- Common Causes of Cough
- Types of cough
- Allergic cough
- Dry cough
- Cough with phlegm
- Cough Remedies
- Home treatment for cough
Cough is a vital reflex of the organism, usually caused by the presence of a foreign body in the airways or inhalation of toxic substances.
Dry coughs, cough with phlegm and allergic cough can also be one of the symptoms related to the flu, cold, pneumonia, bronchitis, whooping cough and many other diseases. The consumption of syrups, honey and antitussive drugs can often cure cough, although it is only really cured by eliminating its cause.
Common Causes of Cough
Some situations that favor the onset and persistence of cough can be:
- Flu or cold; Sinusitis; Rhinitis, laryngitis or pharyngitis; Acute bronchitis; Asthma crisis; Bronchiectasis; Exposure to allergy-causing substances such as pollen or mites; Side effect of medicines for the heart; Pneumonia; Edema or pulmonary embolism.
Thus, to find out what may be causing a cough, one should observe if there are other symptoms present that can help in the diagnosis and inform the doctor.
The doctor may order some tests such as the respiratory function test, spirometry, bronchial challenge test and peak expiratory flow. If more serious diseases are suspected, X-rays of the chest and face may also be performed.
Types of cough
There are several types of cough, the main ones are:
Allergic cough
Allergic cough is characterized by a persistent dry cough that occurs whenever the individual is exposed to what he is allergic to, which may be cat or dog hair, dust or pollen from flowers or certain plants, for example. Its treatment can be done by taking antihistamine remedies, such as Hixizine, but it is important to avoid contact with the allergen so that the cough is really cured.
Dry cough
A dry cough can be caused by an irritation in the throat caused by the inhalation of smoke, cigarettes or foreign objects in the airways, for example, and discovering its cause is fundamental to the success of the treatment. Water is a good natural remedy that can help in the treatment of dry cough, as it will keep your throat hydrated, calming your cough.
Cough with phlegm
Cough with phlegm can be caused by respiratory illnesses, such as the flu, cold or respiratory infection, for example. In this case, it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as body pain and sometimes fever. Its treatment can be done with the use of cough remedies that help eliminate phlegm, but always under medical guidance to avoid complications.
Cough Remedies
Some examples of cough remedies are:
- Vick's syrupCodeineMelagion
Cough remedies should only be used under medical guidance, because if the individual is coughing with phlegm and taking a medication that acts to inhibit cough, the phlegm may accumulate in the lungs causing complications, such as pneumonia, and if if the individual has an allergic cough and is taking cough medicine, it will have no results.
Home treatment for cough
In addition to the consumption of medications prescribed by the doctor, for the home treatment of cough is advised:
- Do not sleep with wet hair; Keep feet warm, wearing socks; Keep your throat always well hydrated, constantly drinking water; Avoid staying in places with drafts; Dress appropriately according to the season; Avoid staying in dusty places.
These precautions are simple to follow and can help control dry, allergic or phlegm coughs. However, if the cough persists for more than 7 days, a doctor should be consulted.
Check out how to prepare various recipes against cough in the following video:
