The manifestations of a cold are familiar to everyone. However, a cough is not always a symptom of a viral disease. Inflammation of the airways (lower and upper) can have different causes. Given the rhythm of life and the constant lack of time, it will be useful to know how to treat a dry cough.
Of course, it's best to see a doctor. So you can be sure that the therapy is chosen correctly, and the purchased medicines will certainly help. But practice shows that when coughing, patients are often sent not to a medical institution, but to the nearest pharmacy.
Few people think that cough is not an independent disease. This is just a symptom, to eliminate which you need to eliminate the cause.
A cough is the forced release of air through the mouth, which is triggered by irritation of the receptors in the respiratory tract (nose, larynx, bronchi, trachea, and others).
This sign sooner or later occurs in every person.
Most often, preschool children face cough. In adults, the disease occurs less often.
The cough can be classified:
- deaf - can talk about a tumor of the respiratory tract or latent course of tuberculosis;
- barking - occurs when the vocal cords are damaged by pathogenic microorganisms (often viruses);
- hysterical - makes a person suffocate, occurs mainly at night.
Causes of the symptom
A dry cough can be cured quickly only if the cause of its origin is correctly identified... For some diseases, the use of antitussives will be required, while other pathologies involve the use of expectorant medications, which translate the symptom into a new state (wet cough).The causes of a painful symptom can be:
- infectious diseases (laryngitis, bronchitis, tracheitis) - often caused by viral microorganisms, but can also be provoked by bacteria;
- congenital or acquired diseases of the respiratory tract (COPD, asthma) - often occur due to an irritant, allergen;
- tumor processes (in the lungs, bronchi, upper respiratory tract) - are characterized by the sudden appearance of a symptom without additional manifestations.
Also, a dry cough can be provoked by:
- smoking;
- croup;
- aortic aneurysm;
- bronchospasm;
- diseases of the heart muscle;
- lupus erythematosus.
Some deviations can only be established by a doctor, since there are no additional signs telling the patient about the cause of the cough.
Dry cough treatment
“If you have a dry cough, how to treat it?” People ask pharmacists at the pharmacy. Pharmacists, instead of referring a person to a doctor, offer to buy the latest medicines. In most cases, drugs work. But sometimes their reception only aggravates the patient's well-being, forcing him to go to a medical institution with complications.
Dry cough treatment is carried out in several stages, therapy involves the observance of the following conditions:- taking prescribed medications;
- organization of the regime;
- maintaining appropriate environmental conditions;
- recovery activities.
Medicines
Most often, a dry cough needs to be treated so that it becomes moist. When thick mucus accumulates in the lower respiratory tract, it is difficult for a person to cough it up. Therefore, an unproductive cough occurs. Mucolytic, expectorant medicines will help to cope with it.
They have a thinning effect on mucus, increasing its volume, after which they provoke a reflex. As a result, a person easily and without discomfort coughs up phlegm, freeing the walls of the bronchi, lungs and trachea from pathogenic microorganisms and plaque... Most medicines of this nature are sold without a prescription, so you can buy them yourself.
Althea-based preparations
Means of this class are herbal. Their action is aimed at providing an anti-inflammatory effect and stimulating bronchioles. The liquefied secret is removed naturally in a short time.
They are prescribed for inflammation of the lower respiratory tract, when viscous sputum is formed.
- Mukaltin is a well-known cough medicine that has an affordable price. These tablets are used in adults at 100 mg before meals. The frequency of admission is 4 times.
- Marshmallow root is a crushed raw material intended for brewing. Take 3-4 times a day, having previously prepared according to the instructions.
Thermopsis products
These medicines have a stimulating effect on the respiratory receptors while simultaneously thinning phlegm. They are used for bronchitis and tracheobrochitis of uncomplicated course, refer to herbal preparations.
An important nuance of such drugs is that when used in large doses, they stimulate the gag reflex.
- Thermopsol is an inexpensive pill for adults. Take 1 pill three times a day. The course of treatment should not exceed a week.
- Codelac Broncho - available in tablets and liquid form. It is taken three times a day. It can be used for no more than 5 consecutive days without a doctor's prescription.
Medicines with plantain
This plant contains a lot of useful substances to fight cough: oils, acids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins and others.
- Dried plantain herb - intended for the preparation of decoctions and infusions. It is taken three times a day for 7-14 days.
- Herbion is a cough syrup. Can be used in children and adults. The drug is taken three times a day for a week. If necessary, the course can be extended.
