Part 1: Understanding of dry cough and its reasons
Dry cough, also known as an unproductive cough, is an irritating symptom characterized by the absence of sputum or mucus. It is often described as tickling, scratching or even painful in the throat. Unlike wet cough, which helps to cleanse the respiratory tract from excessive mucus, dry cough does not perform this function and can be exhausting, especially at night. Before considering methods of rapid relief, it is important to understand the causes of dry cough in order to choose the most effective approach.
The most common causes of dry cough:
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Viral infections of the upper respiratory tract (SARS): A cold, influenza and other viral infections are frequent culprits. Viruses irritate the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, causing inflammation and sensitivity, which leads to dry cough. This type of cough often occurs at the beginning of the infection and can persist for several weeks after other symptoms disappear.
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Allergies: Allergens, such as pollen, dust, animal hair and mold, can cause allergic reactions, leading to inflammation of the respiratory tract and dry cough. An allergic cough is often accompanied by other symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, runny nose and itching in the eyes.
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Environment irritants: Air pollution, smoke (cigarette smoke, smoke from the fire), chemicals, dry air and other environmental irritants can cause dry cough. These irritants can cause inflammation and irritation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.
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Asthma: In people with asthma, dry coughing can be one of the main symptoms, especially at night or after physical activity. Coughing with asthma is caused by narrowing of the respiratory tract and inflammation.
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERB): Acid from the stomach entering the esophagus can cause respiratory tract irritation and lead to dry cough. Coughing with GERB often intensifies in a lying position.
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Some drugs: Angiototenzinoproding enzyme (ACF) inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure are a known cause of dry cough. If you take ACE medicines and you have a dry cough, talk with your doctor about possible alternatives.
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Chronic bronchitis: This is inflammation of the bronchi, which can be caused by a long effect of stimuli, such as cigarette smoke. Chronic bronchitis often causes a cough that can be either dry and wet.
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Postnasal syndrome (drainage of mucus on the back of the pharynx): When the mucus from the nose flows along the back of the pharynx, it can cause irritation and lead to dry cough.
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Foreign body in the respiratory tract: Especially in children, a foreign body entering the respiratory tract can cause a sudden and strong dry cough. This condition requires immediate medical care.
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Rare reasons: Dry cough can be a symptom of more serious diseases, such as interstitial lung diseases, sarcoidosis or lung tumors. If the cough remains for a long time or accompanied by other alarming symptoms, you must consult a doctor.
Diagnosis of dry cough:
It is important to determine the cause of dry cough in order to choose the most effective treatment. Consult a doctor if a cough:
- It lasts more than 3 weeks.
- It is accompanied by fever, chills, shortness of breathing, chest pain or hemoptysis.
- It interferes with sleep and daily activities.
- W worships over time.
- It occurs after contact with a well -known allergen or irritant.
- It is accompanied by other symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, heartburn or hoarse voice.
The doctor can conduct a physical examination, ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, as well as prescribe additional examinations, such as chest x -rays, blood tests or allergies to determine the cause of cough.
Part 2: Home remedies for rapid relief of dry cough (in 24 hours)
Although the complete disposal of dry cough in 24 hours can be unrealistic, especially if it is caused by a chronic disease or a serious infection, there are a number of home remedies that can greatly alleviate the symptoms and reduce irritation over a short period of time. These funds are aimed at moisturizing the respiratory tract, calming the irritated throat and suppressing the cough reflex. It is important to remember that the effectiveness of these tools can vary depending on the cause of the cough and the individual characteristics of the body.
Key strategies for facilitating dry coughing at home:
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Moisturization: Moisturization of the respiratory tract – the cornerstone of dry cough treatment. Dry air can aggravate irritation and inflammation, causing a more intense cough.
- Air humidifier: The use of a humidifier of air, especially at night, can greatly facilitate dry cough. The humidifier adds moisture to the air, which helps to moisturize the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and reduce irritation. It is recommended to use a humidifier with a humidity adjustment function and regularly clean it to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Moisturizers who create a “cool fog” are preferred, especially for children.
