Cough is a common symptom in various lung pathologies. It can occur in both children and adults. If you do not treat it, then serious complications are possible. In addition, in some cases, the cause of coughing may not be in colds. This can be bronchial asthma and other diseases that threaten the patient's life. This article gives tips on what to do if you have a very bad cough. In which case, you should definitely consult a doctor, and when you can try the treatment at home.
Common causes of dry and wet cough in adults and children
In medicine, a prolonged lingering cough is considered one that lasts more than three weeks. This pathology occurs at any time of the year and in people of any age and gender. Medicine classifies the following varieties, depending on what the methods of treating a very strong cough will differ:
- According to the presence, consistency and intensity of sputum production, the cough can be dry and wet. Dry is called unproductive. The patient is disturbed by obsessive coughing movements. Over time, they cause sharp and excruciating pain in the trachea, bronchi, chest and abdominal muscles. An unproductive cough most often appears due to nonspecific irritation of the sensitive receptors of the larynx, trachea, and pleura. In bronchitis, tuberculosis, pneumonia, laryngitis and some other chronic diseases of the larynx, unproductive coughing is the only form of cough. A wet cough is called productive. Depending on the presence, consistency and intensity of sputum production, various diseases will be diagnosed: mucous sputum indicates viral pathologies, vitreous characteristic of bronchial asthma, rusty with veins of the insect - for heart disease.
- There is a classification of cough by duration, that is, by the time parameter. It can be sudden (most often occurs when a foreign body or dust enters the respiratory tract) - it lasts only two to three seconds, accompanied by tearing and lack of air. The patient may have a reddening face, if you do not remove a foreign object from the respiratory tract, a person may begin to suffocate. A very strong cough in a child or adult can also be prolonged and reach several minutes of continuous contraction of the larynx. May also be accompanied by tearing and lack of air. A very strong cough in a child or adult can also be chronic, do not go away for several months, one attack lasts about a minute, several times a day. It is characteristic of chronic bronchitis or emphysema, reflux disease of the stomach, bronchial asthma, bronchiectasis, allergies, heart failure. The most formidable causes of prolonged coughing are lung cancer and tuberculosis.
- In terms of rhythm and sound, a very strong cough can be barking (develops with inflammation of the epiglottis), with a metallic tinge of sounding (with bronchitis of various etiologies), wheezing (characteristic of inflammation of the bronchioles), bitonal (that is, wheezing at the beginning, and finally wheezing) characteristic in the presence of a foreign body in the nasopharynx or larynx. Sometimes a bitonal dry cough indicates a tumor.
- Cough can be different in intensity and strength. Medicine distinguishes not only a mild cough or a strong cough, but also moderate intensity. As a rule, low intensity does not indicate a low degree of health problem. for example, with tuberculosis, coughing can be quite mild, and the disease can be fatal. The most severe cough shock in whooping cough. This disease is accompanied by a very strong dry cough, specific, paroxysmal and very high intensity.
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Unusual causes of coughing in children
There are also relatively rare causes of the development of pathology.
- Psychogenic cough, characteristic mainly for primary school children. A child in a stressful environment (for example, a transition to a new school or kindergarten) begins to manifest a variety of conflicting symptoms. He does not pretend: in this case, a very strong dry cough can be triggered by psychosomatic causes. for his therapy, drugs with sedative effect are used, as well as the child the necessary consultations of a psychologist.
- Spastic cough and false croup are types of cough that are characteristic only for children of preschool and primary school age. Spastic syndrome is characteristic of obstructive bronchitis. in this process, viscous sputum also leaves the lungs. It is difficult for a child to breathe air, with the advanced form of the disease, death can occur due to lack of air. False croup develops with laryngitis, when swelling of the mucous membrane occurs. Difficulty in breathing is characteristic, as in spastic syndrome.
- Betolepsy is a rather rare syndrome in medicine, most often appears in children of primary school age. An attack of a very strong cough is accompanied by a loss of consciousness, a short swoon. The danger of this condition is that it can be fatal due to obstruction of the airways. It indicates vascular pathology, impaired blood circulation of the brain, severe intoxication.
What is pneumonia, its signs and methods of treatment
This is an acute lesion of the respiratory tract during the infectious and inflammatory process. Pneumonia is equally common in both children and adults. The clinical picture for this disease is as follows:
- the patient is weak, inoperative;
- dizziness, fainting, loss of consciousness;
- fever, fever, chills;
- very strong cough, before vomiting;
- Coughing up sputum contains mucus, sometimes a throat, streaks of blood.
The development of pneumonia is caused by some special bacteria that can enter the human body through the air in contact with an already infected patient. These are gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, mycoplasmas, some fungal infections.
Particularly susceptible to the development of pneumonia are adults who regularly abuse alcohol and smoke. Nicotine, tar, ethyl alcohol have a detrimental effect on the mucous membrane of the bronchi, contributing to the development of chronic respiratory diseases. Subsequently, they can lead to the development of acute pathologies that threaten life. Pneumonia is just one of these complications.
