We get rid of dry cough: tips and recipes for home treatment for a day.
Understanding of dry cough: causes, symptoms and consequences
Dry cough, also known as an unproductive cough, is characterized by a lack of sputum or mucus. It can be an exhausting and irritating state that interferes with sleep, work and general health. Before we move on to treatment methods, it is important to understand why a dry cough occurs and what are its potential consequences.
The main causes of dry cough:
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Viral infections: Colds and influenza are the most common causes of dry cough. Viruses irritate the respiratory tract, causing inflammation and cough. A dry cough after a viral infection can be preserved for weeks, and sometimes for months, even after other symptoms disappear. This is due to the increased sensitivity of the respiratory tract after inflammation.
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Allergies: Allergens, such as pollen, dust, animal hair and mold, can cause allergic rhinitis, which manifests itself not only by a runny nose and sneezing, but also with a dry cough. Allergens irritate the mucous membrane of the nose and throat, causing a cough as a protective reaction.
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Environment irritants: Smoke of cigarettes, contaminated air, chemical evaporation and dry air can irritate the respiratory tract and cause dry cough. The prolonged exposure to these stimuli can lead to chronic dry cough.
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERB): Acid from the stomach can rise into the esophagus and irritate the throat, causing a cough. This type of cough is often intensified at night or after eating. GERB often remains undiagnosed as the cause of dry cough, so it is important to consider it when examining.
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Some drugs: ACE inhibitors (angiotenzinzinoprofing enzyme) used to treat high blood pressure are known for their side effect – dry cough. If you take this type of medicine and suffer from dry cough, talk with your doctor about possible alternatives.
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Bronchial asthma: Although asthma is usually associated with wheezing and shortness of breath, in some people the main symptom is a dry cough, especially at night or with physical exertion. This type of asthma is called a cough variant of asthma.
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Sendal syndrome: Mucus flowing down the back of the pharynx can irritate the throat and cause a cough. This syndrome is often caused by allergies, sinusitis or other diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
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Foreign body: Especially in children, a foreign body can cause a strong dry cough into the respiratory tract. This requires immediate medical care.
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Heart failure: Rarely, but heart failure can cause dry cough, especially in a lying position. This is due to the accumulation of liquid in the lungs.
Symptoms of dry cough:
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Lack of sputum: The main sign of dry cough is the lack of sputum or mucus.
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Diffling or irritation in the throat: Many people describe the feeling of tickling, irritation or sore throat that provokes a cough.
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Previous in the chest: Intensive and prolonged dry cough can cause soreness or discomfort in the chest.
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Fatigue: Frequent cough, especially at night, can lead to fatigue and irritability.
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Hoarse voice: The irritation of the vocal ligaments due to constant cough can cause hoarse voice.
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Sleep violation: Dry cough often intensifies at night, which can seriously break the dream.
Potential consequences of prolonged dry cough:
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Chronic throat irritation: A constant cough can lead to chronic irritation and sore throat.
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Insomnia: Sleep disturbance due to cough can lead to insomnia and other sleep problems.
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Headaches: Intensive cough can cause headaches.
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Dizziness: A strong cough can cause dizziness.
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Urine incontinence: In some people, a strong cough can lead to urinary incontinence.
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Fractures of the ribs: In rare cases, especially in people with osteoporosis, a strong cough can lead to fractures of the ribs.
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Pneumothorax: In very rare cases, a strong cough can lead to pneumothorax (air accumulation in the pleural cavity).
Diagnosis of the cause of dry cough:
It is important to consult a doctor if the dry cough lasts more than three weeks, intensifies, accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, chest pain or hemoptysis. The doctor will conduct an examination, collect an anamnesis and may prescribe additional studies, such as chest x -ray, spirometry (to assess the function of the lungs) or a blood test to determine the cause of the cough and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Home remedies to facilitate dry coughing per day
Despite the fact that the complete getting rid of dry cough in one day can be unrealistic, especially if it is caused by a serious reason, there are effective home remedies that can greatly alleviate the symptoms and promote recovery. It is important to remember that these funds are aimed at mitigating irritation, moisturizing the respiratory tract and suppressing the cough reflex. If the symptoms do not improve or deteriorate, you must consult a doctor.
1. Moisturization of air:
Dry air irritates the respiratory tract and exacerbates the cough. Maintaining sufficient humidity in the room is one of the most effective ways to facilitate dry cough.
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Air humidifier: The use of a humidifier in the bedroom, especially at night, can greatly facilitate the cough. It is recommended to maintain humidity in the range of 40-60%. It is important to regularly clean the humidifier to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. There are various types of moisturizers, including evaporative, ultrasonic and steam.
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Steam bath: The adoption of a hot shower or a stay in a bathroom with steam can also help moisturize the respiratory tract and dilute mucus. Inhale steam for 10-15 minutes several times a day. To enhance the effect, you can add a few drops of eucalyptus or tea tree essential oil into the water (with caution, avoiding entry into the eye).
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A towel above the pan with hot water: If you do not have a moisturizer, you can heat water in a pan, cover your head with a towel and inhale steam. Be careful not to burn the steam. Herbs such as chamomile or sage can be added to the water for an additional soothing effect.
2. Abundant drink:
The liquid helps to moisturize the respiratory tract and dilute the mucus, which facilitates the expectorant (if in the end the cough becomes productive). It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of liquid per day.
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Water: The easiest and most important way to stay hydrated.