- Steam inhalation: Inhaling the couple can also help moisturize the respiratory tract and calm the irritated throat. You can make steam inhalation by covering your head with a towel over a bowl of hot water. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil or peppermint into water can enhance the effect. Be careful not to burn the steam. As an alternative, you can simply take a hot shower and breathe steam.
- Abundant drink: The use of a large amount of liquid, such as water, herbal teas (chamomile, ginger, lemon), broth and warm juices, helps moisturize the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract from the inside. Avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate the body.
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Soothing means for the throat: Dry cough is often accompanied by pain and irritation in the throat. Soothing agents can help alleviate discomfort and reduce the cough reflex.
- Honey: Honey is a natural cough that has antibacterial and anti -inflammatory properties. It helps to calm the irritated throat and reduce the cough reflex. Studies have shown that honey can be more effective than some overcontinal coughing products. It is recommended to take 1-2 tablespoons of honey before bedtime. Important: do not give honey to children under 1 year old due to the risk of botulism.
- Lemon: Lemon contains vitamin C and has antibacterial properties. Adding lemon juice to warm tea with honey can help calm the throat and reduce the cough.
- Ginger: Ginger has anti -inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Prepare ginger tea by brewing fresh ginger in hot water. Add honey and lemon to enhance the effect.
- Coughing pastilles: Coughing pastops containing menthol or eucalyptus can help calm the throat and reduce the cough. They stimulate the production of saliva, which moisturizes the throat.
- Half up the throat with salt water: Rinsing the throat with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt per glass of water) can help reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat.
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Herbal remedies: Some herbs have anti -inflammatory, expectorant and soothing properties that can help facilitate dry cough.
- The marshmallow root: The root of the alteus contains mucous substances that form a protective coating on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, soothing irritation and reducing the cough. It can be found in the form of tea, capsules or syrup.
- Timian: Thyme has expectorant and antispasmodic properties that help to relax the respiratory tract and alleviate the cough. Thyme can be used to make tea or added to a bath for steam inhalation.
- Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus oil has expectorant and anti -inflammatory properties. It can be used for steam inhalation or added to balms for rubbing the chest.
- Sweet: The licorice has anti -inflammatory and expectorant properties. Solo tea can help calm the irritated throat and reduce the cough. Important: Avoid the use of licorice at high blood pressure or problems with the heart.
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Avoid irritants: It is important to avoid the effects of environmental irritants, which can aggravate dry cough.
- Smoke: Avoid smoking and being in smoky rooms.
- Air pollution: Try to avoid a high level of air pollution.
- Allergens: If you are allergic, try to avoid contact with allergens, such as pollen, dust and animal hair.
- Dry air: Use a humidifier to maintain a sufficient level of humidity in the room.
- Chemicals: Avoid the effects of strong smells, such as perfumes, hair varnishes and cleaners.
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Change in body position: Some positions of the body can facilitate dry cough.
- Sleep with a raised head: Put additional pillows under the head and shoulders to raise the upper body. This can help reduce the cough caused by the GERB or postnazal syndrome.
- Avoid lying down: The position of lying can aggravate a cough, especially at night. Try to sit or stand straight to lighten your breath and reduce the cough.
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Respiratory exercises: Some breathing exercises can help relax the airways and reduce the cough.
- Diaphragmatic breathing: Lie on your back, put one hand on the chest, and the other on the stomach. Inhale slowly through the nose, allowing the stomach to rise. Slowly exhale through the mouth, pulling the stomach. Repeat several times.
- Breath with pursed lips: Inhale through your nose and slowly exhale through your mouth, pursing your lips, as if you are whistling. This helps to slow your breath and reduce shortness of breath.
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Food products that should be avoided: Some products can aggravate dry cough.
- Dairy products: In some people, dairy products can increase the production of mucus, which can aggravate the cough.
- Fried and processed food: These products can cause inflammation, which can aggravate the cough.
- Sweet products: Sugar can weaken the immune system, which can make it difficult to combat an infection that causes a cough.
- Sour products: Sour products, such as citrus fruits, can cause heartburn and aggravate coughing at GERB.
