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Quick treatment of dry coughing at home: Tips
I. Understanding dry cough
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A. What is a dry cough?
Dry cough, also known as an unproductive cough, is characterized by a lack of sputum or mucus. It can be tickling, irritating and often exhausting, especially at night. Unlike wet coughing, which helps to cleanse the respiratory tract from excess mucus, dry cough does not perform this function. Its cause is often associated with irritation in the throat and respiratory tract. It is important to distinguish between dry and humid cough, since the approaches to treatment differ significantly. For example, the use of expectorants intended for liquefaction of mucus will be ineffective with dry coughing and can even aggravate irritation.
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1. Distinctive signs of dry cough:
The main signs of dry cough include:
- Lack of sputum: The most important distinguishing feature. With a cough, mucus or sputum is not released.
- Diffling in the throat: A feeling of itching or tickling in the throat that provokes a cough.
- Annoying in nature: The cough is often painful and irritating, causing discomfort in the chest and throat.
- Association at night: Dry cough often intensifies at night, breaking sleep.
- Short -term attacks: A cough can arise by attacks, interspersed with calm periods.
- Hoarse voice: In some cases, dry cough can lead to hoarse voice.
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2. The importance of proper diagnosis:
Before proceeding with dry cough treatment at home, it is important to exclude more serious reasons. Permanent or strong dry cough requires consultation with a doctor, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as high temperature, difficulty breathing, chest pain or blood in sputum (even if the cough is dry, a bloodstream of blood is possible due to irritation of the respiratory tract). Proper diagnosis will help determine the main cause of cough and choose the most effective treatment. Self -medication can be ineffective and even dangerous if the main reason requires medical intervention.
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B. Causes of dry cough:
Dry cough can be caused by many factors, from slight irritation to more serious diseases. Understanding these reasons is necessary to choose the right approach to treatment.
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1. Viral infections of the upper respiratory tract (SARS):
The most common cause of dry cough is viral infections, such as colds and flu. In the initial stages of these diseases, the cough is often dry and caused by irritation of the respiratory tract by the virus. As the infection develops, the cough can go to the humid, but at the initial stage it is usually dry and exhausting. Even after the main symptoms of SARS pass, dry cough can remain for several weeks, since the respiratory tract remain irritated.
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2. Allergies:
Allergic reactions to pollen, animal hair, mold and other allergens can cause dry cough. Allergens irritate the respiratory tract, causing inflammation and cough. An allergic cough is often accompanied by other symptoms of allergies, such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing and itching in the eyes. Avoiding allergens and taking antihistamines can help alleviate an allergic cough.
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3. Environmental irritants:
Inhaling stimuli, such as tobacco smoke, contaminated air, chemicals and dust, can cause dry cough. These irritants damage the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, causing inflammation and cough. A long -term effect of environmental irritants can lead to chronic dry cough.
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4. Asthma:
Astma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract, which can cause dry cough, especially at night or after physical activity. Astmatic cough is often accompanied by other symptoms of asthma, such as whistling breathing, shortness of breath and constraint in the chest. Treatment of asthma includes the use of bronchodilators and anti -inflammatory drugs to control the symptoms.
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5. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERB):
GERB is a condition in which acid from the stomach is thrown into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. This acid can also fall into the respiratory tract, causing dry cough. Gerb-Associated cough often intensifies at night when a person is in a horizontal position. A change in lifestyle, such as avoiding fatty and spicy foods, rejection of smoking and alcohol, as well as taking antacids, can help facilitate the cough caused by the GERB.
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6. Taking some drugs:
Some drugs, such as ACE inhibitors (used to treat high blood pressure), can cause dry cough as a side effect. If you suspect that your cough is caused by medicine, talk with your doctor about the possibility of replacing the drug.
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7. Laryngitis and other inflammatory throat diseases:
Inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis) or other inflammatory diseases of the throat can cause dry, irritating cough. These conditions are often caused by viral infections or overstrain of the vocal cords.
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8. Postnazal flow syndrome:
The syndrome of postnasal leakage (when mucus from the nose flows along the posterior wall of the pharynx) can cause irritation and dry cough, especially at night.
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9. Pleurisy:
Pinjection of the pleura (shell surrounding the lungs) can cause dry, painful cough.
