Dry cough in adults and children: home treatment in 1 day

Dry cough in adults and children: home treatment in 1 day

Section 1: Understanding of dry cough

1. 1 Definition and characteristics: Dry cough, also known as an unproductive cough, is characterized by a lack of sputum or mucus. This is an annoying cough that can be painful and exhausting. Unlike wet coughing, which helps to cleanse the respiratory tract from mucus, dry cough does not perform such a function. It is often described as “barking”, “dry” or “annoying”.

2. 2 Causes of dry cough: Dry cough can be caused by various factors, including:

   • Viral infections: The most common causes of dry cough are viral infections of the upper respiratory tract, such as colds and influenza. These infections irritate the respiratory tract, causing a cough.
   • Allergies: Allergens, such as pollen, dust and pets wool, can cause allergic rhinitis, which can lead to dry cough.
   • Irritants: Inhaling stimuli, such as smoke, air pollution, chemicals and strong smells, can irritate the respiratory tract and cause dry cough.
   • Asthma: Dry cough can be one of the symptoms of asthma, especially in children.
   • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERB): Acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus can irritate the respiratory tract and cause dry cough.
   • Some drugs: Some drugs, such as ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure, can cause dry cough as a side effect.
   • Postnasal syndrome: Mucus flowing down the back of the pharynx can irritate the throat and cause a cough.
   • Foreign bodies: In children, inhalation of a foreign body can cause a sudden and painful dry cough.
   • Syndrome of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD): Although COPD usually causes a wet cough, in the early stages it can manifest itself as dry.
   • Pertussis (cough): This bacterial infection causes a strong, uncontrolled cough, which often ends with a characteristic “cough” sound.
   • Lung cancer: In rare cases, dry cough can be a symptom of lung cancer, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as weight loss, fatigue and blood in sputum.

3. 3 Symptoms accompanying dry cough: Dry cough is often accompanied by other symptoms that can help determine the cause of the cough:

   • Sore throat: Irritation and inflammation of the throat can cause pain, especially when swallowing.
   • The wheezing: Dry cough can irritate the vocal cords, causing hoarseness.
   • Nasal congestion: Often accompanies viral infections and allergies.
   • Runny nose: It is also common for viral infections and allergies.
   • Sneezing: Typically associated with allergies and viral infections.
   • Fatigue: It can be caused by viral infections, lack of sleep due to cough or other basic diseases.
   • Fever: Usually accompanies viral and bacterial infections.
   • Headache: It can be caused by viral infections, sinusitis or stress due to cough.
   • Pain in the chest: It can be caused by a strong cough, especially if the muscles of the chest are damaged.
   • Dyspnea: It can be caused by asthma, hobel or other lung diseases.

Section 2: Home treatment of dry cough in adults

2. 1 Air moisture: Dry air can aggravate dry cough. Using a humidifier of air, especially at night, can help moisturize the respiratory tract and facilitate the cough. If there is no moisturizer, you can take a hot shower or sit in a bathroom filled with steam.

3. 2 Drinking a large amount of liquid: Liquids such as water, herbal teas (chamomile, ginger, honey) and broths help moisturize the respiratory tract, dilute mucus (if any) and facilitate the cough. Warm liquids also soothe an irritated throat.

4. 3 Honey: Honey has antibacterial and anti -inflammatory properties. Reception of 1-2 tablespoons of honey before going to bed can help calm the throat and ease the cough. It is not recommended to give honey to children under 1 year old due to the risk of botulism.

5. 4 Half up the throat with salt water: Rinsing the throat with warm salt water helps reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat, facilitating the cough. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse the throat several times a day.

6. 5 Steam inhalations: Inhaling the couple helps to moisturize the respiratory tract and facilitate the congestion of the nose and cough. Lean over a bowl of hot water (not boiling!), Cover your head with a towel and inhale steam for 10-15 minutes. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil or peppermint for additional relief. Be careful not to burn the steam.

7. 6 Essential oils: Some essential oils have anti -inflammatory and expectorant properties. Eucalyptus essential oils, peppermint, tea tree and rosemary can be used for steam inhalations or added to diffuser. Before using essential oils, it is recommended to conduct an allergy test. It is not recommended to use essential oils for children under 2 years old without consulting a doctor.

8. 7 Plant remedies:

   • Solo root: It has anti -inflammatory and expectorant properties. Can be taken in the form of tea or extract.
   • The marshmallow root: It has mitigating properties and helps to calm the irritated throat. Can be taken in the form of tea or syrup.
   • Timian: It has antibacterial and expectorant properties. Can be taken in the form of tea or syrup.
   • Ginger: It has anti -inflammatory properties and helps to alleviate the cough. You can add to tea or used as a seasoning.

9. 8 Cough medicines:

   • Antitratus agents (overwhelming coughing): Suppress the cough reflex. Suitable for dry, irritating cough that prevents sleeping. Examples: dextrometerfan, codeine (only by recipe). It is not recommended to be used for wet cough, as suppression of cough can lead to clushing mucus in the lungs.
   • Expectants: They dilute the mucus, facilitating its jerking. Not effective for dry coughing, since there is no mucus for liquefaction. Example: Gweifenezin.
   • Combined drugs: Contain both antitussive and expectorant components. It should be used with caution and only on the recommendation of a doctor.

10. 9 Avoid of irritants:

    • Smoking: Avoid smoking and staying in smoky rooms. Smoking irritates the respiratory tract and exacerbates the cough.
    • Air pollution: Avoid places with a high level of air pollution.
    • Chemicals and strong smells: Avoid inhalation of chemicals and strong smells, such as perfumes and cleaning agents.

11. 10 Rest: Rest and sleep help the body fight infection and recover.

Section 3: Home treatment of dry cough in children

3. 1 Air moisture: The use of a humidifier of air in the child’s room, especially at night, helps to moisturize the respiratory tract and facilitate the cough. If there is no moisturizer, you can take the child into the bathroom filled with steam.

4. 2 Drinking a large amount of liquid: Liquids such as water, juices (not sour), herbal teas (chamomile) and broths, help moisturize the respiratory tract and facilitate the cough. Invite your child to drink in small sips during the day.

5. 3 Honey (for children over 1 year): Honey has antibacterial and anti -inflammatory properties. Give your child 1-2 teaspoons of honey before bedtime to calm the throat and ease the cough. It is not recommended to give honey to children under 1 year old due to the risk of botulism.

6. 4 Salt drops for the nose: The nasal congestion can contribute to dry cough, especially at night. Use salt drops for the nose to clean the nasal passages and relieve breathing. For babies, use salt drops in the form of a spray.

7. 5 Raised position during sleep: Put the pillow under the baby’s head to raise it during sleep. This will help to relieve breathing and reduce the cough, especially if it is caused by posttratzal syndrome.

8. 6 Avoid of irritants:

   • Smoking: Avoid smoking in the house and next to the child. Passive smoking irritates the respiratory tract and exacerbates the cough.
   • Air pollution: Avoid places with a high level of air pollution.
   • Allergens: Avoid contact of the child with allergens, such as dust, pollen and pets hair.

9. 7 Steam inhalations (with caution): Steam inhalations can help facilitate the congestion of the nose and cough. However, caution must be observed so as not to burn the child with steam. It is not recommended to use steam inhalations for babies and young children. For older children, you can take them into a bathroom filled with steam, or use a special inhaler.

10. 8 Rubbing of the chest: Some plant ointments (for example, with camphor and menthol) can help facilitate the cough and nasal congestion. However, it is not recommended to use these ointments for children under 2 years of age. For older children, apply a small amount of ointment to the chest and back of the child before bedtime.

11. 9 When to see a doctor: It is important to consult a doctor if a child has:

    • The fever is above 38 ° C (100.4 ° F).
    • Difficult breathing or shortness of breath.
    • Strong or incessant cough.
    • Cough, accompanied by blood.
    • Walking breathing.
    • Pain in the chest.
    • Strong weakness or lethargy.
    • Symptoms that worsen or do not improve after several days of home treatment.

12. 10 Cough medicines for children:

    • Important: Do not give children under 4 years of age of cough medicines without consulting a doctor. Many cough medicines are not safe and not effective for young children.
    • For children over 4 years old: consult a doctor before giving a child a cough medicine. The doctor may recommend a cough medicine corresponding to the age and condition of the child.
    • Antihistamines: They can help with a cough caused by allergies.

Section 4: When to consult a doctor with a dry cough

4. 1 General signs requiring medical care: Although dry cough can often be treated at home, there are situations when you need to consult a doctor. Take a doctor immediately if:

   • Difficult breathing or shortness of breath: This may indicate a serious problem with lungs or heart.
   • Pain in the chest: It may indicate pneumonia, pleurisy or other serious diseases.
   • High temperature: The temperature above 38.5 ° C (101.3 ° F) may indicate a bacterial infection or other serious disease.
   • Blood in sputum: It may indicate an infection of the lungs, lung cancer or other serious disease.
   • Walking breathing: It may indicate asthma or other lung disease.
   • Strong or incessant cough: If the cough lasts more than 3 weeks, this may indicate a chronic disease.
   • Strong weakness or lethargy: It may indicate a serious infection or other disease.
   • Swelling of ankles or legs: May indicate heart failure.
   • Weight loss for no reason: It may indicate lung cancer or other serious disease.
   • Changes in the voice (hoarseness, hoarseness): It may indicate damage to the vocal cords, a tumor or other disease.
   • Pain when swallowing: May indicate a throat or other disease.
   • History of chronic diseases: If you have chronic diseases, such as asthma, COPD, heart failure or diabetes, it is important to consult a doctor when dry cough appears.

5. 2 Specific reasons for concern in children: In addition to the general features listed above, consult a doctor if a child has:

   • Blue skin shade (cyanosis): Indicates the lack of oxygen in the blood.
   • Tall, barking cough (cough): Requires immediate treatment.
   • Detachment of the skin between the ribs during breathing (retraction): Indicates difficulty breathing.
   • A cough that occurs suddenly and after a possible inhalation of a foreign body: Requires immediate medical care.
   • Refusal of food or drinking: Can lead to dehydration.
   • Strong irritability or drowsiness: May indicate a serious infection.
   • Symptoms of dehydration (dry lips that sunk a fontanel in babies, rare urination): Requires immediate treatment.

6. 3 Diagnostics and treatment by a doctor: The doctor will conduct an examination and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. He can also prescribe tests, such as:

   • Chest x -ray: To detect pneumonia, bronchitis, lung cancer or other diseases.
   • Blood test: To identify infection or other diseases.
   • Mabok from the throat: To detect streptococcal infection or other bacterial infections.
   • Functional lung tests: To identify asthma or COPD.
   • Allergic tests: To identify allergens causing cough.

   Depending on the cause of the dry cough, the doctor may prescribe:

   • Antibiotics: For the treatment of bacterial infections.
   • Antiviral drugs: For the treatment of viral infections.
   • Inhaled bronchodilators: For the treatment of asthma or COPD.
   • Inhalation corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.
   • Antihistamines: For the treatment of allergies.
   • Antitratus agents (overwhelming coughing): To suppress dry, irritating cough.
   • Drugs for the treatment of GERB: To reduce acid reflux.

Section 5: Dry cough prevention

5. 1 Hand hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and water regularly for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing, before eating and after visiting public places. This will help prevent the spread of viral and bacterial infections that can cause dry cough. Use a disinfectant for an alcohol -based hand if soap and water are not available.

6. 2 Vaccination: Make flu vaccination every year to reduce the risk of infection with the flu, which can cause dry cough. Children should also be vaccinated against whooping cough (whooping cough), which can cause a strong, uncontrolled cough.

7. 3 Avoiding contact with patients: Try to avoid contact with people who are sick with a cold or flu. If you need to be next to a sick person, take precautions, such as wearing a mask and regular hand washing.