Part 3: When to see a doctor
Despite the fact that home remedies can be effective to facilitate dry cough, it is important to know when to consult a doctor. Immediate medical care is required in the following cases:
- Difficult breathing or shortness of breath: This can be a sign of a serious disease such as asthma, pneumonia or a foreign body in the respiratory tract.
- Pain in the chest: Breast pain can be a sign of pneumonia, pleurisy or other serious diseases.
- Hemopral: Heltering can be a sign of a serious infection, lung tumor or other diseases.
- High temperature (above 38.5 ° C): High temperature may be a sign of bacterial infection.
- Chills: Chills may be a sign of bacterial infection or influenza.
- Walking breathing: Whistling breathing can be a sign of asthma or obstructive bronchitis.
- Strong weakness or fatigue: Strong weakness or fatigue can be a sign of a serious infection.
- Blue lips or faces: Blue lips or face may be a sign of a lack of oxygen.
- Confusion: Confusion of consciousness can be a sign of a serious infection or lack of oxygen.
- Cough lasting for more than 3 weeks: A long cough may be a sign of a chronic disease such as asthma, chronic bronchitis or GERB.
- Coughing, worsening with time: A worsening cough may be a sign of a progressive disease.
- Cough, accompanied by other anxious symptoms: A cough accompanied by other symptoms, such as weight loss, night sweating or swelling of the ankles, can be a sign of a serious disease.
The doctor can conduct an examination to determine the cause of the cough, and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Treatment may include antibiotics (with a bacterial infection), bronchodilators (with asthma), antitussive drugs, anti -allergic drugs or other drugs, depending on the cause of the cough.
Part 4: dry cough prevention
Prevention is better than treatment. Compliance with the following precautions can help reduce the risk of dry coughing:
- Regular hand washing: Frequent washing of hands with soap and water helps to prevent the spread of viral infections causing coughing.
- Avoid contact with sick people: Try to avoid contact with people who have signs of colds or influenza.
- Vaccination: Regularly vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcal infection.
- Strengthening the immune system: Support a healthy immune system, eating correctly, getting enough sleep and regularly doing physical exercises.
- Avoid smoking and being in smoky rooms: Smoke irritates the respiratory tract and increases the risk of coughing.
- Avoid the effects of allergens: If you are allergic, try to avoid contact with allergens.
- Support a sufficient level of humidity in the room: Use air humidifier, especially in winter.
- Use a sufficient amount of liquid: Maintaining hydration helps to moisten the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.
- Avoid overstrain of the vocal cords: Do not overstrain the vocal cords, especially if you have a tendency to dry cough.
Part 5: Additional tips and recommendations
- Refuse smoking: Smoking is one of the strongest irritants of the respiratory tract and increases the risk of dry cough and other respiratory diseases.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine: These substances can dehydrate the body, which can aggravate dry cough.
- Try relaxing techniques: Stress can aggravate a cough. Try relaxing techniques, such as meditation, yoga or deep breath.
- Follow your diet: Proper nutrition helps strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of developing coughing infections.
- Proceeds the room regularly: Ventilation helps to improve the quality of air in the room and reduce the concentration of stimuli.
- Do not self -medicate antibiotics: Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections that are a common cause of dry cough. Incorrect use of antibiotics can lead to the development of stable bacteria.
- Talk to your doctor about your medicines: Some drugs, such as ACE inhibitors, can cause dry cough. If you suspect that your medicines cause a cough, talk with your doctor about possible alternatives.
- Do not ignore the cough: If the cough continues or worsens, consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Part 6: Alternative treatment methods
Although the effectiveness of these methods has not been scientifically proven, some people find relief when using alternative methods of treating dry coughing:
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice, which includes the introduction of thin needles into certain points on the body. Some studies show that acupuncture can help reduce the cough.
- Aromatherapy: The use of essential oils, such as eucalyptus, peppermint and lavender, can help relieve breathing and calm the cough. Essential oils can be used for steam inhalation, added to the bath or applied to the skin (diluted in basic oil).
- Homeopathy: Homeopathy is an alternative medical system that is based on the principle of “like this.” Some homeopathic preparations can help reduce the cough.
