Respiratory organs more often than other body systems are exposed to the negative effects of various viruses and bacteria. Even simple hypothermia can cause a serious catarrhal disease, which is accompanied by fever, malaise, runny nose and cough. As a rule, treatment of a cold takes 1-2 weeks, but if during this time the patient does not recover, this indicates the severity of the disease.
Causes of chronic cough
Foreign particles, mucus and sputum that enter the respiratory system, have an irritating effect on the mucous membranes of organs, which causes a cough. A protracted cold often develops into chronic bronchitis, the exacerbation of which occurs every 2-3 months for several years. In this case, the main symptom of the disease is a chronic cough. The causes of exacerbation of the disease are as follows:
- frequent hypothermia;
- infectious diseases of the respiratory system (flu, tonsillitis, tonsillitis, etc.);
- viral disease (ARVI, ARI).
By the way, chronic cough is not always associated with respiratory tract disease. Such manifestations can occur in both heavy smokers and people working in harmful enterprises.
There are two main reasons for the development of the chronic stage of bronchitis:
- Treatment of the acute form of the disease was ineffective or incomplete, which gave a complication.
- The patient's work is associated with harmful production, where a person inhales dust, fumes of chemical compounds and toxic substances. Foreign particles in the process of breathing fall into the bronchi, where they settle, which leads to changes in the structure of the mucous membranes.
What diseases can hide under a chronic cough?
Chronic cough in most cases occurs due to asthma, postnasal syndrome and heartburn. Less commonly, various infections, lung diseases, and allergic reactions to drugs become the cause of its appearance.
Postnasal syndrome is characterized by profuse discharge from the nasal cavity. Mucus flowing down the nasopharynx has an irritating effect, which causes a chronic cough. Treatment, first of all, should be aimed at eliminating the primary signs of the disease: a runny nose and nasal congestion. Such a syndrome occurs in patients suffering from frequent colds, allergies, sinusitis, etc.
Chronic cough is a common occurrence in an asthmatic condition. Sometimes it can be accompanied by concomitant symptoms: shortness of breath and wheezing. Deterioration of health and increased cough reflex can be caused by various respiratory infections. Cold and dry air, as well as vapors and aromas of various substances can also trigger exacerbation of asthma.
Acid from the stomach into the esophagus leads to heartburn. Since it irritates the mucous membranes of the larynx, a chronic cough may occur.
Respiratory infections caused by infections can lead to a protracted cough, which sometimes lasts more than 1.5 months. During the illness, severe irritation of the respiratory tract occurs, which causes exacerbation. In this situation, first of all, attention should be paid to the treatment of the underlying disease.
Cough in chronic bronchitis is the main symptom. It occurs due to irritation of the bronchi - the branches of the respiratory throat. This disease is most often affected by smokers.
Eosinophilic bronchitis is one of the types of inflammatory processes that occur in the respiratory system. Often, it becomes the cause of cough, including chronic. This diagnosis is not as common as asthma. The clinical picture of the disease is similar to asthmatic manifestations. Sputum accumulates in the bronchi, and the results of a biopsy reveal eosinophil cells that provoke the development of the disease. But when undergoing respiratory tests, asthmatic symptoms are not detected.
What types of chronic cough are
As you can see, a chronic cough in an adult can be caused by various diseases. An accurate diagnosis and an effective course of therapy can only be made by a specialist after conducting an examination and obtaining research results.
In medical practice, there are three main types of chronic cough:
- A deaf, cough lasting for a long time can indicate serious diseases of the respiratory system (for example, pneumonia).
- Chronic dry cough (barking) occurs when viruses that enter the bronchi penetrate the body, and also irritate the mucous membranes of the larynx and vocal cords.
- An angry cough is a clear symptom of an asthmatic condition and whooping cough.
Diagnostic Methods
To establish the true cause of the cough, you must consult a doctor. Tell him about your physical condition and symptoms, and go through the tests prescribed by the doctor.
