A barking cough is a dry, sharp cough that resembles the sound of a barking. The type of this cough is most often associated with laryngotracheitis or, as it is also called, croup. Laryngotracheitis causes inflammation and swelling of the area around the larynx. Sometimes this edema can lead to blockage or obstruction of the airways. Children are especially vulnerable in such cases, as they have small airways. For children, a barking cough can be especially dangerous, as it is a sign of a dangerous condition for the child's life, for example, obstruction of the respiratory tract.
A barking cough can also cause diphtheria or epiglottis infection. Sometimes a barking cough may come from a common cold. Therefore, it is urgent to seek qualified medical help.
Symptoms of barking cough.
Barking cough in adults is also accompanied by other signs, depending on the state of the disease and the disorder of the body.
The cause of a barking cough may be croup, which begins like a common cold, accompanied by fever, runny nose, loss of appetite and cough.
As the disease progresses, the cough acquires the sound of a bark, which is accompanied by an unusual sound of breathing and hoarseness. Barking cough in adults and children has the following symptoms:
- flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, sore throat, headache);
- nausea;
- hoarse voice;
- nose sensitivity, runny nose;
- a sore throat;
vomiting
- shortness of breath;
- Lymph nodes on the neck increase.
Less common symptoms of barking cough are:
- loss of appetite;
diarrhea
- bad breath;
- fatigue;
- rash;
- joint pain;
- unexplained weight loss.
Life-threatening symptoms:
- change of voice;
- chills and fever;
- destruction of muscles in the neck, as well as between the ribs;
- coloring of lips, nails and skin in a bluish-pale color;
- salivation;
- difficulty speaking, breathing, swallowing;
- severe irritability;
- lethargy, fainting and lack of appetite.
Life-threatening and serious causes of barking cough:
- acute asthma attacks;
- epiglottitis (infections of the epiglottis caused by infection);
- diphtheria (acute bacterial infection).
Complications
A barking cough can cause an inflammatory process that can lead to complications. Such a cough is very life-threatening, especially for children. In the event of an unexplained cough, you should immediately consult a doctor. When the doctor diagnoses the underlying cause, you should follow the treatment prescribed by the doctor specifically for you to reduce the risk of complications:
- respiratory arrest;
- respiratory failure;
- airway occlusion.
How to treat a barking cough.
An urgent need to see a doctor and follow his instructions. Do not resort to self-medication and folk remedies. The attending physician prescribes each individual treatment, which is based on your symptoms.
This is usually a combination of:
- mucolytic agents;
- antibacterial drugs.
If a child is sick, you can not leave him alone at night, since an attack can provoke a short-term breath holding. Inhalation with the drug “Berodual” helps children well (it must be poured into a special reservoir of the inhaler). He is able to relax the smooth muscles of the bronchi, facilitates the condition of the baby. The correct diet of the child with persistent cough is important. Remember that spicy dishes and too salty seasonings irritate the bronchial mucosa and can cause a painful cough. Non-irritating food is one of the most important moments of treatment, contributing to a quick recovery. Give your child a weak broth, cereals and mashed fruits (citrus fruits are not recommended). Do not use alcohol-based throat sprays - this can cause deterioration.