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10. Heart failure:
In rare cases, dry cough can be a symptom of heart failure, especially if it is accompanied by shortness of breath and edema.
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C. When should you see a doctor?
Although home remedies can be effective to facilitate dry cough, it is important to know when to consult a doctor. Immediate medical care is necessary in the following cases:
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1. Difficult breathing:
If you experience difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or whistling breathing, see a doctor immediately. These symptoms can indicate a serious state, such as asthma, pneumonia or heart failure.
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2. High temperature:
High temperature (above 38.5 ° C) in combination with a dry cough may indicate an infection such as flu or pneumonia.
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3. Chest pain:
Breast pain, especially increasing during breathing or cough, can be a sign of pleurisy, pneumonia or other serious conditions.
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4. Blood in sputum:
Even if the cough is dry, a small amount of blood is possible due to severe irritation. However, if you see a significant amount of blood in sputum, see a doctor immediately. This can be a sign of a serious disease, such as tuberculosis, lung cancer or pulmonary embolism.
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5. Coughing, lasting more than 3 weeks:
Dry cough, which lasts more than 3 weeks, should be evaluated by a doctor. This can be a sign of a chronic disease such as asthma, GERB or chronic bronchitis.
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6. Related chronic diseases:
People with concomitant chronic diseases, such as asthma, COPD, heart failure or diabetes, should consult a doctor when dry cough appears.
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7. Suspicion of allergies:
If you suspect that your dry cough is caused by allergies, contact an allergist for tests and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
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8. Coughing, interfering with sleep and daily activities:
If a dry cough significantly worsens the quality of life, interfering with sleep and daily activities, consult a doctor to receive help.
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II. Dry coughing
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A. Moisturization of air:
Dry air can aggravate dry cough, irritating the respiratory tract. Moisturizing air helps to soften irritation and alleviate the cough.
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1. Using a humidifier of air:
Air humidifier is a device that adds moisture to the air. The use of a humidifier in the bedroom, especially at night, can help reduce dry cough. It is important to regularly clean the air humidifier to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
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2. Steam inhalations:
Inhaling the couple can help moisturize the respiratory tract and facilitate dry cough.
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a. Preparation of steam inhalation:
Fill a large bowl with hot water. Lean over the bowl, cover your head with a towel and inhale steam for 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to burn the steam.
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B. Adding essential oils:
Adding a few drops of essential oils, such as eucalyptus or peppermint, in hot water can enhance the effect of steam inhalation. These oils have anti -inflammatory and expectorant properties.
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3. Hot shower:
The adoption of a hot shower can also help moisturize the respiratory tract and facilitate a dry cough. Steam from the shower acts similarly to steam inhalation.
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B. drinking enough fluid:
Dehydration can aggravate dry cough. Drinking a sufficient amount of liquid helps to moisturize the respiratory tract and dilute the mucus (if any, even in a small amount), facilitating its excretion.
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1. Water:
Water is the best drink to moisturize the body. Strive to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
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2. Herbal teas:
Herbal teas, such as chamomile, ginger or mint tea, have soothing properties and can help relieve dry cough. Adding honey to tea can enhance its effect.
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3. Broths:
The broths, especially the chicken broth, have anti -inflammatory properties and can help alleviate the symptoms of colds and coughing.
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4. Juices:
Fruit and vegetable juices can also help moisturize the body and provide the necessary vitamins and minerals.
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5. Avoid dehydration drinks:
Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate the body and aggravate dry cough.
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C. Honey:
Honey is a natural product for dry cough, which has mitigating and antibacterial properties.
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1. Mitigating action:
Honey envelops the throat, soothing irritation and facilitating the cough.
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2. Antibacterial properties:
Honey has antibacterial properties that can help fight coughing infections.
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3. How to use honey:
Take 1-2 teaspoons of honey immediately before bedtime or add it to tea or warm water.
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4. Cautions:
Do not give honey to children under 1 year old, as it may contain disputes of botulism, which can be dangerous for babies.
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D. Rinse of the throat with salt water:
Half up the throat with salt water can help reduce inflammation and relieve dry cough.
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1. Preparation of the solution:
Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
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2. Rinse:
Rinse the throat with salt water for 30 seconds, then spit the solution. Repeat the rinse several times a day.
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3. Cautions:
Make sure not to swallow salt water.
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E. Coughing Lollows:
Coughing louds can help facilitate dry cough, moisturizing the throat and soothing irritation.
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1. Types of candies:
There are various types of coughing candies, including candies with honey, menthol or eucalyptus.
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2. Action:
Coughing coughing stimulate saliva production, which helps to moisturize the throat and ease the cough.
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3. Cautions:
Do not give lollipops from coughing to young children, as they can choke.
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F. Drinks and products that should be avoided:
Some drinks and products can aggravate dry cough.
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1. Alcohol:
Alcohol can dehydrate the body and aggravate the cough.
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2. Caffeine:
Caffeine can also dehydrate the body.
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3. Dairy products:
In some cases, dairy products can increase the production of mucus, which can aggravate the cough.
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4. Fatty and fried food:
Fatty and fried food can cause reflux acid, which can aggravate a cough.
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5. Acute food:
Acute food can irritate the throat and aggravate the cough.
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G. Change in body position:
Some positions of the body can help facilitate dry cough.
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1. Raise your head during sleep:
A sleep with a raised head can help reduce the cough caused by the GERB or posttratnal leakage.
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2. Avoid lying position after eating:
Avoid lying position immediately after eating to reduce the risk of acid reflux.
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H. Refusal of smoking and avoiding tobacco smoke:
Smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke are the main causes of dry cough.
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1. Refusal of smoking:
Refusal of smoking is the best way to prevent and facilitate dry cough.
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2. Avoiding passive smoking:
Avoid the effects of tobacco smoke, as it can irritate the respiratory tract and aggravate the cough.
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I. Essential oils:
Some essential oils can help facilitate dry cough.
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1. Eucalyptus:
Eucalyptus oil has anti -inflammatory and expectorant properties. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to hot water for steam inhalation or use it in diffuser.
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2. Peppermint:
Mint oil has anti -inflammatory and analgesic properties. Add a few drops of mint oil to hot water for steam inhalation or use it in diffuser.
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3. Lavender:
Lavender oil has soothing properties and can help reduce a cough caused by anxiety or stress. Use lavender oil in diffuser or add a few drops to a warm bath.
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4. Tea tree:
Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to hot water for steam inhalation.
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5. Cautions:
Essential oils should be used with caution. Before using essential oils, consult a doctor, especially if you have an allergy or asthma. Do not use essential oils for children under 6 years of age.
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III. Dry coughing drugs
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A. Antitratus agents:
Antitratus agents are drugs that suppress the cough reflex. They can be useful to facilitate dry cough, especially at night.
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1. Dextromethorfan:
Dexhtromotorfan is a common antitussive drug that can be purchased without a prescription. It acts on the cough center in the brain, suppressing the cough reflex.
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2. Codein:
Codein is a stronger antitussive drug that is released only by prescription. It also acts on the cough center in the brain.
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3. Cautions:
Antitratus agents can cause side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness and nausea. Do not use antitussive drugs for children under 4 years of age. Before using antitussive drugs, consult a doctor, especially if you have other diseases or take other medicines.
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B. Antihistamines:
Antihistamines can help relieve dry cough caused by allergies.
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1. Types of antihistamines:
There are antihistamines of the first and second generation. First -generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can cause drowsiness. The second -generation antihistamines, such as Loratadine (Claritin) and Cetirin (Zirtek), are less inclined to cause drowsiness.
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2. Action:
Antihistamines block the effect of histamine, substances that are released during an allergic reaction.
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3. Cautions:
Antihistamines can cause side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth and dizziness. Before using antihistamines, consult a doctor, especially if you have other diseases or take other medicines.
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C. Decongestants:
Decongestants can help alleviate the congestion of the nose and postnasal stagnation, which can cause dry cough.
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1. Types of decongestants:
There are oral and nasal decongestants. The oral decongestants, such as pseudo -ephedrin and phenylefrin, can cause side effects, such as an increase in blood pressure and a rapid heartbeat. Nasal decongestants, such as oxymetazolin, should be used with caution, since their prolonged use can lead to the opposite effect (drug rhinitis).
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2. Action:
Decongestants narrow the blood vessels in the nose, reducing the congestion.
