Part 1: Understanding of dry cough and its causes
Dry cough, also known as an unproductive cough, is characterized by a lack of sputum or mucus. It is often annoying, exhausting and can interfere with sleep and everyday activity. It is important to understand that dry cough in itself is not a disease, but rather a symptom indicating irritation or inflammation of the respiratory tract. To effectively facilitate the attack of dry coughing at home, it is necessary to determine the possible reasons that cause it.
The main causes of dry cough:
- Viral infections of the upper respiratory tract (SARS): A cold, influenza, laryngitis, pharyngitis and Covid-19 often begin with dry cough, which can then go into a productive one. Viruses cause inflammation and irritation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, which leads to a cough reflex.
- Allergies: Allergens, such as pollen, dust, animal hair and mold, can cause allergic rhinitis and asthma, which are often accompanied by dry cough. Allergic reactions lead to the release of histamine, which causes inflammation and narrowing of the respiratory tract.
- Asthma: Astma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract, which can cause dry cough, especially at night or after physical exertion. The respiratory tract becomes hypersensitive and respond to various stimuli, causing their narrowing and difficulty breathing.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERB): Acid from the stomach is thrown into the esophagus and can irritate the respiratory tract, causing dry cough. This is due to the weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter, which usually prevents the reverse acid cast.
- The impact of irritants: Smoke, contaminated air, chemicals, dry air and tobacco smoke can irritate the respiratory tract and cause dry cough.
- Medicines: Some drugs, such as ACE inhibitors (angiotensinoprofing enzyme) used to treat high blood pressure, can cause dry cough as a side effect.
- Postnzal leak syndrome: Mucus flowing from the nose to the throat can irritate the respiratory tract and cause dry cough.
- Chronic bronchitis: Long -term inflammation of the bronchi, often caused by smoking, can lead to chronic dry cough.
- Pertussis: Highly heaped bacterial disease, characterized by a strong, paroxysmal cough, often with a whistling sound.
- Foreign body in the respiratory tract: Especially in children, the hit of small objects in the respiratory tract can cause a cough.
- Pleurisy: Pinjection of the pleura (shell surrounding the lungs) can cause dry, painful cough.
- Heart failure: In rare cases, heart failure can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, causing a cough.
- Lung tumors: Although rarely, tumors in the lungs can cause a cough.
- Psychogenic cough: A cough that has no physical reason and associated with psychological factors, such as stress or anxiety.
The importance of differential diagnosis:
Before proceeding with self -medication, especially if the dry cough lasts more than a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, chest pain or hemoptysis, it is important to consult a doctor to establish an accurate diagnosis. This is necessary to exclude serious diseases and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Part 2: Home remedies to facilitate dry cough
With a mild course of dry cough that is not associated with serious diseases, you can effectively alleviate the symptoms with home remedies. These methods are aimed at moisturizing the respiratory tract, reducing irritation and suppressing the cough reflex.
Air moisture:
Dry air is one of the main factors that exacerbate dry cough. Moisturization of air helps to moisturize the airways and reduce irritation.
- Using a humidifier of air: The use of a humidifier of air, especially in the bedroom, helps maintain the optimal level of humidity in the room (40-60%). It is important to regularly clean the humidifier to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
- Acceptance of a hot shower or bath: Steam from a hot shower or bath helps to moisturize the respiratory tract and facilitate the cough. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil or peppermint to enhance the effect.
- Steam inhalation: Lean over a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel and deeply inhale steam for 10-15 minutes. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil, tea tree or lavender. Be careful not to burn the steam.
- Placement of wet towels or bowls with water in the room: This is a simple way to increase air humidity, especially in the winter, when heating dries the air.
Moisturization of the mucous membrane of the throat and respiratory tract:
- Abundant drink: The use of a large amount of liquid, such as water, herbal teas, broths and juices, helps moisturize the mucous membrane of the throat and dilute the mucus, which facilitates its excretion (if the cough goes into productive). Avoid carbonated drinks and coffee, as they can dehydrate the body.
- Honey: Honey is an effective coughing tool, especially in children over one year old. It has anti -inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and also forms a protective film on the mucous membrane of the throat. Take 1-2 teaspoons of honey several times a day. It is not recommended to give honey to children under one year due to the risk of botulism.
- Lemon: Lemon has antiseptic and anti -inflammatory properties. Add lemon juice to warm water or tea with honey.
- Ginger: Ginger has anti -inflammatory and expectorant properties. You can cook ginger tea by adding several pieces of fresh ginger to boiling water, or consume ginger as part of other dishes.