A chest x-ray may be required if a chronic cough lasts more than 8 weeks. If asthma is suspected, a pulmonary function test is prescribed. During the procedure, the flow of air that enters and leaves the lungs is measured.
If the patient complains of heartburn, after which the cough reflex begins, a pH test is prescribed. Thus, the level of acidity is measured in the esophagus. If it is recommended to undergo endoscopy, it means that it became necessary to determine the factors irritating the esophagus and obtain a biopsy.
If there is a suspicion of an allergic origin of cough, you will need to pass an allergy test. In addition, to determine the correct diagnosis, the doctor can prescribe a general analysis of blood, urine and, if necessary, ECG and CT.
We treat dry cough in an adult
Before proceeding with cough treatment, it is important to identify what caused the irritation. It can be viruses, bacteria and even fungi. Depending on the nature of the pathogen, the following drugs are used:
- "Summamed" and "Azithromycin" - when infected with bacteria.
- From a viral infection - "Acyclovir" and "Arbidol".
- "Nystatin" and "Thermicon" - if the disease is caused by fungi.
Any drug should be prescribed by a doctor. Self-medication can lead to a deterioration in the physical condition of the patient and complicate the healing process.
After the true causes of the disease have been identified and treatment prescribed, they begin to combat the manifestations, which is a dry cough. The patient is credited with mucolytic agents (Lazolvan or Bromhexine) that improve secretion in the bronchi. To remove sputum, expectorant drugs are prescribed: "Althea root", ACC, and others. Thanks to these drugs, a cough from an unproductive phase passes into a productive one, which, together with sputum, allows the removal of pathogens.
With an allergic cough, antihistamines are prescribed:
- Claritin
- Loratadine;
- Suprastin.
For infections of the larynx (pharyngitis and laryngitis), irrigation sprays are used. They have anesthetic and disinfecting effect and relieve swelling of the mucous membrane.
Dry cough in children - how to treat?
Chronic cough in a child has more severe manifestations than in adults. Therapies for young patients should be gentle. So, potent drugs are prescribed only for severe illness.
As painkillers use "Nurofen" in the form of a syrup or a suspension of "Panadol". And as expectorant and mucolytic agents, the syrup "Doctor Tyss", "Doctor Mom" and "Lazolvan" are considered effective.
If the disease is caused by microbes, Biseptolum or analogue drugs are prescribed.
Treatment with antibiotics should be prescribed by a doctor and under his strict supervision. The duration of therapy and the dosage of drugs is determined by a specialist. Also, when prescribing antibiotics (for children this is “Cefodox” or “Sumamed”), probiotics (“Lynx”) are prescribed to restore intestinal microflora.
To improve the condition of a sick child, it is recommended to carry out wet cleaning in the room, ventilate the rooms to ensure normal humidity in the apartment. Also, the child should drink a lot of warm liquid.
When the first symptoms of the disease appear, be sure to show the baby to the pediatrician.
Alternative methods of treatment
Traditional medicine in such cases advises:
- If you have a cold, drink warm milk or tea with lemon. Since vitamin C is involved in the suppression of diseases caused by bacteria and viruses, you can make teas with currants, raspberries and limes.
- Gargling can reduce laryngeal irritation. Soda, saline or iodine solutions are used for this procedure.
- For the treatment of dry cough, herbal decoctions are used. The most effective plants are thyme, chamomile, licorice root and calendula. It is best to use herbal preparations. Decoctions can be used to gargle.
- Inhalations with essential oils (lemon balm, eucalyptus, coniferous extracts) have proven themselves in the treatment of bronchitis.
Prevention
Preventing the disease is easier than curing, so you need to adhere to certain rules:
- Do not supercool.
- Observe hygiene after visiting public places.
- The diet should include foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
- It is necessary to gradually temper the body.
- Ventilate the room and often be outdoors.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- In the case of an epidemiological situation, observe the mask regimen.
These simple recommendations will help prevent the disease and strengthen your body. If you suspect that you have a chronic cough, the symptoms may indicate the development of a serious illness, so you should not delay a visit to the doctor.