Dry cough: reasons than to treat?

Coughing occurs when respiratory tract irritation occurs. It is a reflex defensive reaction of the body. However, with a protracted nature leads to severe fatigue of the body. To the greatest extent, this applies to dry cough, which is not removed from the respiratory tract. It refers to unproductive, irritating the latter and leading to various complications.

The concept of dry cough

This phenomenon is especially dangerous in children. As a rule, this is a bell that there is a respiratory disease. In addition, it may accompany some of the pathologies that are not directly related to the respiratory system. This manifestation is most common in adults. Dry cough may have complex causes. Therefore, it is necessary to correctly establish the source of its occurrence for proper treatment.

Respiratory diseases and chronic pathologies of ENT organs

They cause an early cough. At this time, sputum is absent. It is preceded by:

• runny nose;
• tearing;
• sore throat;
• intoxication may be present;
• temperature.

Thus, whooping cough, bronchitis, pneumonia and other similar diseases begin.

If the correct treatment is carried out, then the cough becomes sputum and acquires the property of expectoration.

After curing an infectious disease in the throat for more than 2 weeks, itching or irritation can be felt, provoking the appearance of a dry cough. After this, a rare cough is possible up to 2 months.

In various diseases of the nasopharynx, the cough irritant is mucus that gets from the nose to the back of the throat. This is facilitated by the adoption of a lying position, in connection with which the phenomenon under consideration becomes the most painful at night.

Allergic cough

It may be an organism reaction to an allergen. The cause of dry cough may be recurrent bronchitis, which can not be treated. People exposed to it should know which substances are the source of this cough. To determine the cause, you need to see a doctor. An allergist will help to identify a substance that provokes the occurrence of cough, which, when eliminated, will help eliminate the latter.

Goiter and heart disease

With pathologies of the thyroid gland, trachea is compressed, which provokes the occurrence of cough. Inflammation of the larynx or fever in this case is not observed.

With heart disease, a dry cough may occur during exercise. It is accompanied by palpitations, high blood pressure, shortness of breath with asthma attacks.

Strengthening is noted when taking a lying position, so the patient is better to sit down.

Sputum and temperature are not observed. If the left ventricle does not cope with the functions assigned to it, then stagnation of blood occurs in the lungs, which can go out with a cough.

Tumor as a cause of cough

The growth of neoplasms near the respiratory organs contributes to their compression and prevents the normal flow of air, which provokes the occurrence of cough. In the case of breast cancer, it is accompanied by pain in this organ, the separation of purulent sputum with blood.

In case of cancer of the larynx and throat, the lumen narrows, which leads to difficulty breathing. The cough is accompanied by expectoration of blood, which enters the nasal discharge and saliva.

Tuberculosis

Koch's bacillus is found in any body, but it is activated by a decrease in immunity due to excessive stress, constant overfatigue, adverse working conditions and other similar factors. A dry cough in an adult for a long period of time may indicate the presence of this disease. In this case, after 3-4 weeks sputum begins to appear, there is a strong night sweating, chills, weakness, a slightly elevated temperature in the evenings, loss of appetite.

Other reasons

Coughing can occur as a nervous reaction to stress. At the same time, during severe shocks, spasm and choking are possible.

Also, coughing can occur when the body enters into aggressive environmental conditions due to injury to the mucous membranes. It may not be treated, since it will pass after the restoration of the latter.

Its occurrence is promoted by smoking. Without getting rid of this addiction, it will be difficult to cure the cough.

The contraction of the airways can be caused by an increase in lymph nodes that occurs due to various diseases, as well as expansion of the aorta during aneurysm. In the lungs, a similar effect is observed with the fibrotic process.

A dry cough can also form when a fistula appears in the esophagus. It also occurs in diabetes mellitus, when dry mucous membranes are noted, leading to constant thirst.

The mucous membrane of the lungs can be irritated by worms during extensive intestinal infections.