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Herbal teas: Warm herbal teas, such as chamomile, mint, ginger or lemon tea, have soothing properties and can help facilitate the cough. Adding honey and lemon enhances the effect.
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Broths: Warm chicken or vegetable broth helps to moisturize the respiratory tract and contains nutrients necessary to combat infection.
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Juices: Fruit and vegetable juices, especially apple, grape and carrot, contain vitamins and antioxidants that strengthen the immune system.
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Avoid drinks that can dehydrate the body: Coffee, alcohol and carbonated drinks can dehydrate the body and aggravate the cough.
3. Honey:
Honey has anti -inflammatory and antibacterial properties and can help relieve dry cough. Studies have shown that honey can be more effective than some over -the -counter products for coughing, especially in children.
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Pure honey: Take 1-2 tablespoons of honey several times a day.
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Honey with warm tea: Add honey to warm tea or water.
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Honey with lemon: Mix honey with lemon juice for an additional soothing effect. The lemon contains vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system.
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Warning: Do not give honey to children under 1 year old, as it may contain disputes of botulism, which are dangerous for babies.
4. Rinse of the throat with salt water:
Rinsing the throat with warm salt water helps relieve inflammation and irritation in the throat, which facilitates the cough.
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Preparation of the solution: Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
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Rinsing: Rinse the throat with a solution for 30 seconds several times a day.
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Do not swallow the solution: Put the solution after rinsing.
5. Coughing Lollows:
Coughing coughing stimulate salivation, which moisturizes the throat and facilitates the cough.
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Choose candies without sugar: Sugar candy can contribute to the growth of bacteria in the throat.
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Pay attention to the ingredients: Some candies contain menthol or eucalyptus, which have soothing properties.
6. Rest:
Rest is important for restoring the body and combating an infection causing cough.
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Sleep enough: Try to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
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Avoid overstrain: Limit physical activity to give the body the opportunity to recover.
7. Avoid irritants:
Avoid the effects of stimuli, such as the smoke of cigarettes, contaminated air and chemical evaporation that can aggravate the cough.
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Do not smoke: Smoking irritates the respiratory tract and exacerbates the cough.
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Avoid passive smoking: Avoid places where they smoke.
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Improver the room: Protect the room regularly to remove contaminated air.
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Use air cleaner: The air cleaner can help remove allergens and irritants from the air.
8. Change in body position:
Lying on the back can aggravate a cough, especially at night.
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Raise your head: Use additional pillows to raise your head during sleep.
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Sleep on the side: Sleep on the side can facilitate the cough.
9. Rubbing of the chest:
Rubbing of the breast with menthol or eucalyptus can help relieve coughing and nasal congestion.
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Apply a small amount of rubbing to the chest and throat: Do not apply rubbing to the area of the nose or mouth.
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Inhale couples: Inhalation of rubbing vapors can help facilitate the cough.
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Warning: Do not use breast rubbing in children under 2 years of age.
10. Recipes for home treatment of dry cough:
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Cough syrup with honey and lemon: Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with half of the lemon. Take 1 teaspoon every few hours.
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Ginger tea and honey: Cut ginger root into small pieces and pour boiling water. Let it brew for 10-15 minutes. Add honey to taste.
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Garlic cough syrup: Grind a few cloves of garlic and mix with honey. Let it brew for a few hours. Take 1 teaspoon several times a day. Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
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Onion syrup from cough: Cut the onion into rings and pour sugar or honey. Let it brew for several hours until the syrup is formed. Take 1 teaspoon several times a day.
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Milk with honey and oil: Heat a glass of milk and add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of butter. This drink softens the throat and facilitates the cough.
When you need to see a doctor:
Despite the effectiveness of home remedies, in some cases it is necessary to consult a doctor.
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The cough lasts more than three weeks: Chronic cough may be a sign of a more serious disease.
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The cough intensifies: If the cough worsens, despite home treatment, you must consult a doctor.
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Other symptoms appear: Fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, hemoptysis, difficulty breathing are signs that require immediate medical care.
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The cough interferes with sleeping or working: If the cough seriously affects the quality of life, you must consult a doctor.
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Do you have any chronic diseases: People with chronic diseases such as asthma, COPD or heart failure need to consult a doctor when coughing.
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You take medicines: Some medicines can interact with home -made products.
Dry cough prevention:
Prevention is the best way to avoid dry cough.
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Wash your hands regularly: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to prevent the spread of infections.
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Avoid contact with sick people: Stay away from people who are sick with colds or flu.
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Vaccinated from influenza and pneumococcal infection: Vaccination helps to prevent viral and bacterial infections that can cause cough.
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Support for a healthy lifestyle: Observe a healthy diet, play sports and get enough sleep to strengthen the immune system.
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Quit smoking: Smoking irritates the respiratory tract and increases the risk of coughing.
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Avoid irritants: Avoid the effects of stimuli, such as smoke of cigarettes, contaminated air and chemical evaporation.
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Drink enough liquids: The liquid helps to moisturize the respiratory tract and prevent dry throat.
It is important to remember:
Self -medication can be dangerous. If you suffer from dry cough, which does not pass or is accompanied by other symptoms, you must consult a doctor to make a diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Home remedies can relieve symptoms, but do not replace professional medical care.
Using these tips and recipes, you can greatly facilitate dry cough and improve your well -being. However, remember the importance of seeing a doctor if the symptoms do not improve or worsen. Health is the most valuable thing we have, and caring for it is our main task.