1 day – and dry cough disappeared: proven methods

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Section 1: Understanding of dry cough: causes, mechanisms and first steps

  1. What is a dry cough?

    • Determination: dry cough, also known as an unproductive cough, is characterized by a lack of sputum or mucus. It is often felt as an annoying and scratching cough that does not bring relief. Unlike wet coughing, which helps to cleanse the respiratory tract from accumulated mucus, dry cough does not perform this function.
    • Key characteristics:
      • Lack of sputum: the most important characteristic of dry cough.
      • An irritating sensation: it is often described as a scratching, tickling or burning sensation in the throat.
      • Obsession: can be frequent and exhausting, especially at night.
      • Iratity: The cough does not lead to the expectorant of mucus, which makes it ineffective.
    • The difference from moist cough: it is important to distinguish dry cough from wet cough, since the treatment of these two types of coughing varies. Wet cough is accompanied by the release of sputum and indicates an infection or inflammation in the respiratory tract.

  2. The main causes of dry cough:

    • Viral infections:
      • SARS (acute respiratory viral infections): The most common cause of dry cough. Viruses, such as rhinoviruses, adenoviruses and influenza viruses, can cause inflammation of the respiratory tract leading to dry cough.
      • Influenza: Dry cough is one of the symptoms of influenza, along with fever, headache and muscle pain.
      • Paragripp: This virus often causes cereals in children, which is characterized by barking cough.
      • A post-shaped cough: Even after an acute viral infection has passed, a dry cough can remain for several weeks due to irritation of the respiratory tract.
    • Allergies:
      • Allergens: pollen, animal hair, dust mites and mold can cause allergic reactions that lead to inflammation of the respiratory tract and dry cough.
      • Allergic rhinitis: inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose caused by allergens can lead to postnasal flow, which irritates the throat and causes dry cough.
    • Environment irritants:
      • Air pollution: smoke, was able, industrial emissions and other air pollutants can irritate the airways and cause dry cough.
      • Tobacco smoke: active and passive smoking is one of the main causes of dry cough. Tobacco smoke contains many irritating substances that damage the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.
      • Chemicals: the effect of chemicals, such as cleaners, paints and solvents, can cause respiratory tract irritation and dry cough.
    • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERB):
      • Reflux acids: acid from the stomach can be thrown into the esophagus and irritated the respiratory tract, causing dry cough.
      • Night cough: Coughing at GERB often intensifies at night when a person is in a horizontal position.
    • Medicines:
      • ACE inhibitors: some medicines for high blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors (enalapril, lysinopril), can cause dry cough as a side effect.
    • Other reasons:
      • Astma: dry cough can be one of the symptoms of asthma, especially in children.
      • Chronic bronchitis: inflammation of the bronchi caused by smoking or other irritants can lead to dry cough.
      • Bingle: an infectious disease characterized by a strong, paroxysmal cough, which can be dry in the early stages.
      • Foreign body: a foreign body entering the respiratory tract can cause dry cough.
      • Lung tumors: in rare cases, dry cough can be a sign of a lung tumor.

  3. Dry coughing mechanisms:

    • Irritation of cough receptors: special cough receptors are located in the respiratory tract, which respond to stimuli, such as viruses, allergens, smoke and acid.
    • Inflammation of the respiratory tract: irritation of cough receptors leads to inflammation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.
    • Increased sensitivity: inflamed respiratory tract becomes more sensitive to irritants, which enhances the cough.
    • Violation of mucociliary clearance: irritation of the respiratory tract can disrupt the mucociliary clearance, the process of removing mucus and other particles from the respiratory tract.
    • Muscle spasm: cough can cause spasm of the respiratory tract muscles, which leads to even greater irritation and cough.

  4. The first steps with dry coughing:

    • Symptoms Assessment:
      • When did the cough begin?
      • How often do you cough?
      • What other symptoms do you have (fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache)?
      • What medications do you take?
      • Do you have an allergy?
    • Avoid of irritants:
      • Stop smoking or avoid passive smoking.
      • Avoid polluted air.
      • Use a humidifier.
      • Avoid contact with allergens if you are allergic.
    • Abundant drink: drinking a large amount of liquid helps to moisturize the respiratory tract and facilitate the cough.
    • Rest: Let your body rest so that it can fight infection or inflammation.
    • Right -making drugs:
      • Antitratus agents: they can help suppress the cough, but they should be used with caution and only as prescribed by the doctor.
      • Coughing candies: can alleviate the sore throat and reduce the cough.
      • Cough syrups: may contain antitussive or expectorant components.
    • A visit to the doctor: if the cough does not pass within a few days, is intensified or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, shortness of breathing or chest pain, you must consult a doctor.