- Solo (lacrima root): The licorice has expectorant, anti -inflammatory and antiviral properties. You can drink tea from a licorice or take it in the form of an extract. Solo consumption should be avoided by people with high blood pressure.
- Warm milk with honey and oil: This drink helps to soften the throat and reduce the cough.
- Survation of candies from coughing: Coughing coughing stimulate salivation, which helps moisturize the throat and reduce irritation. Choose candies with menthol or eucalyptus for additional relief.
Herbal remedies:
Some herbs have anti -inflammatory, expectorant and soothing properties that can help facilitate dry cough.
- Timian: Thyme has expectorant, antispasmodic and antimicrobial properties. You can drink tea from thyme or use it in the form of an extract.
- Elecampane: Eleasil has an expectorant and anti -inflammatory properties. You can drink tea from nine or take it in the form of a syrup.
- ALTEY Medicinal: Altie has softening and anti -inflammatory properties. You can drink tea from Altey or take it in the form of a syrup.
- MATERIA-I-MACHEHA: Mother-i-Machech has a nodding and anti-inflammatory properties. You can drink tea from coltsfoot. It should be consumed with caution and not for a long time, as it contains pyrrolisidine alkaloids.
- Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus has expectorant and antiseptic properties. You can use eucalyptus essential oil for inhalations or add it to a hot bath.
Other methods:
- Half up the throat with saline: Rinsing the throat with a warm saline solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt per glass of warm water) helps reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat. Repeat the rinse several times a day.
- Avoid of irritants: Try to avoid the effects of stimuli, such as smoke, contaminated air, chemicals and tobacco smoke.
- Refusal of smoking: Smoking irritates the respiratory tract and exacerbates the cough. Refusal of smoking is an important step for improving the health of the respiratory tract.
- Maintaining humidity in the room: Use air humidifier or place wet towels in the room to maintain the optimal level of humidity.
- Raising the head during sleep: Putting an additional pillow under the head during sleep helps to prevent mucus flowing into the throat and reduce the cough.
- Avoiding overeating before going to bed: Overflow before going to bed can aggravate the GERB and call a cough.
- Regular ventilation of the room: Regular ventilation of the room helps to remove dust, allergens and other irritants from the air.
- Using a filter for air: Using the air filter can help remove dust, allergens and other irritants from the air.
- Avoiding stress: Stress can aggravate a cough. Find the ways to relax and cope with stress, such as yoga, meditation or walking in nature.
Part 3: When you see a doctor
In most cases, dry coughing takes place independently within a few days or weeks. However, in some cases it is necessary to consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms requiring immediate medical care:
- Difficult breathing or shortness of breath: This can be a sign of a serious disease such as pneumonia, asthma or heart failure.
- Pain in the chest: Breast pain can be a sign of pneumonia, pleurisy or other lung diseases.
- Hemopral: Hemoptysis can be a sign of a serious disease, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis or lung cancer.
- Fever above 38 ° C: The fever can be a sign of infection.
- Walking breathing: Whistling breathing can be a sign of asthma or other respiratory tract diseases.
- Blue lips or faces: This may be a sign of a lack of oxygen.
- Confusion: Confusion of consciousness can be a sign of a serious disease.
- Strong coughing that interferes with sleep and daily activities: If the cough is so strong that it interferes with sleep and everyday activity, you must consult a doctor.
- Long cough (more than 3 weeks): A long cough may be a sign of a chronic disease.
- A cough accompanied by other symptoms, such as weight loss, fatigue or night sweating: These symptoms can be a sign of a serious disease.
- Cough in babies and children: The cough in babies and children requires special attention, as it can be a sign of a serious disease.
Diagnostics and treatment:
The doctor will conduct an examination, listen to the lungs and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. Depending on the examination results, the doctor may prescribe additional studies, such as chest x -rays, blood tests or sputum analysis.
Dry cough treatment depends on the cause. The doctor may prescribe drugs such as antitussive drugs, expectorants, antihistamines, bronchodilators or antibiotics. In some cases, hospitalization may be required.
Part 4: dry cough prevention
Prevention of dry cough is to avoid factors that can cause it.
Basic preventive measures:
- Avoiding contact with sick people: Limit contact with people who have signs of colds or influenza.
- Regular hand washing: Wash your hands with soap and water regularly to prevent the spread of infections.
- Vaccination: Make a flu and pneumococcal infection.
- Refusal of smoking: Smoking irritates the respiratory tract and exacerbates the cough.
- Avoiding the effects of stimuli: Try to avoid the effects of stimuli, such as smoke, contaminated air, chemicals and tobacco smoke.