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3. Cautions:
Decongestants can cause side effects, such as an increase in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and insomnia. Do not use decongestants if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or glaucoma. Before using decongestants, consult a doctor, especially if you have other diseases or you take other medicines.
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D. mucolytics (in rare cases):
Although dry cough, by definition, is not associated with sputum, in some cases, irritation can lead to a slight formation of dense mucus, which is difficult to clench. In such rare cases, a doctor can recommend a mucolytic.
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1. Acetylcistein (ACC):
Acetylcystein (ACC) is a mucolytic that dilutes mucus, facilitating its excretion.
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2. Ambroxol:
Ambroxol is another mucolytic that dilutes mucus and stimulates its excretion.
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3. Cautions:
Mucolytic can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Do not use mucolytic for children under 2 years of age. Before using mucolytics, consult a doctor, especially if you have other diseases or take other medicines. It is important to remember that mucolytics are not the main remedy for the treatment of dry cough and should be used only as prescribed by a doctor.
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IV. Prevention of dry cough
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A. Avoid of stimuli:
Avoiding environmental irritants can help prevent dry cough.
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1. Tobacco smoke:
Avoid the effects of tobacco smoke, both active and passive.
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2. Polluted air:
Try to avoid places with polluted air, especially during periods of increased concentration of the smog.
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3. Chemicals:
Avoid inhalation of chemicals, such as paints, varnishes and cleaners.
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4. Dust:
Remove the dust in the house regularly to reduce the amount of allergens in the air.
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B. Maintaining hygiene:
Maintaining hygiene can help prevent viral infections that can cause dry cough.
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1. Frequent hand washing:
Often wash your hands with soap and water, especially after contact with people who get sick.
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2. Using an antiseptic for hand:
Use your hand antiseptic when it is not possible to wash your hands with soap and water.
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3. Avoiding the touch of the face:
Avoid touching the face, especially the eye, nose and mouth to prevent the spread of microbes.
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C. Strengthening immunity:
Strengthening immunity can help prevent diseases that can cause dry cough.
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1. Healthy nutrition:
Eat healthy and balanced foods rich in fruits, vegetables and whole -grain products.
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2. Regular physical exercises:
Physical exercises regularly to strengthen the immune system.
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3. A sufficient dream:
Sleep enough time so that the body can recover.
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4. Stress management:
Manage stress to strengthen the immune system.
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5. Vaccination:
Make flu and other diseases that can cause a cough.
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D. Air moisturizing:
Maintaining sufficient air humidity in the house can help prevent dry cough.
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1. Using a humidifier of air:
Use a humidifier, especially in the winter months, when the air becomes dry.
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2. Plants:
Place indoor plants in the house that help moisturize air.
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E. Prevention of allergies:
If you suffer from allergies, take measures to prevent allergic reactions that can cause dry cough.
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1. Avoiding allergens:
Avoid contact with allergens, such as pollen, animal hair and mold.
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2. Take of antihistamines:
Take antihistamines, if necessary.
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3. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIS):
In some cases, allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIS) can be recommended to reduce sensitivity to allergens.
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V. Dry cough in children: Features of treatment
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A. Consultation with a pediatrician:
When dry coughing occurs in a child, you should always consult a pediatrician, especially if a child is under 2 years old. Self -medication can be dangerous for children.
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B. Age restrictions for drugs:
Many cough medicines that can be purchased without a prescription are not recommended for young children. Carefully read the instructions and consult your doctor before using any medicines for children.
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C. Home remedies for children:
Some home remedies, such as humidification of air, abundant drink and honey (for children over 1 year old), can be safe and effective for facilitating dry cough in children.
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D. Special precautions:
In the treatment of dry cough in children, special precautions should be observed.
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1. Do not give honey to children under 1 year old:
Honey may contain disputes of botulism, which can be dangerous for babies.
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2. Be careful with essential oils:
Essential oils should be used with caution for children, as they can cause allergic reactions. Do not use essential oils for children under 6 years of age without consulting a doctor.
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3. The tracks of symptoms:
Carefully follow the symptoms of the child and see a doctor immediately if the condition worsens.
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VI. Dry cough communication with COVID-19
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A. Symptoms Covid-19:
Dry cough is one of the common symptoms of Covid-19, a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus. Other Covid-19 symptoms include fever, fatigue, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, headache and muscle pain.
