Eli5: What is the purpose of a dry cough?

Question

Specifically when you’re sick, not lung cancer or anything like that.

A wet cough is called “productive” because it clears fluid/mucus from your lungs.

So what does a dry cough actually “do” for the body? Is it just a reaction to something with no specific purpose?

In: 28

Answer 1

I had wondered this also. It’s like the Covid cough – just makes for a really sore throat and aching ribs.