Dry cough: effective home remedies for quick recovery

Dry cough: effective home remedies for quick recovery

Section 1: Understanding of dry cough

1. Determining and characteristics of dry cough: Dry, unproductive cough, unlike wet cough, is not accompanied by sputum. It is annoying, it can be painful and often occurs due to inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. It is characterized by a sensation of tickling or scratching in the throat that provokes a reflex cough. The lack of sputum means that the cough does not perform a cleansing function, but only enhances irritation.

2. Dry coughing types:

   • Sharp dry cough: Usually lasts less than three weeks and is often associated with viral infections (SARS, influenza).
   • Subacute dry cough: It lasts from three to eight weeks. There may be a consequence of infection, allergies or respiratory tract irritation.
   • Chronic dry cough: It lasts more than eight weeks. It requires a more thorough diagnosis to identify the main cause, such as asthma, GERB, or taking certain drugs.
   • Night dry cough: It is aggravated at night due to the horizontal position of the body, which contributes to the drainage of mucus on the posterior wall of the pharynx or irritation of the respiratory tract.

3. Causes of dry cough: Dry cough can be caused by many factors, from simple irritants to serious diseases.

   • Viral infections: SARS (acute respiratory viral infection), influenza, paragraph and other viral infections of the upper respiratory tract are the most common causes of acute dry cough. Viruses damage the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, causing inflammation and irritation.
   • Allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, animal hair, dust mites and other allergens can cause dry cough due to respiratory tract irritation.
   • Environment irritants: Smoke (tobacco, from a fire), air pollution, chemicals, dry air and other stimuli can cause dry cough.
   • Asthma: In some people, asthma manifests itself only in the form of dry cough, especially at night or after physical activity.
   • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERB): Acid from the stomach rising into the esophagus can irritate the respiratory tract and cause dry cough, especially after eating or while lying down.
   • Reception of some drugs: ACE inhibitors (angiotenzine-breaking enzyme) used to treat high blood pressure can cause dry cough as a side effect.
   • Postnasal syndrome (mucus drain syndrome on the posterior wall of the pharynx): The mucus flowing along the posterior wall of the pharynx from the nose can irritate the throat and cause cough.
   • Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchi can cause both dry and humid cough. In the initial stage of bronchitis, the cough is often dry.
   • Pertussis: A highly contagious bacterial disease characterized by attacks of strong cough, often ending with a characteristic whistling sound. In the initial stage of pertussis, the cough can be dry.
   • Lung cancer: In rare cases, chronic dry cough can be a sign of lung cancer, especially in smokers.

4. Symptoms accompanying dry cough: Dry cough is often accompanied by other symptoms that can help in determining the causes:

   • Sore throat: Irritation and inflammation of the throat.
   • Sore throat: Sensation of tickling or scratching in the throat.
   • The hoarseness of the voice: Inflammation of the vocal cords.
   • Nasal congestion or runny nose: Signs of colds or allergies.
   • Fatigue: General malaise and decrease in energy.
   • Headache: Often accompanies viral infections.
   • A fever of body temperature: A sign of infection.
   • Dyspnea: It may be a sign of asthma or other lung diseases.
   • Heartburn: It may be a sign of GERB.

Section 2: Effective Dry Coughing Home remedies

1. Air moisture: Dry air irritates the respiratory tract and exacerbates the dry cough. Moisturizing air helps to soften the mucous membrane and reduce irritation.

   • Using a humidifier of air: Set the air humidifier in the bedroom or in the room where you spend the most time. Maintain humidity in the range of 40-60%. Regularly clean the humidifier to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
   • Acceptance of a hot shower or bathroom: Steam from a hot shower helps to moisturize the respiratory tract and facilitate the cough. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water to enhance the effect.
   • Steam inhalation: Lean over a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel and inhale steam for 10-15 minutes. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus, mint or tea tree oil to the water. Be careful not to burn yourself.

2. Hydration: Enough fluid consumption helps to dilute mucus and ease the cough.

   • Drink a lot of water: Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
   • Herbal teas: Warm herbal teas, such as chamomile, mint, ginger and thyme, have soothing and anti -inflammatory properties.
   • Broths: Chicken or vegetable broth contains nutrients and electrolytes that help strengthen immunity and alleviate the symptoms of colds.
   • Warm lemon drink with honey: Honey has antibacterial and anti -inflammatory properties, and lemon helps to dilute mucus. Add 1-2 teaspoons of honey and juice of half the lemon into a glass of warm water.
   • Avoid dehydration drinks: Coffee, alcohol and carbonated drinks can dehydrate the body and aggravate dry cough.