8. 4 Strengthening the immune system: Maintain a healthy immune system, using a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole cereals. Get enough sleep and do physical exercises regularly. Manage stress using relaxation methods such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing.

9. 5 Allergy management: If you are allergic, take measures to avoid contact with allergens. Use air cleaners with a HEPA filter to remove allergens from the air. Regularly erase bedding and vacuum the carpets. Take antihistamines or other medicines for allergies, as prescribed by a doctor.

10. 6 Avoid of irritants: Try to avoid inhalation of stimuli, such as smoke, air pollution, chemicals and strong smells. If you smoke, quit smoking. If you work in an environment where you are exposed to stimuli, wear a mask and take other precautions.

11. 7 Maintaining air humidity: Support the humidity in the house at 40-50%. Use a humidifier, especially in the winter months, when the air is dry.

12. 8 Proper nutrition and hydration: Eat in balanced and drink a sufficient amount of liquid. This will help maintain the health of the respiratory tract and reduce the risk of dry coughing.

13. 9 Regular medical examinations: Regularly visit a doctor for preventive examinations. This will help to identify and treat any basic diseases that can cause dry cough.

14. 10 GERB Office: If you have GERB, take measures to control the acidic reflux. Avoid eating, which causes reflux, such as fatty foods, spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol. Do not eat before going to bed. Raise the head end of the bed to reduce reflux during sleep. Take medicines for GERB, as prescribed by a doctor.

Section 6: Myths and errors about dry cough

6. 1 Myth: A dry cough always means that you have a cold.

   • Fact: Dry cough can be caused by many reasons, in addition to colds, such as allergies, stimuli, asthma, GERB, drugs and other diseases.

7. 2 Myth: Dry cough is always contagious.

   • Fact: If a dry cough is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, then it is contagious. However, if it is caused by allergies, stimuli or other non -stringed causes, then it is not contagious.

8. 3 Myth: cough medicines are always effective for dry coughing.

   • Fact: Cough medicines can be effective to alleviate the symptoms of dry cough, but they do not treat the cause of cough. In addition, many cough medicines are not safe and not effective for young children.

9. 4 Myth: Antibiotics are effective for dry coughing.

   • Fact: Antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections. They are not effective against viral infections, allergies or other non -contaminant causes of dry cough.

10. 5 Myth: A dry cough always passes on its own.

    • Fact: Dry cough often passes by itself, especially if it is caused by a viral infection. However, if the cough lasts more than 3 weeks or is accompanied by other symptoms, you must consult a doctor.

11. 6 Myth: dry cough can be cured in 1 day.

    • Fact: While some home remedies can help alleviate the symptoms of dry cough during the day, a complete recovery can take more time, especially if the cough is caused by an infection or a chronic disease.

12. 7 Myth: If the cough is dry, then there is no need to consult a doctor.

    • Fact: As it was discussed earlier, there are many cases when, with dry cough, you must consult a doctor.

13. 8 Myth: Steam from a humidifier of air can cure a dry cough.

    • Fact: The air humidifier helps to moisturize the respiratory tract and facilitate the cough, but it does not treat the cause of cough. It is also important to regularly clean the humidifier to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria that can aggravate the cough.

14. 9 Myth: Dry cough always indicates a serious disease.

    • Fact: Although dry cough can be a symptom of a serious disease, it is most often caused by a slight infection or irritation.

15. 10 Myth: It is best to just suppress any cough.

    • Fact: A cough is a natural reflex that helps to cleanse the respiratory tract of mucus and irritants. The cough should only be suppressed if it interferes with sleeping or performing everyday tasks, and only on the recommendation of a doctor.

Section 7: Final thoughts

Treatment of dry cough at home can be effective, especially if the cough is caused by a viral infection or irritant. It is important to drink a lot of liquids, moisturize air and avoid stimuli. If the cough does not pass or is accompanied by other symptoms, you must consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and you should always consult a doctor before taking any drugs or herbal products. Preventive measures, such as hand hygiene, vaccination and strengthening of the immune system, can help reduce the risk of dry coughing.