Understanding of dry cough: causes and symptoms

Dry cough, also known as an unproductive cough, is characterized by a lack of sputum or mucus. This is an irritating symptom that can interfere with sleep, conversation and everyday activity. Before trying to get rid of him, it is important to understand his reasons.

General causes of dry cough

*** Viral infections: ** a cold and influenza are the most frequent culprits of dry cough. The virus annoys the respiratory tract, causing a cough. It often lasts even after other symptoms of colds or flu has passed. *** Allergies: ** Allergens, such as pollen, dust, pets and mold, can cause allergic rhinitis, which leads to irritation of the throat and dry cough. *** Environmental irritants: ** air pollution, smoke (cigarette or from fires), chemicals and other stimuli can cause inflammation of the respiratory tract and dry cough. *** gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERB): ** Acid from the stomach can rise into the esophagus and irritate the throat, causing dry cough, especially at night. *** Medicines: ** Some drugs, such as ACE inhibitors (used to treat high blood pressure), can cause dry cough as a side effect. *** Astma: ** In some people, asthma manifests itself only in the form of dry cough, especially with physical activity or exposure to allergens. *** Postnazal Zack: ** mucus flowing along the back wall of the throat can irritate it and cause dry cough. *** Foreign body: ** In rare cases, especially in children, dry cough can be caused by a foreign body that falls into the respiratory tract. *** Tumors: ** extremely rare, but dry chronic cough can be a symptom of a tumor in the lungs or throat. *** whooping cough: ** Although less often due to vaccination, pertussis (perussis) can cause a painful dry cough, especially in children.

Symptoms of dry cough

*** Lack of sputum: ** The most characteristic feature is the absence of mucus or sputum with coughing. *** irritation in the throat: ** sensation of scratching, tickling or sore throat. *** Fatigue: ** Frequent cough can be tedious. *** Insomnia: ** Cough, especially at night, can interfere with sleep. *** chest pain: ** Intensively cough can cause pain in the chest or abdominal muscles. *** hoarse: ** Irritation of the vocal ligaments can lead to hoarse.

Home remedies for rapid relief of dry cough

These funds are aimed at moisturizing the respiratory tract, calming the irritated throat and suppressing the cough reflex. It is important to note that “one day” is an optimistic period, and the result may vary depending on the cause of the cough and the individual characteristics of the body. However, these methods will help to greatly alleviate the symptoms and accelerate recovery.

1. Moisturization of air

Dry air can aggravate dry cough. Moisturizing air helps to soften the airways and reduce irritation. *** Air humidifier: ** Use a humidifier in the room where you sleep. Regularly clean the humidifier to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. *** Steam inhalations: ** Take a hot shower or make steam inhalation, covering your head with a towel over a bowl of hot water (carefully so as not to burn!). You can add a few drops of eucalyptus or tea tree essential oil to enhance the effect. *** Moisturizing the nasal passages: ** Use a salt solution for washing the nose to moisturize the nasal passages and reduce the postnasal stag.

2. Hydration

A plentiful drink helps to dilute mucus (if it is, even in a small amount), moisturize the throat and alleviate the cough. *** Water: ** Drink a lot of water during the day. *** Warm drinks: ** Warm liquids such as herbal teas (chamomile, ginger, lemon), broths and soups, soothe the throat and reduce the cough. *** Avoid dehydration drinks: ** Limit the use of alcohol and caffeine that can dehydrate the body.

3. Med

Honey is a natural coughing product that has anti -inflammatory and antibacterial properties. *** Spoon of honey: ** Take 1-2 teaspoons of honey several times a day. *** Honey with lemon: ** Mix honey with lemon juice for an additional soothing effect. *** Honey with warm milk: ** Add honey to warm milk before bedtime. *** Important: ** Do not give honey to children under 1 year old due to the risk of botulism.

4. Ginger

Ginger has anti -inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help alleviate the cough. *** Ginger tea: ** Cut fresh ginger into small pieces and brew it in boiling water. Add honey and lemon for taste. *** Ginger candies: ** Try ginger candies from coughing. *** Caution: ** Ginger can interact with some medicines, so consult a doctor if you take any drugs.

5. Lemon

The lemon is rich in vitamin C and has anti -inflammatory properties. *** Lemon juice: ** Mix lemon juice with warm water and honey. *** Lemonic candies: ** Sun the lemon candies from cough. *** Lemon syrup: ** Make home lemon syrup by mixing lemon juice with sugar and water. Cook to thickening.

6. Saline throat rinsing

Half up the throat with saline helps to reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat. *** Recipe: ** Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. *** Rinse: ** Pass the throat with a solution several times a day. *** Important: ** Do not swallow the solution.