- Maintaining humidity in the room: Use air humidifier or place wet towels in the room to maintain the optimal level of humidity.
- Proper nutrition: Proper nutrition helps strengthen the immune system and prevent diseases.
- Regular physical exercises: Regular physical exercises help strengthen the immune system and improve the health of the respiratory tract.
- Avoiding stress: Stress can weaken the immune system and make you more susceptible to infections.
- Timely treatment of diseases: Timely treat diseases that can cause cough, such as asthma or GERB.
- Regular medical examinations: Regular medical examinations help to identify and treat diseases at an early stage.
- Using protective masks: During periods of increased risk of respiratory infections, use protective masks in public places.
- Strengthening immunity: Use products rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables and greens. If necessary, consult your doctor about taking vitamin complexes.
- Maintaining hygiene at home: Remove at home regularly to remove dust, allergens and other irritants. Ventify the room and use air filters.
- Allergies Management: If you have allergies, try to avoid contact with allergens and take medications prescribed by the doctor.
- Caution use of household chemicals: When using household chemicals, put on gloves and a mask to avoid respiratory tract irritation.
- Adequate dream: A sufficient sleep (7-8 hours a day) is necessary to maintain the health of the immune system.
Part 5: special cases and warnings
Dry cough in children:
In children, dry cough can be caused by the same reasons as in adults, but can also be associated with diseases such as cereals or bronchiolite. It is important to consult a doctor if a child has a dry cough is accompanied by shortness of breath, whistling breathing, fever or other alarming symptoms.
Precautions in the treatment of dry cough in children:
- Do not give honey to children under one year old.
- Do not use essential oils for inhalations in young children without consulting a doctor.
- Follow the dosage of drugs prescribed by a doctor.
- Follow the condition of the child and consult a doctor if his condition worsens.
- Avoid the use of antitussive drugs without a doctor’s prescription, especially in young children.
Dry cough during pregnancy:
During pregnancy, dry cough can be more exhausting and require a special approach to treatment. Some drugs safe for adults can be contraindicated during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor to consult and prescribe safe treatment.
Precautions in the treatment of dry cough during pregnancy:
- Do not take medicines without a doctor’s prescription.
- Avoid using essential oils without consulting a doctor.
- Follow caution when using herbal products.
- Give preference to natural remedies, such as honey, lemon and ginger.
- Drink a lot of liquids and moisturize the air.
Dry cough in the elderly:
In older people, dry cough can be associated with age -related changes in the respiratory tract and increased susceptibility to infections. It is important to consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Precautions in the treatment of dry cough in the elderly:
- Follow the dosage of drugs prescribed by a doctor.
- Be careful when using herbal products, as they can interact with other drugs.
- Drink a lot of liquids and moisturize the air.
- Contact your doctor if your condition worsens.
- Provide sufficient food and rest.
Important comments:
- The information presented in this article is intended only for information purposes and should not be considered as a replacement for consultation with a doctor.
- If you have any doubts or fears, consult a doctor.
- Do not self -medicate, especially if you have serious diseases.
- Follow caution when using home remedies and follow the instructions.
- If you worsen the condition, consult a doctor immediately.
- The effectiveness of home remedies can vary depending on the individual characteristics of the body and the causes of cough.
- Consult a doctor before using any new products, especially if you have an allergy or other diseases.
- Do not ignore the symptoms that may indicate a serious disease.
- Health is the most valuable thing we have, so do not neglect it.
- Observe a healthy lifestyle and regularly undergo medical examinations.
- Caring for your health is an investment in your future.
- Be healthy!
- Do not forget that prevention is better than treatment.
- Follow the news and recommendations of doctors during epidemics.
- In case of questions, do not hesitate to contact specialists.
- Your health is in your hands!
- Be attentive to your body and its signals.
- Remember that each person is individual, and what helps one may not help another.
- Do not postpone the visit to the doctor if something bothers you.
- Health care is the responsibility of each of us.
- Take care of yourself and your loved ones!
- Invest time and resources in your health.
- A healthy lifestyle is the key to longevity and well -being.
- Do not give in a panic and do not self -medicate.
- Follow the recommendations of doctors and trust professionals.
- Your health is your priority!
- Take care of your health and be happy!
Part 6: Alternative treatment methods
In addition to traditional home remedies, there are alternative treatment methods that some people find effective to facilitate dry cough. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of these methods is not always confirmed by scientific research, and before their use it is necessary to consult a doctor.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a method of traditional Chinese medicine, in which thin needles are introduced into certain points on the body. Some people report the relief of dry cough after acupuncture sessions.
