A lot of painful feelings are caused by an unproductive cough. What is it - even a child knows. The patient suffers from discomfort in the throat, loses the ability to breathe and talk normally. In addition, dealing with a problem is sometimes very difficult. No less important are its causes, which can turn out to be both a harmless catarrhal disease and more severe pathologies.
What is a cough?
Regardless of the characteristics, cough is not an independent ailment - it is just a symptom. Its basis is the reflex, which allows you to clean the respiratory system from the resulting mucus or foreign bodies. Thanks to coughing, natural protection of the respiratory tract is provided.
What is an unproductive cough? This type of cough is observed at the beginning of the development of an inflammatory disease. It is quite painful and does not bring relief, can occur in the form of seizures. At the same time, the respiratory tract is irritated up to vomiting or tearing of the mucous membrane. This condition usually does not last long. Over time, sputum production occurs, which is characteristic of a moist, productive cough that cleanses the lungs.
But there are other conditions and diseases that provoke the occurrence of dry cough.
Why is an unproductive cough
This type of cough may occur as a result of:
- Colds. The early stages of a cold are characterized by the presence of an unproductive cough. It becomes moist over time, when the process of formation and discharge of sputum is activated.
- Laryngitis With inflammation of the throat mucosa, the cough will be dry, barking, sputum does not go away.
- Tracheitis. As a result of irritation of the bronchi, a dry unproductive cough occurs, pain behind the sternum is possible.
- Pleurisy With inflammation of the pleura, sputum does not form, the bronchi are irritated, which leads to the appearance of a booming cough.
- Pneumonia. With this pathology, sputum does not form and does not go away, purulent discharge may be present.
- Bronchitis. Such an ailment is characterized by the presence of an unproductive cough only at the initial stage, then it becomes wet.
- Whooping cough. This disease is characteristic of childhood, but is sometimes found in adults. The patient is disturbed by a strong unproductive cough, vomiting may occur.
- False croup. The condition develops in young children, is characterized by a paroxysmal strong cough without sputum discharge.
- Corey. In addition to coughing, a rash on the skin is observed.
- Tuberculosis. The most dangerous cause of unproductive cough. In addition to this symptom, the patient may have a long-term temperature in the range of 37-37.3 degrees.
- Sinusitis, rhinitis, sinusitis. Such diseases are accompanied by abundant secretion of mucus flowing down the back wall of the larynx, resulting in irritation of the cough centers.
- Neoplasms. Dry unproductive cough in adults can provoke benign and malignant tumors of the respiratory tract, which can lead to irritation of the cough centers, while mucus and sputum do not form. Cough is characterized by intensity, duration and frequency; it can occur at any time of the day.
- Allergic pathologies. With some types of allergies, an unproductive painful cough may occur.
- Bronchial asthma. Coughing fits without sputum discharge occur as a reaction to allergens.
- Helminthic infestations. It happens that parasites penetrate the bronchi, causing a cough that irritates the airways.
- Professional features. In people in the process of which increased stress on the vocal apparatus is possible, unproductive coughs may occur. Also, a symptom can be observed in those who often have to inhale dust or hazardous substances.
- Taking medication. Some side effects may cause a cough.
- Ingestion of foreign bodies into the respiratory system. Usually this occurs in young children.
- Pathology of the heart. In the presence of such diseases, coughing is also possible.
- Smoking. Those who smoke for a long time may experience a debilitating cough of a smoker.
Given that a non-productive cough is a condition that can have many reasons, in order to decide on treatment, it is important to conduct a thorough diagnosis.
Diagnostic Methods
In order to detect the cause of the symptom, it is recommended that:
- Phonetoscopy. When listening to the patient’s breathing, a specialist can make a preliminary diagnosis and recommend further studies.
- Fluorograms. Using X-rays, you can detect signs of pathologies such as tuberculosis, pleurisy, inflammation, neoplasms, etc.
- General blood test. Such a study is necessary to assess the general condition of the body, to detect signs of an inflammatory process.
- Allergy Research. This will require an assessment of the level of eosinophils in the blood. If the norms are exceeded, allergens that cause the symptom are determined.
- Sputum analysis. Conducting bacteriological culture will confirm or refute the diagnosis of "tuberculosis".
- Cardiograms. Allows you to determine if there are problems on the part of the cardiovascular system.
- Bronchoscopy. The study allows you to visually assess the condition of the lungs.
There is not always a need for all studies, an experienced doctor will be able to make a diagnosis based on some of them.
Which doctor should I contact
If there is a problem, you need to visit a therapist or pulmonologist who will advise how to treat an unproductive cough. If necessary, it will be possible to consult with specialists such as a cardiologist, allergist, gastroenterologist, oncologist, TB specialist.