7. Herbal teas

Some herbs have soothing and anti -inflammatory properties that can help alleviate the cough. *** Chamomile tea: ** Chamomile has soothing properties and helps to relax. *** Mint tea: ** Mint has an expectorant effect and can help alleviate the nasal congestion. *** Tea with thyme: ** Timan has antiseptic and expectorant properties. *** Tea with licorice root: ** The root of the licorice has anti -inflammatory and expectorant properties. *** Caution: ** Some herbs can interact with medicines or have side effects. Consult a doctor before the use of herbal teas, if you are pregnant, breastfeed or take any medicine.

8. Avoid irritants

Avoid factors that can aggravate a cough, such as:*** smoke (cigarette or from fires): ** do not smoke and avoid places where they smoke. *** Air pollution: ** Try not to be on the street on days with a high level of air pollution. *** Allergens: ** Avoid allergens if you are allergic. *** Passenger smells: ** Avoid pungent odors, such as perfumes and cleaning products.

9. Coughing

Coughing louds help to moisturize the throat and suppress the cough reflex. *** Choose candies with menthol or eucalyptus: ** These ingredients have a cooling and soothing effect. *** Do not give lollipops to young children: ** Lolls can pose a danger of strangulation for young children.

10. Dream and rest

Sufficient sleep and rest help the body fight infection and accelerate recovery. *** sleep at least 7-8 hours a day. ***** Avoid overwork. ***** Create comfortable conditions for sleep. **

Alternative and additional methods

Some people find relief from dry cough using alternative treatment methods. *** Acupuncture: ** Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation and relieve cough. *** Aromatherapy: ** essential oils, such as eucalyptus, mint and lavender, can help relieve nasal congestion and calm the cough. Use essential oils in diffuser or add a few drops to hot water for steam inhalation. *** Yoga: ** Some yoga poses can help improve breathing and reduce the cough. *** Homeopathy: ** Some homeopathic remedies can help relieve dry cough. Consult a qualified homeopath to select a suitable product.

Coughing premium recipes

These syrups are easy to cook at home and they can be effective for facilitating dry cough.

Honey and lemon syrup

* ** Ingredients: ** * 1/2 cup of honey * 2 tablespoons of lemon juice * 1/4 cup of water (if desired, to dilute) * ** Preparation: ** 1. Mix honey and lemon juice in a small pan. 2. Heat over low heat, stirring until the honey becomes liquid. 3. Add water if you want to dilute the syrup. 4. Cool and pour into a clean jar. 5. Take 1-2 teaspoons several times a day. *** Shelf life: ** Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Syrup from onions and honey

Onions have antibacterial and anti -inflammatory properties. * ** Ingredients: *** 1 Average onion, cut into thin circles* 1/2 cup of honey* ** Preparation: ** 1. In a clean can lay onions and honey, alternating layers. 2. Close the jar and put in a dark cool place for 12-24 hours. 3. The bow will highlight the juice that mixes with honey. 4. Strain the mixture through gauze or sieve. 5. Take 1-2 teaspoons several times a day. *** Shelf life: ** Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Ginger syrup

* ** Ingredients: ** * 2-3 cm of fresh ginger, cut into thin slices * 1/2 cup of honey * 1/4 of a cup of water (optional) * lemon juice (if desired) * ** Preparation: ** 1. Place ginger and honey in a small pan. 2. Heat over low heat, stirring until the honey becomes liquid. 3. Add water if you want to dilute the syrup. 4. Cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes so that ginger gives its properties. 5. Cool and strain the syrup through a sieve. 6. Add lemon juice to taste. 7. Pour into a clean jar. 8. Take 1-2 teaspoons several times a day. *** Shelf life: ** Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Diet with dry cough

Proper nutrition can help strengthen the immune system and accelerate recovery. *** Vitamins rich in products: ** use products rich in vitamin C (citrus fruits, berries, pepper), vitamin D (fish, eggs) and zinc (meat, nuts, seeds). *** Products that soothe throat: ** Eat soft, easily swallowed food, such as soups, cereals, yogurts and mashed potatoes. *** Avoid irritating food: ** Avoid spicy, acidic and salty food, which can irritate the throat. *** Probiotics: ** Eat products rich in probiotics (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut) to maintain a healthy intestinal microflora and strengthen immunity.

Dry cough in children: special measures

Treatment of dry cough in children requires special attention. Not all home remedies are suitable for children, and it is important to consult a doctor before starting treatment. * ** Precautions: *** Do not give honey to children up to 1 year old. * Do not use coughing for young children due to the risk of strangulation. * Consult a doctor before using essential oils in children. * Avoid cough medicines without a prescription for children under 6 years of age. * ** Recommendations for children: *** Provide the child with a sufficient amount of fluid. * Use the air humidifier in the child’s room. * Do steam inhalations (carefully so as not to burn the child!). * Raise the head of the child’s bed to facilitate your breath. * If the cough is caused by allergies, avoid allergens.