- Massage: Massage of the chest and back can help relax muscles and improve blood circulation, which can alleviate the cough.
- Yoga: Some asanas (poses) yoga can help improve breathing and reduce the cough.
- Meditation: Meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety that can aggravate the cough.
- Homeopathy: Homeopathy is an alternative medicine system based on the principle of “like this.” Some homeopathic preparations can be effective for treating dry cough, but it is necessary to consult a qualified homeopath.
- Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes. Some essential oils, such as eucalyptus, peppermint and tea tree, can be effective for facilitating dry cough. They can be used for inhalations or added to a bath.
It is important to remember:
- Before using alternative methods of treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
- The effectiveness of alternative treatment methods is not always confirmed by scientific research.
- Alternative treatment methods should not replace the traditional treatment prescribed by a doctor.
- Be careful when choosing specialists offering alternative treatment methods.
- Trust only qualified and experienced specialists.
- Feel free to ask questions and receive information about the treatment method.
- Follow your condition and inform the doctor about any changes.
Part 7: Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a dry cough and how does it differ from a wet cough?
A: Dry cough is a cough without the formation of sputum or mucus. Wet cough, on the contrary, is accompanied by the release of sputum.
Q: Why do I have a dry cough?
A: Dry cough can be caused by various causes, including viral infections, allergies, asthma, GERB, effects of stimuli, drugs and other factors.
Q: How long does a dry cough last?
A: Duration of dry cough can vary depending on the cause. Usually it takes place within a few days or weeks. If the cough lasts more than 3 weeks, you must consult a doctor.
Q: When should you see a doctor with a dry cough?
A: You should consult a doctor if your dry cough is accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, hemoptysis, fever, whistling breath, lips or face, confused consciousness, strong coughing, interfering with sleep and daily activities, long -term cough (more than 3 weeks) or other alarming symptoms.
Q: What home remedies help with dry coughing?
A: Home remedies that can help with dry coughing include air moisturizing, plentiful drinking, honey, lemon, ginger, herbal teas, rinsing the throat with salt mortar, avoiding irritants and raising a head during sleep.
Q: Is honey safe for children with dry coughing?
A: Honey is safe for children over one year old. It is not recommended to give honey to children under one year due to the risk of botulism.
Q: What herbs help with dry coughing?
A: Herbs that can help with dry cough, include thyme, nine, Alevy medicinal, coltsfoot and eucalyptus.
Q: Is it possible to use essential oils to treat dry cough?
A: Essential oils, such as eucalyptus, peppermint and tea tree, can be effective to facilitate dry cough. They can be used for inhalations or added to a bath. Before using essential oils, you need to consult a doctor, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Q: What to do if I have a dry cough during pregnancy?
A: During pregnancy, dry cough requires a special approach to treatment. It is necessary to consult a doctor to consult and prescribe safe treatment.
Q: What are the prevention measures of dry cough?
A: Prevention measures of dry cough include avoiding contact with sick people, regular hands, vaccination, refusal of smoking, avoiding effects of irritants, maintaining humidity in the room, proper nutrition, regular physical exercises and avoiding stress.
Q: What to do if home remedies do not help with dry coughing?
A: If home remedies do not help with dry coughing, you must consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Q: Can a dry cough be a sign of a serious disease?
A: Yes, a dry cough can be a sign of a serious disease such as pneumonia, asthma, tuberculosis or lung cancer. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor if you have any alarming symptoms.
Q: How to distinguish dry cough from cough at Covid-19?
A: Coughing at Covid-19 is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat and shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms, you need to test the COVID-19.
Q: Is it possible to play sports with a dry cough?
A: You can play sports with dry coughing if it is not accompanied by difficulty breathing or other anxious symptoms. However, if the cough intensifies during physical activity, it is necessary to stop classes and consult a doctor.
Q: Does dry air affect dry cough?
A: Yes, dry air can aggravate dry cough, irritating the respiratory tract. Therefore, it is important to maintain the optimal level of humidity in the room.
Q: What products should be avoided with dry coughing?
A: With dry coughing, products that can irritate the throat such as spicy, sour and salty dishes should be avoided. Carbonated drinks and coffee should also be avoided.
Q: Can dry cough be caused by allergies to pets?
A: Yes, an allergy to pets can cause dry cough. If you suspect you are allergic to pets, contact an allergist.
Q: How to facilitate dry cough at night?
A: To facilitate dry coughing at night, put an additional pillow under your head, moisturize the air in the bedroom and avoid overeating before bedtime.
Q: Is it possible to drink alcohol with dry coughing?