Section 2: Home remedies for dry cough: proven methods

  1. Air moisture:

    • The principle of action: dry air irritates the respiratory tract, aggravating dry cough. Moisturizing air helps to moisten the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, reducing irritation and facilitating the cough.
    • Moisturization methods:
      • Air humidifier: Use air humidifier to increase humidity in the room, especially in the bedroom. Regularly clean the humidifier to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
      • Steam inhalation: inhalation of steam helps to moisturize the respiratory tract and facilitate the cough.
      • Hot shower: taking a hot shower can also help moisturize the respiratory tract.
      • Water boiling: boiling water on the stove can increase humidity in the room.
      • Wet towels: hanging wet towels in the room can also help moisturize air.
    • Recommendations for use:
      • Support humidity in the room at the level of 40-60%.
      • Use distilled or filtered water in a moisturizer.
      • Regularly clean the humidifier to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
      • Be careful when using steam inhalation so as not to burn.

  2. Honey:

    • The principle of operation: honey has anti -inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help alleviate dry cough. It also has a softening effect that soothes an irritated throat.
    • Methods of application:
      • Pure honey: Take 1-2 teaspoons of honey several times a day.
      • Honey with warm water: Put 1-2 teaspoons of honey in a glass of warm water and drink.
      • Money with lemon: Add lemon juice to honey to enhance the effect.
      • Honey with herbal tea: add honey to herbal tea, for example, chamomile or mint.
    • Important comments:
      • Do not give honey to children under 1 year old due to the risk of botulism.
      • People with diabetes should use honey with caution.
      • Choose natural honey without adding sugar.

  3. Herbal remedies:

    • The principle of action: many herbs have anti -inflammatory, expectorant and soothing properties that can help facilitate dry cough.
    • Popular herbs:
      • Althey root: has mitigating properties that soothe an irritated throat and reduce the cough.
      • Solo root: has anti -inflammatory and expectorant properties.
      • Timyan: It has antiseptic and expectorant properties.
      • Eucalyptus: has expectorant and anti -inflammatory properties.
      • Ginger: has anti -inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
      • Chamomile: It has soothing and anti -inflammatory properties.
    • Methods of application:
      • Herbal teas: brew herbal teas and drink them several times a day.
      • Inhalations: Add the essential oils of herbs to hot water and make inhalation.
      • Syrups: Use herbal cough syrups.
    • Cautions:
      • Consult a doctor before using herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or take other medicines.
      • Some herbs can cause allergic reactions.

  4. Salt solution:

    • The principle of action: rinse the throat with saline solution helps reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat, facilitating the cough.
    • Recipe:
      • Stir 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
    • Instructions:
      • Rinse the throat with saline for 30 seconds, then spit the solution.
      • Repeat the rinse several times a day.
    • Cautions:
      • Do not swallow the salt solution.
      • Do not use hot water so as not to burn your throat.

  5. Diet change:

    • The principle of action: some products and drinks can enhance dry cough, while others can help to facilitate it.
    • Products that should be avoided:
      • Dairy products: can increase the production of mucus.
      • Sweet drinks: can irritate the throat.
      • Acute food: can cause respiratory tract irritation.
      • Alcohol: can dehydrate the body and enhance the cough.
      • Caffeine: can dehydrate the body and enhance the cough.
    • Products that should be consumed:
      • Warm liquids: soups, broths, herbal teas.
      • Fruits and vegetables: contain vitamins and antioxidants that help fight infection.
      • Garlic: has antibacterial and anti -inflammatory properties.
      • Onion: has antibacterial and anti -inflammatory properties.
      • Pineapple: contains a bromelain, an enzyme that has anti -inflammatory properties.

  6. Other recommendations:

    • Refusal of smoking: smoking annoys the respiratory tract and enhances the cough.
    • Avoiding passive smoking: passive smoking can also irritate the respiratory tract.
    • Abundant drink: drinking a large amount of liquid helps to moisturize the respiratory tract.
    • Rest: Let your body rest so that it can fight infection or inflammation.
    • Maintaining air purity: ventilate the room and use the air cleaner.
    • The correct position of sleep: sleep with your head raised to reduce the irritation of the throat.
    • Avoiding voice overvoltage: Avoid a loud conversation or singing so as not to irritate the throat.

Section 3: Overcepture drugs for dry cough: when and how to use

  1. Types of over -the -counter drugs:

    • Anticlothes:
      • Action: suppress the cough reflex.
      • Examples: dextrometerfan, butamirat.
      • Indications: dry, irritating cough that prevents sleeping or doing everyday business.
      • Contraindications: wet cough, children’s age (some drugs).
      • Side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, nausea.
      • Important comments: Do not use antitussive agents with a wet cough, as they can make it difficult to expect sputum.
    • Mukolitiki:
      • Action: Dilige sputum, facilitating its expectorant.
      • Examples: Acetylcystein, Ambroxol.
      • Indications: Wet cough with difficult to separate sputum.
      • Contraindications: stomach ulcer, children’s age (some drugs).
      • Side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
      • Important comments: mucolics are not effective in dry coughing.
    • Expectants:
      • Action: stimulate the production of mucus in the respiratory tract, facilitating its expectorant.
      • Examples: Gufenezin.
      • Indications: Wet cough with difficult to separate sputum.
      • Contraindications: Children’s age (some drugs).
      • Side effects: nausea, vomiting.
      • Important comments: expectorants are not effective for dry coughing.
    • Antihistamines:
      • Action: Block the effect of histamine, substances that causes allergic reactions.
      • Examples: Diphenhydraint, chloropenamine.
      • Indications: dry cough caused by allergies.
      • Contraindications: glaucoma, prostate adenoma, children’s age (some drugs).
      • Side effects: drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness.
      • Important comments: some antihistamines can cause drowsiness.
    • Combined drugs:
      • Action: contain several active ingredients, for example, antitussive and expectorant.
      • Indications: dry and wet cough.
      • Contraindications: depend on the components that are part of the components.
      • Side effects: depend on the components that are part of the components.
      • Important comments: you should carefully study the composition of the combined drug before use.
    • Coughing candies:
      • Action: Cut the irritated throat and reduce the cough.
      • Examples: contain honey, menthol, eucalyptus.
      • Indications: dry cough caused by irritation of the throat.
      • Contraindications: Children’s age (the risk of suffocation).
      • Side effects: rarely.
      • Important comments: should not give candies from cough to children under 3 years of age.

  2. How to choose the right medicine:

    • Determine the type of cough: it is important to determine whether you have a dry or wet cough, since the treatment of these two types of coughing varies.
    • Study the composition of the drug: carefully study the composition of the drug and make sure that it is suitable for your type of cough and does not contain the ingredients that you are allergic to.
    • Consider the contraindications and side effects: before using the drug, read contraindications and side effects.
    • Consult with the pharmacist: if you are not sure of choosing the drug, consult with the pharmacist.
    • Follow the dosage: strictly follow the dosage specified in the instructions.
    • Do not abuse medicines: you should not abuse cough medicines, as this can lead to side effects.

  3. When to consult a doctor:

    • The cough does not pass within a few days: if the cough does not pass within a few days, despite the treatment, you must consult a doctor.
    • The cough intensifies: if the cough intensifies, you must consult a doctor.
    • The appearance of other symptoms: if the cough is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, hemoptysis or weight loss, you must consult a doctor.
    • Chronic diseases: if you have chronic diseases, such as asthma, COPD or heart failure, you must consult a doctor when coughing.
    • Children’s age: if a cough appeared in a child, especially under 2 years old, you must consult a doctor.

  4. Important warnings:

    • Do not give cough medicines for children under 2 years old without consulting a doctor.
    • Do not use antitussive agents for wet coughing.
    • Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
    • Be careful when driving a car or performing other tasks requiring concentration if you take cough medicines that cause drowsiness.
    • Consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about cough medicines.
    • Keep cough medicines in an inaccessible place for children.
    • Do not use cough medicines with an expired shelf life.

