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Cough

Wet Cough vs. Dry Cough: Understanding the Difference

Your cough can give you clues to figure out what’s making you sick. Here’s how to decipher it.

Sophia KellerMera Goodman, MD, FAAP
Written by Sophia Keller | Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP
Updated on November 22, 2023
Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP | November 22, 2023

Depending on what kind of infection or condition you have, your cough may sound different sometimes. Doctors often refer to “wet coughs” and “dry coughs.” Wet coughs help signal that there is some sort of sinus leakage in the body. Dry coughs are usually due to inflammation within the throat itself. 

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Sophia Keller
Written by:
Sophia Keller
Sophia Keller was an editorial intern on the GoodRx Health team. She has a bachelor’s degree in justice studies from Arizona State University.
Dr. Mera Goodman is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to medicine, she worked as a management consultant.

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