Medicines used to treat hypertension, as well as aspirin and some inhaled medications can also cause coughing. With such symptoms, these funds should be discarded.

Classification and symptoms of the cough in question

In many cases, the appearance of this protective reaction of the body indicates the onset of more serious problems compared to the mucous membrane of the throat.

The duration of cough is divided into the following types:

• acute - appears with colds or viral diseases;
• chronic - manifests itself over 2 months, requires the elimination of the causes of its occurrence;
• protracted - manifests itself for more than 2 weeks after the end of the infectious disease;
• recurrent - it is characterized by a periodic return for 4-5 weeks; it may indicate the presence of bronchitis or asthma, so you need to visit a doctor.

Depending on the time of its appearance, the following types are distinguished:

• morning - appears as an accompaniment of chronic bronchitis;
• at night - it is noted with heart diseases, whooping cough, bronchial asthma, pathology of ENT organs and with problems of GERD, in which the contents of the stomach enter the esophagus at some intervals;
• coughing after eating is associated with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, larynx and throat.

In addition, the following signs are distinguished:

• dry barking cough - characterized by a loud sound, characteristic of pathologies of the larynx, trachea and SARS;
• deaf - the cause of its appearance is in the lungs;
• spasmodic, anguished - characteristic of whooping cough;
• shallow, but frequent - indicates pleural irritation; with the appearance of pain in the side, it is possible to assume the presence of pleurisy;
• incessant horseman - occurs due to compression of some parts of the respiratory system;
• reflex - manifests itself with the appearance of irritation that is not related to breathing;
• severe, asphyxiating with thick sputum - characteristic of bronchial asthma.

Barking cough

It does not perform any protective functions, nor does it remove mucus from the body. His character is painful and intrusive, can be accompanied by respiratory arrest (mainly in children who carry whooping cough, who are not vaccinated against this disease on time) and vomiting.

Dry barking cough is manifested by swollen airways. The greater the swelling, the higher the likelihood of overlapping breathing.

Most often, it is caused by inflammatory processes that occur in the upper sections of the tract in question. Such a dry variety of cough is inherent mainly in its allergic form.

Inhalation

You can get rid of this type of cough only with complex treatment. It includes not only medications, but also carrying out inhalations with dry cough for children and adults.

They allow you to eliminate or reduce its symptoms, acting in a destructive way on viruses, thereby exerting a protective effect on the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx. Unlike drugs, many of which have side effects, inhalation has an effect directly in the focus of inflammation, without affecting other organs.

Inhalations can be carried out with special devices called inhalers or with a towel and pan.

Treatment should be directed, first of all, to get a wet cough from dry. Inhalations relieve inflammation, moisturize the mucous membrane, and accelerate sputum liquefaction. They can be performed with a sore throat and dry cough.

The most popular types of inhalation are:

1. Steam - water in this state of aggregation penetrates into various parts of the bronchi, relieving inflammation, increasing blood circulation to the respiratory tract, accelerating sputum discharge and reducing mucosal irritation. The medicine is prescribed by a doctor, especially when carrying out inhalation with a dry cough for children.
2. Heat-moist - allow the active substance to penetrate into the deep layers of the lungs and bronchial mucosa. The procedure is carried out through inhalers. It is mainly used for children who suffer from bronchial asthma, sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis. Also, with the help of an inhaler, some other drugs can be administered, for example, herbal decoctions.
3. Wet - carried out when it is impossible to carry out the first two types. Based on the use of aerosols. With their help, antibiotics, hormones, painkillers, bronchodilators can be administered. Mainly used in bronchial asthma.
4. Oily - create a protective film on the bronchial mucosa with the help of essential oils with an expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect.

In houses in which people living in them have problems with the respiratory system, you need to have nebulizers. When using them, inhalations bring the desired effect faster. But the medicine should be funds that do not leave behind precipitation.