3. Honey: Honey is an effective natural coughing agent, especially in children over one year old.

   • Antibacterial and anti -inflammatory properties: Honey has antibacterial and anti -inflammatory properties that help fight infection and reduce inflammation.
   • Mitten the throat: Honey forms a protective layer on the mucous membrane of the throat, softening it and reducing irritation.
   • Suppression of the cough reflex: Studies have shown that honey can be more effective than some cough medicines in the suppression of a cough reflex.
   • Dosage: Adults are recommended to take 1-2 tablespoons of honey before bedtime or with coughing attacks. Children over one year old can be given 1-2 teaspoons of honey. Do not give honey to children under one year old due to the risk of botulism.

4. Half up the throat with saline: Half up the throat with saline helps to reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat.

   • How to prepare a saline solution: Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
   • How to rinse the throat: Rinse the throat with saline for 30 seconds, then spit the solution. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times a day.
   • Advantages: Salt solution helps to wash off mucus and bacteria from the throat, reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

5. Herbal remedies: Some herbs have expectorant, anti -inflammatory and soothing properties that can help facilitate dry cough.

   • The marshmallow root: It has mitigating and anti -inflammatory properties. Helps to calm the irritated throat and reduce the cough. It can be taken in the form of tea, syrup or capsules.
   • Solo root: It has expectorant and anti -inflammatory properties. Helps to dilute mucus and alleviate the cough. It should be used with caution to people with high blood pressure.
   • Timian: It has expectorant and antibacterial properties. Helps fight infection and alleviate the cough. Can be taken in the form of tea, syrup or added to inhalation.
   • Eucalyptus: It has expectorant and anti -inflammatory properties. Helps to open the respiratory tract and alleviate the cough. Can be used in the form of essential oil for inhalations or added to a hot bath.
   • Ginger: It has anti -inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Helps reduce inflammation and strengthen immunity. You can add to tea, soups or consumed fresh.
   • Turmeric: It has anti -inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Helps reduce inflammation and strengthen immunity. You can add to tea, soups or taken in the form of capsules.

6. Change in body position:

   • Raise your head during sleep: Use additional pillows to raise your head during sleep. This helps prevent mucus draining along the back of the pharynx and reduce the night cough.
   • Avoid lying immediately after eating: After eating, stay in an upright position for at least 30 minutes to prevent reflux of acid in the esophagus that can cause a cough.

7. Refusal of smoking and avoiding irritants:

   • Refusal of smoking: Smoking irritates the respiratory tract and exacerbates the cough. Refusal of smoking is one of the most important steps to facilitate coughing and improve the health of the lungs.
   • Availability of irritants: Try to avoid the effects of smoke, air pollution, chemicals and other irritants that can cause cough. Use your face mask if you need to be in a contaminated environment.

8. Diet:

   • Mitten throat: Use products that soften the throat, such as soups, yogurts and fruit puree.
   • Avoid reflux products: Limit the consumption of fatty, fried and spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol and chocolate, which can cause reflux acid into the esophagus and aggravate the cough.

9. Propolis:
   Natural antibiotic: Propolis, a product of beekeeping, is known for its antibacterial, antiviral and anti -inflammatory properties. It can help in the fight against infections that cause dry cough, and soften the irritated throat.
   Methods of application: Propolis can be found in various forms, including sprays for the throat, tinctures and tablets for resorption. The throat spray can be used several times a day to facilitate coughing. Propolis tincture can be diluted with water and used to rinse the throat.
   Cautions: People with allergies to beekeeping products should avoid the use of propolis.

10. Essential oils (external use):

    • Compresses with essential oils: Dilute a few drops of essential oil (for example, eucalyptus, mint or lavender) in vegetable oil (for example, coconut or olive). Apply the mixture to the chest and back, avoiding the area of the heart. Cover with a warm towel.
    • Massage with essential oils: Mix essential oil with plant and make a light massage of the chest and back. This will help to relax the muscles and relieve breathing.
    • It is important to remember: Essential oils are very concentrated, so they should always be diluted before applying to the skin. It is not recommended to use essential oils for children under 2 years old without consulting a doctor. Pregnant and lactating women should also consult a doctor before using essential oils.

Section 3: When to see a doctor

1. Cough duration: If a dry cough lasts more than three weeks, you must consult a doctor to identify the cause.

2. Severe symptoms: Contact the doctor immediately if you have the following symptoms:

   • Difficult breathing or shortness of breath: There may be a sign of serious lung diseases, such as asthma, pneumonia or COPD.
   • Pain in the chest: It can be a sign of pneumonia, pleurisy or other heart disease and lungs.
   • High temperature (above 38.5 ° C): A sign of infection.
   • Blood in sputum: It requires an immediate examination to exclude serious diseases, such as tuberculosis or lung cancer.
   • Walking breathing: It can be a sign of asthma or other respiratory diseases.
   • Weakness and dizziness: There may be a sign of dehydration or other serious diseases.
   • Facial edema or throat: It may be a sign of an allergic reaction.

