Dry cough: treatment at home per day

Dry cough: treatment at home per day

Understanding dry cough: causes, symptoms and diagnosis

Dry cough, also known as an unproductive cough, is characterized by the absence of sputum or mucus with coughing. This exhausting state can violate sleep, cause irritation of the throat and a general sense of discomfort. Before proceeding with treatment at home, it is important to understand the causes, symptoms and potential diagnostic procedures in order to verify the correctness of the selected approach.

Causes of dry cough:

Dry cough can be caused by a wide range of factors, both infectious and non -infectious. Understanding the root cause is necessary for effective treatment:

• Viral infections of the upper respiratory tract (SARS): A cold and influenza often begin with a productive cough, which over time can go into a dry, irritating cough, which persists even after other symptoms subside. Viral inflammation of the respiratory tract can lead to increased sensitivity and reflex cough.
• Allergies: Allergens, such as pollen, dust, animal hair and mold, can cause allergic rhinitis, which, in turn, leads to postnasal flow. This mucus flows along the back of the throat, irritating it and causing a dry cough.
• Asthma: Astma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract, which can cause wheezing, shortness of breath, constraint in the chest and dry cough, especially at night or with physical exertion. Coughing with asthma is often a reaction to triggers, such as allergens, irritants or cold air.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERB): GERB is a condition in which gastric acid is thrown into the esophagus, irritating its mucous membrane. This acid can reach the throat and respiratory tract, causing dry cough, especially after eating or in a lying position.
• Environment irritants: Smoke (cigarette smoke, smoke from the fire), contaminated air, chemicals, perfumes and other irritants can cause respiratory tract irritation and dry cough. The impact of these factors can lead to inflammation and increased sensitivity of the mucous membrane.
• Taking some drugs: Some drugs, for example, angiotensinoproding enzyme (ACF) inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure, can cause dry cough as a side effect. This type of cough usually takes place after the cessation of taking the drug.
• Postnzal leak syndrome: As already mentioned in the context of allergies, postnasal flow in itself can be caused not only by allergies, but also by other factors such as a cold, sinusitis or even a change in weather.
• Inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis): Inflammation of the vocal cords caused by infection, voice overvoltage or irritants can lead to hoarseness and dry cough.
• Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD): Cobble is a progressive lung disease characterized by a restriction of the air flow. The cough, often productive, but sometimes dry, is one of the main symptoms of COPD, especially in the early stages.
• Foreign body in the respiratory tract: Especially relevant for children. The hit of small objects into the respiratory tract can cause irritation and dry, suffocating cough. This requires immediate medical care.
• Lung tumors: In rare cases, dry cough can be a symptom of a more serious state, such as a lung tumor.

Symptoms of dry cough:

In addition to lack of sputum, dry cough may be accompanied by other symptoms:

• Irritation and sore throat: A sense of discomfort, tickling or burning in the throat.
• Pain in the chest: A cough can cause pain in the chest due to muscle tension.
• Insomnia: Often at night or an intensifying in the lying position, a cough can disturb a dream.
• Hoarse voice: Inflammation of the vocal cords can lead to a change in the timbre of the voice.
• Fatigue: A constant cough can deplete the body and lead to a sense of fatigue.
• Headache: The tension of the neck and head muscles during cough can cause headache.
• Shortness of breath (in some cases): If a dry cough is caused by asthma or other respiratory disease, shortness of breath can be observed.

Diagnosis of dry cough:

With a long or worsening dry cough, it is important to consult a doctor to establish an exact cause. Diagnosis may include:

• Anamnesis collection and physical examination: The doctor will ask about the symptoms, cough duration, concomitant diseases, drugs taken and environmental factors that can cause coughing. Physical examination includes listening to the lungs with a stethoscope.
• Chest radiography: Allows excluding pneumonia, lung tumors and other diseases.
• Blood tests: They can identify signs of infection or allergies.
• Spirometry: Used to evaluate the function of the lungs and diagnosis of asthma or COPD.
• Allergy test: It helps to identify allergens that cause a cough.
• Bronchoscopy (in rare cases): Invasive procedure in which a thin tube with a camera for visual inspection is introduced into the respiratory tract.

Dry cough treatment at home: rapid relief strategies (presumably in one day)

It is important to understand that a complete cure for dry cough in one day is often an unrealistic goal, especially if the cause of cough is a chronic disease or infection. However, steps can be taken to alleviate the symptoms and accelerate the recovery process. It is also important to emphasize that if the cough remains or worsens, you must consult a doctor.

1. Moisturization of air:

• Using a humidifier of air: Dry air irritates the respiratory tract and exacerbates the dry cough. Use a humidifier, especially at night, to maintain the optimal level of humidity in the room (40-60%). Regularly clean the air humidifier to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
• Steam inhalations: Inhaling the couple helps to moisturize the respiratory tract, derive mucus (if it is present, even in small quantities) and facilitate the cough. Lean over a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel and inhale steam for 10-15 minutes. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil or peppermint can enhance the effect.
• Acceptance of a hot shower or bath: Creates the effect of steam inhalation and helps to relax.

