Dry cough: first aid at home in one day

Dry cough: first aid at home in one day

I. Understanding dry cough

Dry cough, also known as an unproductive cough, is characterized by a lack of sputum or mucus. This is not just a symptom, but rather a sign of irritation or inflammation in the respiratory tract. It is important to understand the causes and distinctive features of dry cough in order to effectively provide first aid at home.

A. The causes of dry cough:

Dry cough can be caused by many factors, from banal colds to more serious diseases. The determination of the root cause is extremely important for choosing the correct treatment strategy.

1. Viral infections:

   • Cold (SARS): The most common reason. Viral infections of the upper respiratory tract often begin with dry, irritating cough, which can eventually develop into a productive one. Viral inflammation causes irritation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx and trachea, leading to cough.
   • Flu: Influenza often causes a stronger and exhausting dry cough, accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, chills and muscle pain. The influenza virus can affect not only the upper, but also the lower respiratory tract.
   • Covid-19: Dry cough is one of the typical Covid-19 symptoms. It is important to take into account the epidemiological situation and eliminate the infection of the Covid-19 when dry coughing occurs, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as the loss of smell or taste, fever and fatigue.

2. Bacterial infections:

   • Pertussis: Although pertussis is more common in children, it can also affect adults, especially those who are not vaccinated. The pertussis is characterized by attacks of strong, convulsive cough, often ending with a characteristic “barking” sound during inspiration.
   • Mycoplasmic Pneumonia: “Walking pneumonia” caused by mycoplasma often manifests itself as a dry, stubborn cough that can last several weeks.

3. Allergies:

   • Allergic rhinitis: Allergens, such as pollen, dust mites or animal hair, can cause allergic rhinitis, which is often accompanied by a dry cough caused by irritation of the mucous membrane of the nose and throat.
   • Asthma: Astma can cause dry, wheezing, especially at night or with physical exertion. Astmatic cough occurs due to narrowing of the respiratory tract and inflammation of the mucous membrane.

4. Environment irritants:

   • Air pollution: Contaminated air, smoke, chemicals and other stimuli can cause dry cough.
   • Dry air: Dry air, especially in winter, can irritate the respiratory tract and cause dry cough.

5. Medicines:

   • ACE inhibitors: Some medicines for high blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors (enalapril, lysinopril), can cause dry cough as a side effect.

6. Other reasons:

   • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERB): Acid reflux can irritate the esophagus and cause dry cough.
   • Postnzal Suptes: The mucus flowing along the posterior wall of the throat (posttratnazal staging) can cause irritation and cough.
   • Foreign body: Especially in children, a dry cough can be caused by a foreign body entering the respiratory tract.
   • Lung tumors: In rare cases, dry cough can be a sign of a lung tumor.

B. Distinctive signs of dry cough:

• Lack of sputum: The main difference between dry cough is the lack of mucus or sputum.
• Sensation of irritation or sore throat: Often accompanied by a sensation of scratching or sore throat.
• Can be painful and tiring: Dry cough can be more tiring than a productive cough, as it does not bring relief.
• Often intensifies at night: The horizontal position can contribute to the irritation of the respiratory tract and enhancing the cough at night.
• May be accompanied by other symptoms: Depending on the cause, dry cough can be accompanied by other symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, fever, fatigue and wheezing.

II. First aid for dry coughing at home during the day

The purpose of first aid with dry coughing at home is to alleviate the symptoms, calm the irritated respiratory tract and promote recovery. It is important to remember that these measures are intended to relieve symptoms and do not replace consultation with a doctor, especially if the cough lasts longer than a few days or is accompanied by other alarming symptoms.

A. Moisturization of air:

1. Air humidifier: The use of a humidifier of air helps to maintain optimal humidity in the room (40-60%), which prevents drying of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.

   • Types of moisturizers: There are different types of moisturizers: steam, ultrasonic and evaporative. Ultrasonic humidifiers work silently and do not distinguish hot steam, which makes them safer for children. Steam humidifiers can be useful to facilitate nasal congestion.
   • Regular cleaning: It is important to regularly clean the humidifier to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, which can worsen the condition of the respiratory tract. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.

2. Wet cleaning: Regular wet cleaning helps to remove dust and other irritants from the air.

3. Steam inhalations: Inhalations of the ferry help to moisturize the respiratory tract and alleviate irritation.

   • How to carry out inhalations: Pour hot water into a bowl or pelvis, cover your head with a towel and inhale steam for 10-15 minutes. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus or tea tree essential oil for additional relief.
   • Precautions: Be careful not to burn with hot water. Do not leave children unattended during inhalation.

B. abundant drink:

1. Water: Drinking a sufficient amount of water helps to dilute mucus and moisturize the respiratory tract. It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.

2. Herbal teas: Herbal teas, such as tea with chamomile, ginger or thyme, have soothing and anti -inflammatory properties.

3. Honey: Honey has antibacterial and anti -inflammatory properties and can help alleviate the cough. Add a spoonful of honey to warm tea or water.

   • Restrictions for children: Do not give honey to children under 1 year old due to the risk of botulism.

4. Chicken broth: Chicken broth has anti -inflammatory properties and can help alleviate the symptoms of colds, including cough.

5. Avoid dehydrating drinks: Limit the consumption of caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate the body.