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B. The difference between dry coughing at Covid-19 and other reasons:
Dry cough at Covid-19 can be difficult to distinguish from dry cough caused by other causes, such as a cold, influenza or allergies. However, if you have a dry cough combined with other Covid-19 symptoms, or if you are in contact with a person who has Covid-19, you need to undergo testing.
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C. Recommendations for suspected Covid-19:
If you suspect that you have Covid-19, immediately self-amplify and consult a doctor to conduct testing and obtaining treatment recommendations.
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D. Dry cough treatment at Covid-19:
Dry cough treatment with Covid-19 includes symptomatic therapy, such as air moisturizing, plentiful drinking and taking antitussive drugs (as prescribed by a doctor). In more severe cases, hospitalization and oxygen therapy may be required.
VII. Folk remedies for dry cough
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A. Onion syrup:
Onion syrup is a folk remedy for coughing, which has antibacterial and anti -inflammatory properties.
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1. Cooking on onion syrup:
Cut the onion in small cubes and mix it with honey or sugar. Leave the mixture for several hours until the onion is highlighted.
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2. Application:
Take 1-2 teaspoons of onion syrup several times a day.
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3. Cautions:
Onion syrup can cause stomach irritation in some people.
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B. Radish with honey:
Radish with honey is another folk cough folk remedy that has expectorant and anti -inflammatory properties.
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1. Preparation of radish with honey:
Cut the core in the radish and fill it with honey. Leave the radish for several hours until it selects the juice.
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2. Application:
Take 1-2 teaspoons of red juice with honey several times a day.
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3. Cautions:
Radish with honey can cause stomach irritation in some people.
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C. Herbal fees:
Some herbal fees can help facilitate dry cough.
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1. Chamomile:
Chamomile has soothing and anti -inflammatory properties. Drink chamomile tea several times a day.
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2. Ginger:
Ginger has anti -inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Drink ginger tea several times a day.
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3. Sweet:
The licorice has expectorant and anti -inflammatory properties. Drink tea from a licorice several times a day.
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4. Cautions:
Before using grass fees, consult a doctor, especially if you have other diseases or take other medicines. Some herbs can interact with medicines.
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D. Milk with honey and oil:
Warm milk with honey and oil is a folk cough folk that has softening and soothing properties.
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1. Cooking:
Heat a glass of milk and add 1-2 teaspoons of honey and a little butter.
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2. Application:
Drink warm milk with honey and oil before bedtime.
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3. Cautions:
Milk with honey and oil may not be suitable for people with lactose intolerance.
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VIII. Chronic dry cough: causes and approaches to treatment
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A. Determination of chronic dry cough:
Chronic dry cough is defined as a cough that lasts more than 8 weeks in adults and more than 4 weeks in children.
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B. The main causes of chronic dry cough:
Chronic dry cough can be caused by various reasons, including:
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1. Astma:
Astma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract, which can cause dry cough.
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2. GERB:
GERB is a condition in which acid from the stomach is thrown into the esophagus, causing irritation and cough.
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3. Postnzal Suptes:
The postnasal staging is a condition in which mucus from the nose flows along the posterior wall of the pharynx, causing irritation and cough.
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4. COPD:
Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases that cause difficulty breathing and coughing.
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5. Bronkhailation:
Bronchiectase is a condition in which the respiratory tract is irreversibly dilated and damaged, which leads to chronic cough and infections.
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6. Lung cancer:
In rare cases, chronic dry cough can be a symptom of lung cancer.
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7. Idiopathic cough:
In some cases, the cause of chronic dry cough remains unclear.
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C. Diagnosis of chronic dry cough:
Diagnosis of chronic dry coughing includes:
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1. Medical examination:
The doctor will conduct a medical examination and ask about your symptoms and medical history.
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2. Chest x -ray:
A chest x -ray can help exclude lung diseases, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis or lung cancer.
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3. Spirometry:
Spirometry is a test that measures the function of the lungs.
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4. Bronchoscopy:
Bronchoscopy is a procedure in which the doctor introduces a thin flexible tube with a camera into the respiratory tract for examination.
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** 5. Allergy testing
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