When carrying out inhalations, it is necessary to observe some rules:

• the solution is prepared immediately before the procedure;
• it is carried out at least half an hour after eating and 30-40 minutes before that;
• they can be carried out every 4-6 hours up to 10 days;
• dose should not be violated;
• in a nebulizer you can not mix several drugs;
• hands are thoroughly washed before the procedure;
• after inhalation, the face is washed, avoiding excessive contact of the medicine on the skin;
• the device is disinfected after each procedure;
• children under 1 year old do not need steam inhalations; it is better to replace them with a compressor or ultrasonic nebulizer with a dry cough.

As with any medication, there are contraindications for inhalation procedures:

• respiratory failure;
• nosebleeds;
• an increase in body temperature above 37.5 degrees;
• sputum with impurities of pus;
• emphysema;
• cardiovascular pathology.

Mucolytics

With stagnation of sputum during a long period of persistent cough, drugs of this group are used to dilute and excrete it. Usually, they also have an expectorant effect, as well as a weak anti-inflammatory. They are used for wheezing in the apex of the lungs and bronchi and hard breathing. At their expense, the breathing process is facilitated, the dry form of cough turns into wet.

The most effective means are:

• "Acetylcysteine";
• "Bromhexine";
• Ambrobene
• "Ambroxol".

Syrups containing plantain can be used:

• "Herbion";
• "Dr. Tyss."

Instructions for the use of "Herbion" from a dry cough provides for its internal intake with warm water or tea. It is not prescribed for children under 2 years old, pregnant and lactating women. Syrup is used for children under 14 years old 3 times a day, for the rest 3-5 times. From 2 to 7 years, a single dose is 1 scoop, from 7 to 14 - 1-2 tablespoons, older than 14 years - 2 tablespoons.

Dry cough syrup

A similar drug exists separately for children and for adults. To prepare a dry cough syrup, according to the instructions for the first category, dilute the contents of the powder bottle with water to the applied mark of 200 ml and shake it. It is prescribed to children from six months to 6 years of 1 tsp. up to 5 times a day, older - 1 dessert up to 4 times in the same period. The cough instruction for children of dry medicine provides for the possibility of its use for adults - 1 tbsp. l 4-6 times a day.

Potion intended for this age category is available in bags, the contents of which are dissolved in 1 tbsp. l boiled but chilled water. Accepted after meals, 3-4 times a day.

Other medication

How to treat dry cough without fever? In addition to the previously considered Herbion, Ambroxol, the following drugs can be used after consulting a doctor:

• "Sinecode" - for coughing up sputum without the effect of addiction;
• "Codelac Neo" - to relieve symptoms of bouts of dry cough;
• "Bromhexine" - allows you to eliminate the phenomenon in question in both children and adults;
• "Gedelix" - has an anti-inflammatory effect, relieves colds and dry coughs;
• "Doctor IOM" - promotes sputum discharge;
• "ATSTS" - is used for expectoration;
• "Erespal" - is used to expand the bronchi, giving the opportunity to cough. Effective for otitis media, pertussis, flu, SARS.

With a dry cough in a child at night, vasoconstrictor nasal agents and saline solutions can be used. The first of them should not be applied for more than 3 days in a row. For a quiet sleep, the baby can drip the following drops: "Nazivin", "Otrivin", "Snoop". The nasal passages are washed with “Rinostop”, “Aqualor”, “Dolphin” or “Aquamaris”.

Can be used to cure dry cough inexpensive means:

• "Codelac" - helps to increase the viscosity of sputum, reducing the excitability of the cough center;
• tablets with thermopsis - in addition to this herb include soda, do not appoint pregnant women with stomach ulcers, children under 12 years old;
• "Mukaltin" - tablets with marshmallow, used for difficult discharge of sputum;
• "Ambroxol" - dilutes sputum and relieves irritation of the mucosa; used in tablets and syrup;
• "Ingalipt" - an aerosol that includes essential oils and antimicrobials from the sulfonamides group; used for cough caused by sore throat;
• "Broncholitin" - suppresses the reflex and relieves bronchial spasm, has an antimicrobial and soothing effect.