2. Abundant drink:

• Water: The most important component. Maintaining hydration dilutes mucus and moisturizes the respiratory tract. Strive to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
• Herbal teas: Warm herbal teas, especially with honey and lemon, have a calming effect on the throat and help to alleviate the cough. Popular options include chamomile tea, ginger tea, tea with thyme and tea with licorice root.
• Broths: Chicken broth or vegetable broth help moisturize the body and contain the nutrients necessary for recovery.
• Juices: Diluted fruit juices (for example, apple or grape) can help fill the electrolytes lost due to cough.
• Avoid dehydration drinks: Coffee, alcohol and carbonated drinks can have a diuretic effect and lead to dehydration.

3. Light rinse products:

• Salt solution: Rinsing the throat with a warm saline solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt per glass of warm water) helps reduce inflammation, remove irritants and relieve sore throat caused by a cough. Rinse the throat several times a day.
• Solution with chamomile: Chamomile has anti -inflammatory properties and can help calm the irritated throat. Brew chamomile tea and use it to rinse the throat.

4. Honey:

• Natural coughing tool: Honey has antibacterial and anti -inflammatory properties and helps to soften the throat and reduce the cough. Studies have shown that honey can be more effective than some over -the -counter products for coughing, especially in children.
• Application: Take 1-2 teaspoons of honey several times a day. You can add honey to tea or just swallow it in small portions.
• Restrictions: It is not recommended to give honey to children under 1 year old due to the risk of botulism.

5. Folk remedies:

• Ginger: Ginger has anti -inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Cut fresh ginger with thin slices and brew it like tea. You can also add ginger to soups and other dishes.
• Garlic: Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Add garlic to soups, sauces or other dishes. You can also chew a small clove of garlic.
• Turmeric: Turmeric has anti -inflammatory properties. Add turmeric to tea or milk.
• Timian: Thyme has expectorant and antiseptic properties. Brew tea with thyme or add thyme to soups and other dishes.
• Solo root: It has expectorant and anti -inflammatory properties. Brew tea with licorice root. Not recommended at high pressure.

6. Change in lifestyle:

• Refusal of smoking: Smoking irritates the respiratory tract and exacerbates the cough. To quit smoking is one of the best ways to improve the health of the respiratory tract.
• Avoid of irritants: Try to avoid smoke, contaminated air, chemicals and other irritants that can cause cough.
• Sleep mode: A sufficient dream is important for restoring the body. Strive to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
• Position in a dream: A sleep with a raised head (using additional pillows) can help reduce posttratesal flow and prevent the cough at night.
• Avoid voice overstrain: If the cough is caused by laryngitis, try to speak less and not strain the vocal cords.

7. Cattle coughing remedies:

• Antitratus drugs (overwhelming coughing): These drugs, such as dextrometerfan, suppress the cough reflex. They can be useful with dry, irritating coughing that prevents sleeping. However, they should not be used with a productive cough, as they can interfere with the excretion of mucus.
• Expending drugs: These drugs, such as hevaifenesin, liquefy mucus and facilitate its excretion. They are not effective for dry coughing, since there is no mucus with dry coughing.
• Coughing candies: Contain menthol or other substances that soothe the throat and reduce the cough.

8. Exception of GERB:

• Avoid heartburn products: Fat, fried foods, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, citrus fruits and tomatoes can cause heartburn and aggravate GERB.
• Take food in small portions: Overflow can increase pressure on the stomach and contribute to reflux.
• Do not go to bed after eating: Wait for at least 2-3 hours after eating before going to bed.
• Raise the head of the bed: Raise the head of the bed by 15-20 centimeters to reduce the casting of gastric acid into the esophagus.

9. When you should see a doctor:

Home treatment of dry cough can be effective in mild cases caused by a cold or stimuli. However, it is important to consult a doctor if:

• The cough lasts more than 3 weeks.
• The cough is accompanied by high temperature, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain or hemoptysis.
• The cough worsens, despite home treatment.
• You suspect that the cough is caused by asthma, gerb or other disease.
• You have weakened immunity.
• The cough prevents sleeping and significantly worsens the quality of life.
• You take medications that can cause a cough.
• You have other serious symptoms.

Dry cough prevention:

• Wash your hands regularly: This helps to prevent the spread of coughing infections.
• Avoid contact with sick people: This helps reduce the risk of infection with respiratory infections.
• Make a flu vaccine: The flu can cause dry cough.
• Quit smoking: Smoking irritates the respiratory tract and exacerbates the cough.
• Avoid irritants: Try to avoid smoke, contaminated air, chemicals and other irritants that can cause cough.
• Manage allergies: If you are allergic, take medications and avoid contact with allergens.
• Support for a healthy lifestyle: Healthy nutrition, regular physical exercises and sufficient sleep help strengthen immunity and reduce the risk of diseases.

Important remark: The information presented in this article is intended only for information purposes and should not be considered as a replacement for a professional medical consultation. Always consult a doctor for the diagnosis and treatment of any disease. An attempt to independently treat serious diseases can be dangerous. Seek medical help immediately if you have any serious or alarming symptoms. Self -medication is acceptable only in mild cases and in the absence of contraindications.