Treatment features
If tormented by an unproductive cough, treatment should be aimed at eliminating the cause that led to the onset of this symptom. For example, in the presence of parasites in the body, antiparasitic drugs are used, if a bacterial infection became the cause of cough, antibiotics are prescribed. Therapy for allergies is aimed at eliminating the provoking factor, antihistamines are also recommended.
Cough with ARVI
If a cough occurs due to ARVI, it is necessary to create conditions that will contribute to a better discharge of sputum. In this case, it is not recommended to take antitussive drugs in the first days of the disease. To discharge sputum, you need to make it liquid, and this will be helped by a plentiful drink and the correct temperature regime in the room, which is achieved at a temperature of 18 to 22 ° C, humidity - 50-70%. No less important is air cleanliness, this can be achieved by daily wet cleaning without the use of household chemicals.
What medicines are used
There are medicines that are aimed specifically at eliminating an unproductive cough. Their action is based on blocking the brain centers that cause the symptom, or local receptors. The selection of such a drug should be carried out by a specialist. In parallel, alternative methods can be used that can alleviate the condition.
Effective drugs
How to treat an unproductive cough, the doctor will advise after determining the cause of the violation. The doctor may recommend taking such funds:
- Libexin. The medicine is effective for cough caused by the common cold, bronchial asthma, pharyngitis, bronchitis, laryngitis.
- Stoptussin. Due to the presence of butamirate and guaifenesin, the product has a pronounced expectorant effect. Recommended for colds.
- Herbion syrup. The medicine on plant components, gently envelops the respiratory mucosa, which leads to sputum separation and improvement.
- "Dr. Mom." Used for such pathologies as tracheitis, bronchitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis. The syrup contains natural ingredients, so it can be used to treat both adults and children.
- "Lazolvan." An effective product based on Ambroxol, helps to activate the process of sputum discharge.
The use of folk remedies
To reduce discomfort, it is recommended to use:
- Steam inhalation. This procedure has a calming and soothing effect on the mucosa, reduces coughing. You can use soda, essential oils, decoctions of herbs.
- Honey. This beekeeping product has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties, which is useful for unproductive coughs. With honey, you can prepare drinks, use it in combination with butter.
- Hot drink. Useful of black, green or herbal tea, milk with butter and honey, sweet compotes. Using enough fluid can reduce the intensity of the seizures. The intoxication of the body is also reduced, the mucus does not stagnate, which prevents the development of pneumonia. It is only important to ensure that the drink is not too hot, cold or acidic - this will irritate the mucous membrane, which will lead to increased symptoms.
- Warming up. Chest warming will help alleviate the condition. You can use special pharmacy ointments, heated oil, other home remedies that cause a rush of blood to the skin.
- Humidification. Dry air can only complicate the condition, so it is advisable to purchase a humidifier. In an extreme case, a damp towel on the battery will save the situation.
Useful recipes
Traditional healers suggest using some effective recipes to help make a non-productive cough productive:
- Honey and lemon medicine. Boil citrus for 10 minutes. After cooling, squeeze the juice to which add 2 tbsp. l glycerin and honey, mix and take a teaspoon three times a day.
- Banana remedy. This recipe is recommended for use in treating children. To prepare a tasty and healthy medicine, you need to mashed a ripe banana with a glass of boiling water and mix thoroughly. You can use up to ten times a day for 2 tbsp. l
- Milk and onions. You need to take five peeled onions, pour two glasses of milk, bring to a boil. Keep on fire until the volume of liquid is halved. After that, the onion can be removed. The product is taken in a warm form every hour for a tablespoon, you can add a little honey.
- Milk with propolis. Due to the presence of essential oils, the beekeeping product has an antibacterial, immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory effect. On a glass of milk, add 5 drops of propolis.
- Milk with mineral water. An excellent moisturizer for the respiratory tract is mineral water. And in combination with milk, you can achieve a softening of the mucous membrane, soothe a painful cough. But such a healing composition is contraindicated in children.
- Compress of vegetable oil, honey and vodka. Before treating a dry non-productive cough with the use of such a remedy, it is important to make sure that the body temperature is not elevated, otherwise the condition can be aggravated. The components are melted in a water bath. When the composition cools down, a piece of natural fabric is moistened in it. Compress is applied to the neck and the area between the shoulder blades. Top cover with cotton and cellophane, well fixed.
Many people know that an unproductive cough is such an unpleasant phenomenon that causes painful discomfort and forces a person to look for methods to get rid of the problem. But do not self-medicate, as this symptom may indicate the occurrence of serious pathological processes in the body. The help of a doctor in this case is simply necessary. The specialist will diagnose and recommend agents that are suitable in a particular case.