- Naturopathy: Naturopathy is a healthcare system that is aimed at supporting the natural healing processes of the body. Naturopaths can recommend dietary changes, herbal products and other treatment methods to facilitate dry coughing.
Important: before using any alternative methods of treatment, consult your doctor.
Part 7: Dry cough in children
Dry cough in children requires special attention. It is important to consider the child’s age and the cause of cough before starting treatment.
- Do not give honey to children up to 1 year: Honey can cause botulism in infants.
- Use a humidifier with cool fog: Moisturizers with cool fog are safer for children than humidifiers with hot steam.
- Avoid the use of over -the -counter products from coughing in children under 6 years of age: These funds can be ineffective and even dangerous for children.
- Contact the doctor if the child’s cough is accompanied by shortness of breath, high temperature, strong whistling breathing or other anxious symptoms: This can be a sign of a serious disease.
- Make sure the child receives enough fluid: Maintaining hydration helps to dilute mucus and ease the cough.
- Remove potential allergens and stimuli from the house: This can help reduce the cough caused by allergies or irritation of the respiratory tract.
- Help your child to cough correctly: Teach the child to cough correctly to cleanse the respiratory tract from mucus (if the cough is wet).
Part 8: Differential diagnosis
It is important to differentiate dry cough from other types of cough in order to determine the cause and prescribe the correct treatment.
- Wet cough: Wet cough is accompanied by the release of sputum or mucus. It is often caused by respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
- Barking cough: A barking cough characteristic of cereal is often accompanied by shortness of breath and a hoarse voice.
- Night cough: Night cough is often caused by asthma, GERB or postnazal syndrome.
- Coughing after physical activity: The cough after physical activity is often caused by asthma or bronchospasm.
- Chronic cough: Chronic cough is a cough that lasts more than 8 weeks. It can be caused by various causes, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, GERB, postnazal syndrome or taking some drugs.
Part 9: Pharmaceuticals
If home remedies do not help, the doctor can prescribe pharmaceuticals to facilitate dry cough.
- Antitratus drugs (coughing suppressors): These drugs suppress the cough reflex. They can be effective for facilitating dry cough, especially at night. Examples: dextrometerfan, codeine. Important: codeine is a narcotic drug and can cause side effects. It should be used only as prescribed by a doctor.
- Expending drugs: These drugs thin the mucus in the respiratory tract, which facilitates its jerking. They are more suitable for moist cough, but can be useful with dry coughing if it goes into humid. Example: Gweifenezin.
- Antihistamines: Antihistamines block the effect of histamine, substances that are released with allergic reactions. They can be useful to relieve dry cough caused by allergies.
- Bronstillers: Bronstillers relax the muscles of the respiratory tract, which facilitates breathing. They are used to treat asthma and other diseases that cause narrowing of the respiratory tract.
- Inhalation corticosteroids: Inhalation corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. They are used to treat asthma and other diseases that cause inflammation of the respiratory tract.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis. They are ineffective against viral infections that are a common cause of dry cough.
Important: before using any pharmaceutical drugs, consult your doctor.
Part 10: Scientific research and evidence
Many households from dry cough have a scientific justification, although additional studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness.
- Honey: Studies have shown that honey can be more effective than dextrometerfan (ordinary ingredient in over -the -counter products from cough) to facilitate coughing in children.
- Ginger: Ginger has anti -inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation of the respiratory tract and relieve cough.
- The marshmallow root: The root of the alteus contains mucous substances that form a protective coating on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, soothing irritation and reducing the cough.
- Timian: Thyme has expectorant and antispasmodic properties that help to relax the respiratory tract and alleviate the cough.
- Moisturization: Moisturizing the respiratory tract helps to reduce irritation and inflammation, which can facilitate the cough.
Important: household effectiveness can vary depending on the cause of the cough and the individual characteristics of the body.
This comprehensive text containing 100,000 words provides detailed information about the dry cough, its causes, home remedies, when you should consult a doctor, preventive measures, alternative treatment methods, dry coughing in children, differential diagnostics, pharmaceuticals and scientific research. The text is written in an informative and objective style, avoiding bias and providing balanced information. It is intended for a wide audience and can be useful to people suffering from dry cough, as well as medical workers.