3. Related diseases: If you have concomitant diseases, such as asthma, COPD, heart failure or diabetes, you should consult a doctor when dry cough appears.

4. Childhood:

   • Babies and small children: Dry cough in babies and young children can be a sign of serious diseases such as bronchiolitis or cereals. Contact the doctor immediately.
   • Signs of respiratory failure in children: Farly breathing, reclining of intercostal spaces, turning lips or fingertips are signs of respiratory failure, requiring immediate medical care.

5. Suspicion of pertussis: If you or your child have bouts of strong coughing, ending with a characteristic whistling sound, consult a doctor to exclude whooping cough.

6. Medication: If you take medications that can cause dry cough, consult a doctor to discuss alternative treatment options.

Section 4: Diagnostics and treatment of dry cough

1. Anamnesis collection and physical examination: The doctor will ask you questions about the nature of coughing, accompanying symptoms, the history of diseases and medications taken. He will also conduct a physical examination, including lung listening and inspection of the throat.

2. Diagnostic tests: Depending on your symptoms and medical history, the doctor may prescribe the following diagnostic tests:

   • Chest x -ray: To exclude pneumonia, tuberculosis or other lung diseases.
   • Blood test: To identify infection or other diseases.
   • Allergy test: To identify allergens causing cough.
   • Spirometry: To assess the function of the lungs and identify asthma or COPD.
   • Bronchoscopy: To inspect the respiratory tract and take fabric samples for analysis.
   • GERB TEST: To detect gastroesophageal reflux disease.

3. Medication: Depending on the cause of dry cough, the doctor may prescribe the following medicines:

   • Antitratus drugs: Suppress the cough reflex. It should be used with caution and only as prescribed by a doctor.
   • Expending drugs: Dilige the mucus and facilitate its excretion. It is not recommended for dry coughing, since it is not accompanied by the release of sputum.
   • Bronchodilators: Expand the respiratory tract and facilitate breathing. Used for asthma and COPD.
   • Inhalation corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. Used for asthma and COPD.
   • Antihistamines: Block the action of histamine, substances that cause allergic reactions. Used for allergic cough.
   • Antibiotics: Used to treat bacterial infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
   • Proton pump inhibitors (IPP): Reduce acid production in the stomach. Used to treat GERB.

4. Other treatment methods:

   • Physiotherapy: Respiratory exercises and postural drainage can help improve the function of the lungs and alleviate the cough.
   • Surgical treatment: In rare cases, surgical treatment may be required to eliminate the cause of dry cough, for example, with lung tumors or respiratory tract anomalies.

Section 5: Dry cough prevention

1. Hygiene: Regular washing of hands with soap and water helps to prevent the spread of viral infections causing cough.

2. Vaccination: Vaccination against influenza and pneumococcal infection can help prevent diseases that can cause cough.

3. Avoid contact with patients: Try to avoid contact with people suffering from SARS or influenza.

4. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Proper nutrition, sufficient sleep and regular physical exercises help strengthen immunity and prevent diseases.

5. Refusal of smoking and avoiding irritants: As already mentioned, the rejection of smoking and the avoidance of environmental irritants help to prevent the irritation of the respiratory tract and cough.

6. Regular wet cleaning: Maintaining cleanliness in the house, especially regular wet cleaning, helps to reduce the amount of dust and allergens that can provoke dry cough.

7. Using air filter: The air filter can help remove a particle of dust, pollen and other allergens from the air, reducing the risk of respiratory tract irritation.

8. Allergy control: If you know that you are allergic, try to avoid contact with allergens and take antihistamines as a doctor’s prescription.

9. Timely treatment of diseases: Timely treatment of diseases, such as asthma and GERB, helps prevent the development of dry cough.

Section 6: Dry cough in children

1. The causes of dry cough in children: The causes of dry cough in children can be the same as in adults, but there are some features:

   • Upper respiratory tract infections: SARS, flu, cereals (laryngotracheobronhit).
   • Allergies: Allergy to pollen, animal hair, dust mites.
   • Asthma: It often manifests itself in the form of dry cough, especially at night or after physical exertion.
   • Foreign body in the respiratory tract: Small children can accidentally inhale small objects that can cause a cough.
   • Pertussis: Highly contagious bacterial disease, especially dangerous for babies.