Section 4: Professional medical care: when to consult a doctor and what examinations may be required

  1. Symptoms requiring immediate seeing a doctor:

    • Difficult breathing: a feeling of lack of air, whistling breathing or difficulty breathing require immediate medical care. This can be a sign of a serious problem, such as asthma, pneumonia or obstruction of the respiratory tract.
    • Breast pain: chest pain, especially if it is accompanied by a cough and shortness of breathing, can be a sign of a heart attack, pneumonia or other serious diseases.
    • Heltering: blood release during coughing can be a sign of infection, tumor of lungs or other serious diseases.
    • High temperature: high temperature (above 38.5 ° C) for several days can be a sign of infection, such as pneumonia or influenza.
    • Sinoing of the skin: cyanosis of the skin (cyanosis) may be a sign of a lack of oxygen in the blood and requires immediate medical care.
    • Loss of consciousness: loss of consciousness during coughing can be a sign of a serious problem, such as a fainting or a heart attack.
    • Swelling of ankles or stop: swelling of ankles or feet can be a sign of heart failure or other diseases.
    • Sudden weakness: sudden weakness or dizziness can be a sign of a serious problem, such as a stroke or a heart attack.

  2. Situations when you should make an appointment with a doctor (not urgently):

    • The cough lasts more than 3 weeks: if the cough does not pass within 3 weeks, you must consult a doctor to find out the cause.
    • The cough intensifies: if the cough intensifies, despite the treatment, you must consult a doctor.
    • The cough is accompanied by other symptoms: if the cough is accompanied by other symptoms such as night sweating, weight loss, fatigue or bone pain, you must consult a doctor.
    • Chronic diseases: if you have chronic diseases, such as asthma, COPD or heart failure, you must consult a doctor when coughing.
    • Suspicion of allergies: if you suspect that the cough is caused by allergies, you must consult a doctor for allergic tests.
    • Reception of ACE inhibitors: If you take ACE inhibitors and you have a dry cough, you must consult a doctor to discuss alternative drugs.

  3. What questions will the doctor ask:

    • When did the cough begin?
    • How often do you cough?
    • What is the nature of the cough (dry, wet, paroxysmal)?
    • What facilitates or worsens the cough?
    • What other symptoms do you have (fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, chest pain, difficulty breathing)?
    • What medications do you take?
    • Do you have an allergy?
    • Do you smoke or are subjected to passive smoking?
    • Do you work in harmful production?
    • Do you have chronic diseases?
    • Have you had similar symptoms before?

  4. What examinations can a doctor prescribe:

    • Physical examination: the doctor will examine you, listen to the lungs and heart.
    • Blood test: blood test can help detect an infection or other diseases.
    • The chest x -ray: chest x -rays can help detect pneumonia, bronchitis or other lung diseases.
    • Spirometry: Spirometry measures the volume and speed of exhausted air and can help identify asthma or COPD.
    • Allergic tests: Allergic tests can help identify allergens that cause a cough.
    • Bronchoscopy: Bronchoscopy is a procedure in which the doctor introduces a thin tube with a camera into the respiratory tract for examining and taking tissue samples.
    • Sputum analysis: Sputum analysis can help identify the infection.
    • CT of the chest: CT of the chest can provide more detailed information about the lungs than an X -ray.

  5. Possible diagnoses and treatment:

    • Viral infection: treatment includes rest, abundant drink and symptomatic treatment (antitussive drugs, antipyretic).
    • Bacterial infection: treatment includes antibiotics.
    • Astma: treatment includes inhalers with broncholitics and corticosteroids.
    • Allergy: treatment includes antihistamines, avoiding allergens and allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT).
    • GERB: Treatment includes a change in lifestyle (lifting the head end of the bed, refusal to eat before bedtime), antacids, proton pump inhibitors (IPP).
    • COPD: Treatment includes broncholitics, corticosteroids and oxygen therapy.
    • Bingle: treatment turns on antibiotics.
    • Tuberculosis: treatment includes a long course of antibiotics.
    • Tumors of the lungs: treatment depends on the type and stage of the tumor and may include surgical intervention, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Section 5: Prevention of dry cough: how to avoid repeating the problem