These dry cough remedies are most popular in reviews.

Alternative methods of treatment

Treatment can be carried out both by inhalation, and various decoctions, solutions, compresses.

Folk remedies for dry cough may be as follows:

Gargling solutions. They are used for inflammation of the larynx as a cause of coughing. In this case, inflammation is removed, moisturized and softened. For such purposes, a chamomile infusion or a salt-soda solution is prepared, prepared in equal proportions with the addition of a few drops of iodine. Many pathogenic microorganisms are halophytes and some of them die from salt, others are washed off with a liquid solution. In addition, they help calm the irritated mucosa.

Warm milk has a calming effect on the nerves in the airways. The mucous membrane receives a break between coughing attacks, which allows it to recover. When adding butter or cocoa to it with 1 tsp. honey softening and enveloping effects will exist for a longer period of time.

In the absence of a nebulizer, inhalation is carried out using steam, using essential oils, soda or herbs. Below are some of the recipes for this action using the above tools:

In hot boiled water, physiological solution is poured in a ratio of 1: 1, after which they breathe over it for 10 minutes. The mucous membrane is moisturized, the healing process is accelerated.

Inhalations can be carried out using tea tree essential oil, fir or eucalyptus liquid fat. In a half-liter of hot water add 1-2 drops of oil, mix and breathe steam for 5 minutes. Such inhalation is not used for young children and people who are allergic to these components.

Boiled potatoes in their uniforms, after which they cover their heads with a towel and bend over the pan for a quarter of an hour. This procedure speeds up sputum excretion.

10 g of dry pine buds are poured with 1 cup of boiling water, infused for half an hour, after which the head is wrapped up and placed over steam for 15 minutes or more.

2 tablespoons are dissolved in 1 cup boiling water natural honey, which is stirred until it disappears completely. They breathe over steam for 10-15 minutes.

You can use medicinal plants for inhalation, such as calendula, thyme, St. John's wort, chamomile, sage, which are poured with boiling water, insist for about half an hour, and then breathe the released steam.

From sore throat, it is possible to apply the following folk remedies:

• 100 g of carrot and beetroot juice are mixed with 15 g of honey, using the prepared mixture overnight;
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3. Two parts of milk are mixed, one - radish juice and honey. This mixture is used in the form of heat for 1 tbsp. l 3-4 times a day.

Honey can also be used by pregnant women in the absence of appropriate contraindications for them. They also use warm milk mixed with it, which softens the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and relieves inflammation.

Compresses, rubbing and massage can be used with a slight increase in temperature and the absence of suspected complications from infections. They are used for congestion in the lungs, with non-discharge of sputum and bronchitis. The components included in the compress are placed on the chest of the patient, but not in the region of the heart. Liquid components can be rubbed into the skin, covered with parchment or film, woolen cloth and a bandage.

With a dry cough, you can use the following types of compresses:

• liquid honey ;
• radish juice, mustard powder and liquid honey, mixed in equal proportions;
• jacket-boiled potatoes and vegetable oil, heated in a water bath;
• a cake made from flour and honey in corn oil, which is attached directly to the patient’s skin.

It is also useful to use berry fruit drinks, rosehip tea drinks, jelly and decoctions with honey and lemon.

In addition, you need to monitor the microclimate of the room: the temperature should be maintained at 20 ° C, and relative humidity - 50-70%. It should be actively ventilated at least 3 times a day. In this case, it is necessary to exclude such a bad habit as smoking, as well as remove perfumes and fragrances from use.

Finally

In most cases, a dry cough is a symptom of a disease. Therefore, treatment should be started when its first signs appear. In addition, it is necessary to take a sufficient amount of liquid, vitamins to provide preventive measures. In combination with the applied medical treatment, folk remedies can be used.