But kids are most often infected from each other or from adults. Pneumonia can be infected by airborne droplets or by domestic means.
Medicine distinguishes primary, secondary, postoperative varieties of the disease. Depending on the individual state of health of the patient and the degree of the disease, the therapy will differ. Serious antibacterial drugs may be prescribed. If pneumonia is accompanied by a very strong cough, fever, loss of consciousness, fever - you should immediately call an ambulance. It is impossible to independently try to bring down the thermometer with the help of paracetamol-based products or alternative methods of therapy. It is not enough just to bring down the temperature - you need to kill the infections that caused inflammation of the respiratory tract. This is only possible with antibacterial drugs.
Bronchial asthma - the cause of cough
For a long time it was believed that the main cause of bronchial asthma is a hereditary factor, but recent studies have shown that allergic manifestations have similar symptoms. The deterioration of the environment, air quality and food consumed leads to an annual increase in the number of people suffering from bronchial asthma.
In addition to the hereditary factor, the following factors can directly or indirectly affect the development of bronchial asthma:
- endocrine disorders;
- diabetes;
- frequent pneumonia and other inflammatory infections of the respiratory tract;
- obesity and overweight, shortness of breath;
- excessive athletic loads;
- constant psycho-emotional arousal, stress.
Manifestations of bronchial asthma are as follows:
- the person begins to choke;
- very strong cough;
- fear of dying;
- tearing;
- panic and phobias of death.
I must say that such phobias are not based on an empty spot - asthma in the absence of adequate treatment can lead to death. A very strong adult cough can lead to asphyxia, that is, to death due to lack of air.
Types of cough with bronchial asthma:
- Wet, with sputum, in which streaks of blood may be observed. The more sputum is inside the bronchial cavity, the narrower its lumen. For this reason, it becomes difficult for the patient to breathe and asphyxiation may occur. A very strong cough with sputum can be one of the symptoms of bronchial asthma.
- Dry barking cough is more characteristic for this disease. It can be prolonged and severely exhaust the patient; as a result, specific treatment is needed that will help free the bronchial lumen and ensure normal breathing for the patient with bronchial asthma.
Pharyngitis and laryngitis as a cause of cough
People far from otolaryngology often confuse these two diseases. Pharyngitis and laryngitis, despite their similarities, have many differences. An experienced otolaryngologist can easily distinguish these diseases from each other.
Both pharyngitis and laryngitis are characterized by the appearance of a very strong dry cough in an adult.
In this case, laryngitis is accompanied by:
- a change in voice (it becomes low, hoarse, bass even in women);
- increased body temperature (usually up to 38-39 degrees, if the thermometer creeps higher, you should contact an ambulance, it may be undiagnosed pneumonia);
- sore throat, sensation of pain in ligaments;
- mild inflammation of the lymph nodes;
- redness, swelling, sore throat and nasopharynx.
Laryngitis is an infectious disease and is accompanied by weakness, decreased performance, apathy, drowsiness.
Pharyngitis is also characterized by the appearance of a very strong cough in an adult. How to treat such inflammatory infections? First you need to contact the otolaryngologist for the appointment of drugs. Alternative methods for inflammation are often powerless, and only contribute to the transition of the inflammatory process to the chronic stage. As a result, the treatment will be even longer and more expensive. In order to avoid complications, it is better to consult a doctor immediately.
A very strong cough is characteristic of laryngitis and pharyngitis. Folk remedies that can be used are different: badger fat for rubbing the chest, a decoction of mint and calendula, mustard plasters on the back. However, any otolaryngologist will confirm that three days of taking a high-quality antibiotic will give a better effect than two weeks of therapy with folk remedies.
Tuberculosis, its symptoms and treatment methods
At different stages of tuberculosis, coughing may vary. The disease is extremely serious - at the slightest suspicion it is necessary to consult a doctor. You can not try to self-medicate and use folk remedies. This can be fatal.
The main forms of tuberculosis and their characteristic symptoms:
- Latent tuberculosis is characterized by relatively small changes in the tissues of the respiratory tract. Cough with mycobacterial infection of this type does not pose a threat to others. However, in the absence of adequate treatment, the disease most often progresses to a more serious form.
- Infiltrative tuberculosis is expressed in the accumulation of a large number of cellular elements with a blood admixture. The accumulated infiltrate in the lungs partially comes out with a very strong cough in an adult, while sputum with a blood flow is released. Discharges from the lungs may be yellowish, greenish - this is a sure sign of serious lung problems.
- The cavernous form of pulmonary lesion is accompanied by a very strong cough, before vomiting, in an adult, in which hemoptysis develops. This is a very dangerous process, which often leads to the development of internal bleeding, and then to death.