  1. General recommendations for prevention:

    • Hand hygiene: regularly wash your hands with soap and water to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria.
    • Avoiding contact with patients: Avoid contact with people who suffer from SARS or influenza.
    • Vaccination: Make a vaccine against influenza and pneumococcal infection.
    • A healthy lifestyle: a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical exercises and sufficient sleep, strengthens the immune system.
    • Refusal of smoking: smoking damages the respiratory tract and increases the risk of coughing.
    • Avoiding passive smoking: passive smoking is also harmful to the respiratory tract.
    • Maintaining air purity: ventilate the room and use the air cleaner.
    • Air moisturizing: maintain optimal humidity in the room, especially in the heating season.
    • Avoiding allergens: Avoid contact with allergens if you are allergic.
    • Avoid of irritants: Avoid contact with irritating substances, such as smoke, I could, chemicals.
    • Regular medical examinations: Pass regular medical examinations to identify and treat diseases in the early stages.

  2. Allergic cough prevention:

    • Avoiding allergens:
      • Pollen: close the windows and doors during plant flowering, use air purifier, take antihistamines.
      • Animal hair: Avoid contact with animals, regularly remove the house, use air cleaner.
      • Polvoi ticks: regularly wash bedding in hot water, use covers for mattresses and pillows that are resistant to dust ticks, maintain low humidity in the room.
      • Mold: eliminate moisture sources in the house, regularly ventilate the room, use air cleaner with a HEPA filter.
    • Drug prevention:
      • Antihistamines: take antihistamines before contact with allergens.
      • Nasal corticosteroids: use nasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the nose.
      • Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT): Consult a doctor about the possibility of ATIT.

  3. Prevention of coughing associated with GERB:

    • Life change change:
      • Raising the head end of the bed: Raise the head end of the bed by 15-20 cm to reduce the reflux of acid into the esophagus.
      • Refusal of food before bedtime: do not eat 2-3 hours before bedtime.
      • Avoiding trigger products: avoid products that enhance reflux, such as fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol and mint.
      • Weight control: overweight can enhance reflux.
      • Refusal of smoking: smoking worsens the function of the lower esophageal sphincter.
    • Drug prevention:
      • Antacids: Take antacids to neutralize acid in the stomach.
      • Proton pump inhibitors (IPP): Take IPP to reduce acid production in the stomach.
      • Prokinetics: Take prokinetics to accelerate the emptying of the stomach.

  4. Prevention of coughing associated with drugs (ACE inhibitors):

    • Discuss alternative drugs with the doctor: if you take ACE inhibitors and you have a dry cough, discuss with the doctor the possibility of replacing the medicine with the drug of another group.

Section 6: Dry cough in children: features, causes and treatment

  1. Features of dry cough in children:

    • Frequency: Dry cough in children occurs often, especially in the cold season.
    • Reasons: causes of dry cough in children may differ from the causes of adults.
    • Symptoms: dry cough symptoms in children can be more pronounced than in adults.
    • Treatment: treatment of dry cough in children should be more careful and under the supervision of a doctor.

  2. The main causes of dry cough in children:

    • Viral infections: SARS, influenza, paragraph, adenovirus infection.
    • Allergy: allergic rhinitis, asthma.
    • Cruems: inflammation of the larynx and trachea caused by a viral infection.
    • Binge: an infectious disease characterized by a strong, paroxysmal cough.
    • Foreign body: entering a foreign body into the respiratory tract.
    • Astma: dry cough can be one of the symptoms of asthma.
    • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERB).
    • Environmental irritants: smoke, could, tobacco smoke.

  3. When you should consult a doctor with a dry cough in a child:

    • A child is younger than 3 months: you must consult a doctor when a cough appears in a child under 3 months.
    • Difficult breathing: a feeling of lack of air, whistling breathing or difficulty breathing.
    • High temperature: high temperature (above 38 ° C).
    • Blueness of the shingle: bluishness of the shingle (cyanosis).
    • Refusal of food: refusal to eat or drink.
    • Drowsiness: excessive drowsiness or lethargy.
    • Part -shaped cough: strong, paroxysmal cough,

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