C. Sedeemer for the throat:

1. Coughing candies: Coughing louds help moisturize the throat and reduce irritation. Choose candies with menthol or eucalyptus for additional relief.
2. Half up the throat with salt water: Rinsing the throat with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt per glass of warm water) helps reduce inflammation and irritation. Rinse the throat several times a day.
3. Throat sprays: Sprays for the throat with antiseptic or analgesic components can help relieve pain and irritation in the throat.

D. Change in body position:

1. Raised position during sleep: A sleep with a raised head helps to prevent mucus drainage along the posterior wall of the throat (post -tozal stall) and reduce the cough at night. Use additional pillows to raise the upper body.
2. Avoid lying on the back: Lying on the back can increase the cough, especially if you have a postnazal stag. Try to sleep on your side.

E. Avoiding stimuli:

1. Smoke cigarettes: Avoid smoking and passive smoking, as smoke of cigarettes irritates the respiratory tract and enhances the cough.
2. Polluted air: If possible, avoid staying on the street on days with a high level of air pollution.
3. Sketching smells: Avoid pungent odors, such as perfumes, air fresheners and cleaners that can irritate the respiratory tract.

F. Rest:

1. Full dream: A sufficient rest is necessary to restore the body and strengthen the immune system. Try to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
2. Limiting physical activity: Avoid excessive physical activity that can aggravate the cough.

G. Folk remedies:

1. Onion syrup: Onions have antibacterial and anti -inflammatory properties. Cut the onions with rings, sprinkle with sugar and leave for several hours to form a syrup. Take 1 teaspoon of syrup several times a day.
2. Garlic syrup: Garlic also has antibacterial properties. Mix chopped garlic with honey and take 1 teaspoon several times a day.
3. Milk with honey and oil: Warm milk with honey and oil helps to calm the throat and ease the cough.
4. Black radish juice with honey: Cut the recess in a black radish, fill it with honey and leave it for several hours to form juice. Take 1 teaspoon of juice several times a day.
5. Chamomile tea with lemon and honey: Chamomile has soothing properties, and lemon and honey help to alleviate the cough and sore throat.

H. Right -making drugs:

1. Anticlothes: Antitratus agents, such as dextrometerfan, can help suppress the cough. However, they should be used with caution and only as prescribed by a doctor, especially in children.

   • Restrictions for children: Do not give anti -cash weapons to children under 4 years of age.

2. Expectants: Experators, such as GVVEFENUS, help to dilute mucus and alleviate its discharge. However, they are not effective for dry coughing, since with dry coughing there is no sputum.

3. Painkillers: An painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can help relieve sore throat and fever, if present.

III. When to consult a doctor

Despite the fact that many cases of dry cough can be facilitated at home, it is important to know when to seek medical help.

A. Alarm symptoms:

Contact the doctor if the dry cough is accompanied by the following symptoms:

1. Difficult breathing or shortness of breath: This can be a sign of a serious respiratory infection or asthma.
2. Pain in the chest: Breast pain can be a sign of pneumonia, pleurisy or other serious diseases.
3. High temperature: The temperature above 38.5 ° C may indicate a bacterial infection.
4. Blood in sputum: This can be a sign of a serious disease such as tuberculosis or lung cancer.
5. Wheezing: Wheezing can be a sign of asthma or bronchiolite.
6. Hoarse voice: The hoarse of the voice lasting more than 2 weeks can be a sign of the disease of the larynx.
7. Weight loss: Inexplicable weight loss can be a sign of a serious disease, such as lung cancer.
8. Weakness and fatigue: Strong weakness and fatigue that do not pass after rest can indicate a serious disease.

B. Cough duration:

Contact the doctor if the dry cough lasts more than 3 weeks. A long -term cough may be a sign of a chronic disease such as asthma, GERB or postnazal ZEP.

C. Age features:

1. Children: Contact the doctor if the child has a dry cough is accompanied by difficulty breathing, fever, bluishness of the skin or other anxious symptoms.
2. Elderly people: Older people are more susceptible to complications of respiratory infections. Contact the doctor when any alarming symptoms appear.

D. Related diseases:

If you have concomitant diseases, such as asthma, COPD, heart failure or diabetes, consult a doctor when dry cough appears.

IV. Prevention of dry cough

Prevention is a key point in preventing dry cough.

A. Hand hygiene:

Wash your hands with soap and water regularly, especially after visiting public places and before eating.

B. Avoiding contact with patients:

Avoid close contact with people who have signs of a respiratory infection.

C. Vaccination:

Make flu and Covid-19 vaccination. Vaccination helps to reduce the risk of infection and severity of the disease.

D. A healthy lifestyle:

Running a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical exercises and sufficient sleep, strengthens the immune system and helps prevent infection.

E. Moisturization of air:

Support optimal humidity in the room, especially in winter.

F. Avoiding stimuli:

Avoid smoking, passive smoking and other respiratory tract stimuli.

G. Treatment of related diseases:

Effectively treat concomitant diseases such as asthma, GERB and allergies.

V. Conclusion

Dry cough can be caused by various factors and can be a rather unpleasant symptom. Proper first aid of the house, including air moisturizing, plentiful drinking, soothing means for the throat and avoiding irritants, can help alleviate the symptoms and accelerate recovery. However, if dry cough is accompanied by anxiety symptoms or lasts more than 3 weeks, you must consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Preventive measures, such as hand hygiene, vaccination and a healthy lifestyle, help reduce the risk of dry coughing. Remember that self -medication can be dangerous, and it is always better to consult a doctor to obtain individual recommendations.