- Total damage to lung cells occurs with cirrhotic tuberculosis. Tissues are completely destroyed. This process is accompanied by a very strong cough, which causes acute pain to the patient. This is the rare case when the pathology of the lungs is accompanied by pain.
How to cure a very strong cough if tuberculosis is suspected? Firstly, it is forbidden to try to be treated at home. This can lead to infection of all family members, which can lead to adverse consequences (up to death). Treatment of tuberculosis patients is carried out in special clinics, where healthy people are not allowed to enter. After the infection leaves the patient’s blood, he will have to be in quarantine for some time in order to check if a relapse occurs.
Inflammation of the larynx and nasopharynx - treatment methods
Simple inflammation, even banal tonsillitis, can also trigger a cough. Most often in this case it is with phlegm. It does not have blood cells or veins. Color - transparent, density - medium. If sputum has a yellowish tint, while accompanied by a very strong cough (bronchitis is excluded by the doctor), then you should be wary. It may be laryngitis.
Simple inflammation of the larynx or nasopharynx can be successfully treated at home. How to treat a very strong cough if it is accompanied by sore throat, inflammation of the lymph nodes, while the temperature is not higher than 37 degrees?
- Honey and beekeeping products are an excellent remedy for inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx, larynx, and lungs. Slowly dissolve a teaspoon of fresh flower honey once an hour. If there is a honeycomb, slowly chew them until completely dissolved. After a couple of days of such therapy, cough and sore throat will decrease.
- Infusion of calendula and peppermint: pour 200 ml of boiling water over a teaspoon of dry chopped herbs. Take hot one hour before meals or three hours after. Helps reduce cough and sore throat; the anti-inflammatory properties of calendula help reduce the amount of sputum produced.
- Mustard plasters on the lung area on the chest and back are a great way to speed up sputum removal and get rid of sore throats. You should gradually increase the time for which mustard plasters remain on the body. Start with two minutes to prevent skin burns. After a week of daily procedures, the time can be increased to ten minutes.
Smoking and coughing: addiction
Nicotine and tar are damaging to the lungs. Alveoli and bronchi, as well as the structure of lung tissue, suffer. Breathing becomes fetid; in the mornings the smoker has a very strong cough.
If a person smokes more than five cigarettes daily, and he is followed by a strong cough, you should not look for reasons from the outside, you should quit the bad habit and the problem will disappear. In order to quit smoking, there are many means - an electronic cigarette, NLP, hypnosis, vape, current books (for example, A. Carr’s “An Easy Way to Quit Smoking”). The main condition is the desire of the smoker to quit.
If in the morning the cough began to be accompanied by a discharge of sputum with an anemone and blood streaks - you should be wary, undergo fluorography or radiography. It should be remembered that smokers are more prone to the appearance of neoplasms in lung tissues more than other people.
What is whooping cough and how does it manifest, treatment methods
Contrary to popular belief, pertussis is diagnosed not only in children but also in adults. Most often, students from seven to twelve years old suffer from the disease.
The main symptom of the disease is a prolonged, paroxysmal, dry or wet cough. At the same time, the temperature may not rise to critical values - it all depends on the stage of the disease. The exacerbation of the disease most often begins in late summer - early autumn, in some cases, the disease reaches such a scale that you have to close schools for quarantine. It is transmitted by airborne droplets and by household. In the first four weeks after infection, the bacterium exhibits maximum activity in the body of the infected person, therefore, infection of other people is most likely during this period.
If there is a suspicion of pertussis in the child and a very strong cough, what should I do? It is necessary to consult a doctor, from the second stage of the disease, hospitalization, the selection of an active antibacterial agent and treatment are necessary. At home, treatment may be ineffective, as a result, pertussis progresses to the third stage. This will be expressed in inflammation of the middle ear, emphysema, bronchopneumonia, numerous bacterial complications.
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- Stop smoking in any form. Hookahs and electronic cigarettes also carry an unnecessary load to the lung and trachea. If there are pathogenic bacteria in the throat, even relatively safe smoking of a hookah can contribute to the entry of pathogenic microflora into the lungs. As a result, pleurisy, pneumonia, bronchitis may develop.
- Avoid hypothermia of the head, feet, lower back. In the cold season, be sure to wear a scarf and hat. Often for a cold, just five minutes in the cold is enough. Sudden changes in temperature can lead to inflammation of the nasopharynx, from where the bacteria descend into the larynx, and then into the bronchi.
- Do not drink cold drinks in large sips. Ice cream must be eaten carefully. If a person has low immunity, it is likely that inflammation of the throat or nasopharynx will lead to the development of a lesion, which, in turn, will lead to inflammation of the trachea, bronchi, lung tissue.
- Caution should be taken in using alternative methods of therapy - for lung diseases, they are most often powerless. If the cough is strong and without sputum separation, you should certainly see a doctor and determine the exact diagnosis. This will help get adequate treatment and get rid of the problem within a few days.