you can use expectorants. These can help loosen the phlegm and make it easier to cough it up.

But no matter what type of cough it is, if it lasts longer or does not respond to your home remedies and medications, you should always consider seeing a doctor.

In summary, there are many options for cough and sore throat relief. The most important thing, however, is to listen to your body and seek medical advice if necessary.

Conclusion

In this article, we've taken a close look at coughs and sore throats. These two symptoms can severely impact our daily lives and are closely linked. However, they're more than just annoying side effects of a cold or flu. They're signals from our body telling us that something is wrong and that we need to take action.

The good news is that we are not helpless in the face of these symptoms. By understanding the different types of coughs, practicing proper hygiene, and dealing with a sore throat correctly, we can take control and actively contribute to improving our well-being.

Home remedies and over-the-counter medications can help us alleviate symptoms and get better faster. But prevention also plays an important role. Through good hand and cough hygiene, we can help prevent the spread of pathogens and protect ourselves and others.

However, it's also important to recognize when medical attention is needed. If symptoms persist or worsen, it's always advisable to consult a doctor. Ultimately, our health is something we shouldn't take lightly.

With this knowledge, you're now well prepared to face the next wave of colds with calm and composure. This way, the duo of cough and sore throat will no longer be a tormenting burden, but rather a challenge you can overcome. We hope this article has provided you with helpful tips and suggestions and wish you good health!

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/symptoms-causes/syc-20351605

https://www.apotheken-umschau.de/krankheiten-symptome/infektionskrankheiten/fuenf-tipps-gegen-halsweh-709881.html

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cough/