A: It is not recommended to drink alcohol with dry coughing, as it can irritate the respiratory tract and aggravate the cough.
Q: How to quickly get rid of dry coughing at home per day?
A: Although the complete disposal of dry cough in one day is unlikely, you can greatly alleviate the symptoms using an integrated approach that includes air moisturizing, plentiful drinking, honey, lemon, ginger, herbal teas, rinsing the throat with saline and avoiding irritants. If the cough does not pass or intensify, you must consult a doctor.
Part 8: research and scientific data
The influence of various factors on dry cough is studied in numerous studies. Here are some examples:
- Honey efficiency: Studies have shown that honey can be an effective means for suppressing cough in children over one year old. For example, in a study published in the journal Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicineit was found that honey is more effective than dextrometerfan (antitussive), in facilitating night cough and improving sleep in children with upper respiratory tract infections.
- The role of humidity: Scientific data confirm that maintaining the optimal level of humidity in the room can relieve dry cough symptoms. Dry air irritates the respiratory tract, while moisturized air helps to soften and moisturize the mucous membrane, reducing the cough.
- The influence of GERB: Studies show that GERB can be the cause of chronic cough. Treatment of GERB, such as taking antacids or proton pump inhibitors, can help reduce the cough associated with this problem.
- Herbal remedies: Some herbs, such as thyme and licorice, have expectorant and anti -inflammatory properties that can be useful in dry coughing. However, additional studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness and safety.
- Allergies: Studies confirm that allergies can cause dry cough. Avoiding contact with allergens and taking antihistamines can help reduce a cough associated with allergic reactions.
- Air pollution: Scientific data indicate that air pollution can irritate the respiratory tract and cause a cough. Avoiding the effects of contaminated air and the use of air filters can help reduce the cough associated with this problem.
- Psychological factors: Studies show that stress and anxiety can aggravate a cough. Relaxation methods such as yoga and meditation can help reduce a cough associated with psychological factors.
It is important to note:
- Despite the fact that these studies provide useful information, additional studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of various methods of treatment of dry cough.
- Research results can vary depending on the individual characteristics of the body and the causes of cough.
- Do not self -medicate and always consult a doctor to receive qualified medical care.
Part 9: Technologies and gadgets to facilitate dry cough
Modern technologies offer various gadgets and devices that can help facilitate dry cough and improve the quality of life.
- Smart air humidifiers: Smart air humidifiers allow you to control the level of humidity in the room using a smartphone or voice commands. They can also automatically adjust the humidity level depending on the time of day and weather conditions.
- Air purifiers with HEPA filters: The air cleaners with HEPA filters remove dust, allergens, pollen and other stimuli from the air that can cause dry cough.
- Nebulizers inhalers: Nebulizers inhalers turn medicines into a small aerosol, which can be inhaled through a mask or mouthpiece. They can be useful for the treatment of respiratory tract diseases such as asthma or bronchitis, which can cause dry cough.
- Air quality sensors: Air quality sensors measure the level of air pollution in the room and on the street. They can help you avoid the effects of contaminated air and protect your respiratory tract.
- Coughing monitoring applications: The cough monitoring applications record the sound of your cough and analyze it to determine the frequency, intensity and type of cough. This can help you track the dynamics of your cough and report any changes to your doctor.
- Devices to improve sleep: Devices for improving sleep, such as sleep masks, white noise generators and aromadiffusors can help improve sleep quality, which can be especially important if a dry cough prevents you from sleeping.
- Activity tracking devices: Devices for tracking activity, such as fitness trackers and smart hours, can help you track the level of your physical activity and motivate you to regular exercises that can strengthen your immune system and improve the health of the airways.
Advantages of using technologies:
- Improving air quality: Technologies, such as air cleaners and air quality sensors, can help improve air quality in your home and reduce the effects of stimuli that can cause dry cough.
- Convenience and control: Smart devices, such as air humidifiers and coughing applications, allow you to control the environment and track the dynamics of your cough using a smartphone or other devices.
- Improving the effectiveness of treatment: Nebulizers can help deliver medicines directly to the respiratory tract, which can increase the effectiveness of the treatment of respiratory tract diseases.
- Improvement: Devices to improve sleep can help you improve sleep quality, which can be especially important if a dry cough prevents you from sleeping.
It is important to remember:
- Technologies and gadgets should not replace the traditional treatment prescribed by a doctor.
- Before using any new devices, you need to consult a doctor.
- Follow caution when using electronic devices and follow the instructions.
Part 10: Legal and ethical aspects
In the treatment of dry coughing at home, it is important to consider legal and these