When to see a doctor

In most cases, dry coughing takes place independently for several days or weeks. However, in some cases it is necessary to consult a doctor. * ** Signs requiring medical care: *** The cough lasts more than 3 weeks. * The cough is accompanied by a high temperature, difficulty breathing, chest pain, hemoptysis or weight loss. * The cough worsens over time. * The cough interferes with sleep and daily activities. * You suspect that the cough is caused by allergies or asthma. * You have other serious diseases. * You are pregnant or breastfeeding. * ** What to tell the doctor: *** When the cough began. * What symptoms accompany the cough. * What medications do you take. * Do you have allergies. * Do you smoke or are exposed to tobacco smoke. * Do you have any chronic diseases.

Drug treatment

In some cases, the doctor may prescribe drugs to relieve dry cough. *** Antitratus drugs: ** These drugs suppress a cough reflex. *** Handering drugs: ** These drugs dilute mucus and facilitate its excretion. *** Antihistamines: ** These drugs help reduce allergic reactions. *** Inhalation corticosteroids: ** These drugs help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract with asthma. *** broncholitics: ** These drugs expand the respiratory tract and facilitate breathing with asthma or chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). *** Antibiotics: ** Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, but can be prescribed if the cough is caused by a bacterial infection. It is important to follow the instructions of the doctor when taking drugs and report any side effects.

Prevention of dry cough

It is better to prevent dry cough than treating it. * ** Prevention tips: *** Follow hygiene rules: often wash your hands with soap and water. * Avoid contact with sick people. * Vaccinated from influenza and pneumococcal infection. * Strengthen the immune system: eat correctly, get enough sleep and play sports. * Avoid smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke. * Support the optimal humidity in the room. * Avoid allergens and irritants. * Regularly ventilate the room.

Myths and facts about dry cough

There are many myths about dry coughing that can be misleading. It is important to distinguish between myths and facts in order to properly treat a cough. *** Myth: ** Dry cough is always caused by a cold. *** Fact: ** dry cough can be caused by various causes, including allergies, environmental irritants, GERB, medicine and asthma. *** Myth: ** Antibiotics help with dry coughing. *** Fact: ** Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, which are the most common cause of dry cough. *** Myth: ** Cough should be suppressed at all costs. *** Fact: ** Cough is a natural mechanism for protecting the body that helps to cleanse the respiratory tract of mucus and irritants. The suppression of cough can be useful if it interferes with sleep or everyday activity, but not always necessary. *** Myth: ** All home products are safe. *** Fact: ** Some home remedies can be unsafe for children, pregnant women or people with certain diseases. It is important to consult a doctor before using any home remedy.

Psychological aspect of dry cough

Chronic dry cough can have a negative impact on the psychological state of a person. * ** Influence on the quality of life: *** Anxiety and stress: a constant cough can cause anxiety and stress. * Social isolation: people with chronic cough can avoid social situations so as not to embarrass themselves and others. * Depression: Chronic cough can lead to depression. * Sleep disturbance: cough, especially at night, can interfere with sleep and cause fatigue. * Reducing performance: cough can interfere with work and study. * ** Overcoming strategies: *** Seek psychological support if you feel anxiety, stress or depression. * Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga or deep breath. * Communicate with friends and family. * Take your favorite classes. * Join the support group for people with a chronic cough.

Dry cough and covid-19

Dry cough is one of the symptoms of Covid-19. * ** Differences between the Covid-19 and other causes of dry cough: *** Dry cough at Covid-19 is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as high temperature, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, sore throat, muscle pain and shortness of breath. * If you have COVID-19 symptoms, make a covid-19 test and consult a doctor. * ** Recommendations: *** Follow hygiene rules: often wash your hands with soap and water. * Wear a mask in public places. * Follow the social distance. * Vaccinated from the Covid-19.

Studies on the treatment of dry cough

Constant studies are conducted to search for new and effective methods of treating dry cough. * ** New areas in the treatment: *** medicines aimed at suppressing the cough reflex at the brain level. * Medicines aimed at reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract. * Medicines aimed at treating the main cause of cough (for example, GERB or asthma). * Studying the effectiveness of alternative treatment methods such as acupuncture and aromatherapy.

Legal and ethical aspects

In the treatment of dry cough, it is important to consider legal and ethical aspects. * ** Responsibility for self -medication: *** Self -medication can be dangerous if it is not carried out under the supervision of a doctor. * Incorrect use of drugs can lead to side effects and worsening of the condition. * It is important to consult a doctor before starting treatment, especially if you have other diseases or you take medications. * ** Advertising of drugs and folk remedies: *** Advertising of drugs and folk remedies should be true and not mislead consumers. * Advertising should not contain inaccurate information about the safety and effectiveness of drugs and folk remedies. * It is important to critically relate to advertising and consult a doctor before buying medicines and folk remedies.

Social and cultural aspects

The attitude to dry cough can vary in different cultures and social groups. * ** Various approaches to treatment: *** In some cultures, they prefer to use folk remedies, while in other cultures they trust traditional medicine more. * Attitude to treatment may depend on the level of education, income and access to medical care. * ** The influence of social factors: *** Social factors, such as poverty, air pollution and smoking, can increase the risk of dry coughing. * Access to medical care and drugs can be limited to some social groups.