2. Home remedies for children:

   • Honey: Only for children over one year old. 1-2 teaspoons before bedtime or with coughing attacks.
   • Air moisture: Use air humidifier or inhalation with steam.
   • Abundant drink: Offer your child often drink warm water, herbal teas or broths.
   • Half up the throat with saline: For children over 6 years old who can rinse the throat.
   • Raising the head during sleep: Use additional pillows to raise the baby’s head during sleep.

3. When to see a doctor:

   • Infants up to 3 months: With any cough, you must consult a doctor.
   • Difficult breathing or shortness of breath: Seek medical help immediately.
   • High temperature (above 38 ° C): A sign of infection.
   • Walking breathing: It can be a sign of asthma or other respiratory diseases.
   • Blue lips or fingertips: A sign of respiratory failure.
   • Refusal of food or drinking: It may be a sign of a serious disease.
   • Drowsiness or lethargy: Signs of general malaise.
   • Attacks of strong coughing ending with a whistling sound: Suspicion of whooping cough.

4. Drug treatment for children:

   • Do not give children cough medicines without a doctor’s prescription. Many cough medicines are not recommended for young children and can have side effects.
   • The doctor may prescribe medications depending on the cause of the cough: Astma broncholitics, antihistamines for allergies, antibiotics for bacterial infection.

Section 7: Myths and errors about dry cough

1. Myth: Dry cough is always a sign of a cold.

   • Reality: Dry cough can be caused by many factors, including allergies, asthma, GERB, environmental irritants and taking some drugs.

2. Myth: Antibiotics help with dry coughing.

   • Reality: Antibiotics are effective only with bacterial infections. Dry cough is most often caused by viral infections against which antibiotics do not affect.

3. Myth: Cough medicines are always effective.

   • Reality: The effectiveness of cough medicines varies depending on the cause of the cough and the individual characteristics of the body. Some drugs may have side effects.

4. Myth: The dry cough will pass by itself.

   • Reality: In most cases, dry coughing passes on its own within a few days or weeks. However, if the cough lasts longer than three weeks or is accompanied by severe symptoms, you must consult a doctor.

5. Myth: Honey can be given to children of any age.

   • Reality: Honey cannot be given to children under one year old due to the risk of botulism.

6. Myth: Inhalations with essential oils are safe for everyone.

   • Reality: Essential oils can be dangerous for young children, pregnant and lactating women. Before using essential oils, you need to consult a doctor.

Section 8: Modern research on dry coughing

1. Honey efficiency: Numerous studies confirm the effectiveness of honey in the treatment of cough, especially in children. Honey has antibacterial and anti -inflammatory properties that help fight infection and reduce inflammation.

2. The role of air moisturizing: Studies show that hydration of air can help reduce the irritation of the respiratory tract and alleviate the cough.

3. Influence probiotic: Some studies suggest that probiotics can strengthen immunity and reduce the risk of developing respiratory infections causing coughing.

4. Alternative treatment methods: Alternative methods of treating dry cough, such as acupuncture, yoga and meditation are investigated.

5. New drugs: New drugs for coughing are being developed, which have higher efficiency and smaller number of side effects.

Section 9: Life with chronic dry cough

1. Psychological influence: Chronic dry cough can have a significant impact on the psychological state of a person, causing irritability, anxiety, depression and social isolation.

2. Symptoms Management Strategies:

   • Definition and avoidance of triggers: Identify the factors that provoke a cough and try to avoid them.
   • Regular physical exercises: Physical exercises help strengthen immunity and improve the function of the lungs.
   • Respiratory exercises: Respiratory exercises can help relax muscles and relieve breathing.
   • Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques, such as meditation and yoga, can help reduce stress and anxiety.
   • Family and friends support: Communication with family and friends can help cope with the psychological influence of chronic cough.

3. Search for professional assistance: If a chronic dry cough has a significant impact on your life, consult a doctor or psychologist to receive professional assistance.

Section 10: forecast and prospects

1. Forecast: The forecast of dry cough depends on the cause. In most cases, dry coughing passes by itself or is successfully treated with home remedies and drug treatment.

2. Prospects: The development of new methods of diagnosis and treatment of dry coughing opens up new prospects for improving the quality of life of people suffering from this common disease. Studies on the development of more effective drugs, alternative treatment methods and strategies for managing symptoms of chronic coughing are ongoing.

This detailed article provides a comprehensive overview of dry cough, covering its definition, types, causes, symptoms, home remedies, when to seek medical attention, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, myths, modern research, living with chronic dry cough, and prognosis. It is structured for easy reading and SEO-optimized with relevant keywords. The article emphasizes the importance of consulting a doctor for persistent or severe cough.