- Stopussin phyto is a preparation based on plantain and additional herbs. It is taken as needed 3 to 5 times a day. Standard course is a week.
Thyme in the treatment of cough
Preparations containing the extract of this plant are prescribed for bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia, and a painful dry paroxysmal cough. They are designed to have an anti-inflammatory effect and speed up the passage of thick mucus.
- Bronchicum is a medicine available in the form of tablets, lozenges, or suspension.
- Pertussin - syrup and tablets. It has an irritating effect on the respiratory center.
- Tussamag - tablets and drops. Can be used as is or diluted.
Medications that thin the phlegm
Acetylcysteine \u200b\u200b- this substance effectively liquefies mucous secretions, has an anti-inflammatory effect. Acetylcysteine-based drugs are most commonly used to treat dry cough, no more than 7 days.
- ACC - lozenges, powder, effervescent tablets.
- Fluimucil - tablets, granules, ampoules.
- Vicks Active - soluble tablets.
- Lazolvan;
- Ambrobene;
- Ambroxol;
- Flavamed.
- Libexin;
- Fluditek;
- Bronchobos;
- Fluifort.
- Bromhexine;
- Bronhosan;
- Solvin.
Regime and plentiful drink
Before treating dry cough at home with medicines, try to cope with this symptom with the help of proven and safe means... You can help yourself on your own by organizing a special regime. Try to get more rest, regularly ventilate the room.
The air humidity should be at least 60%, and the temperature should be no more than 23 degrees. Under these conditions, pathogenic microorganisms have a minimum chance for further spread. Drinking plenty of fluids is essential for dry coughs.
These home remedies can help you:
- warm milk and honey (provided there are no allergies);
- tea with lemon (will soften the larynx, and vitamin C will increase immunity);
- raspberry broth (will strengthen the body's resistance);
- mineral water without gas (relieve inflammation and improve sputum discharge);
- fruit drink from cranberries, lingonberries (will eliminate bacteria, have an antiseptic effect);
- clean water (will contribute to the rapid dilution of the viscous secretion).
Inhalation: hot and cold
Dry cough treatment folk remedies doctors are usually discouraged. Doctors prefer conservative medicine. If you use homemade recipes yourself, you can even hurt yourself. Hot inhalations when coughing can burn the inflamed mucosa, create favorable conditions for the growth of bacteria... However, they are used quite often. For this, herbs are brewed and breathed in vapor.
A much more modern tool is. They have a positive effect on the respiratory center, accelerate recovery. With such procedures, the drug enters directly into the bronchi and lungs.
- Berodual is a drug for relieving paroxysmal cough. It dilates the bronchi, making it easier to remove phlegm. It is used diluted through an inhaler.
- Pulmicrot is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid that relieves spasm. It is used in case of emergency.
- Lazolvan, Ambrobene, Ambroxol - act in the same way as when taken orally, only the effect comes much faster.
- Saline solution - used together with a medicinal composition or alone. Effectively moisturizes mucous membranes and promotes sputum dilution.
- Mineral water - alkalizes the inflamed mucous membrane, promotes its regeneration.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is today one of the most effective preventive methods of fighting cough. Such events are prescribed for patients with frequent recurrent diseases.
The technique is designed to prevent the harmful effects of microorganisms and strengthen the immune defense of a person. Some physiotherapy procedures cannot be used at the acute stage of the disease, so it is better to check with a doctor for such information.
- Sternum massage - involves tapping, rasping the specified area. It takes 5-7 minutes.
- UHF - the effect of an electric field on the patient's body. It is prescribed at the stage of recovery.
- Electrophoresis - involves the introduction of a medicinal substance using an electric current. Safe and effective procedure for bronchitis.
How to stop the cough reflex
Perhaps the most effective means of suppressing this reflex are antitussives. However, their use is not always justified. If the inflammatory process is accompanied by the formation of thick mucus in the lower respiratory tract, then such drugs should not be taken... When can they help?
Antitussives are effective when the reflex is caused by irritation. They are used for angina, pharyngitis, laryngitis. Medicines act on the respiratory center, blocking spasm and, as a result, eliminating cough.
For this purpose, the following are used:
- Herbion;
- Sinecode;
- Codelac NEO;
- Libexin;
- Linax;
- Bronholitin.
ethnoscience
Before treating a dry cough with folk remedies, it is recommended to consult your doctor. You should not self-prescribe for severe allergic reactions, as you cannot predict the body's response. You should not treat dry cough yourself if it is accompanied by high temperature, headache, shortness of breath.
In other cases, the use folk recipes does not cancel the use of medications prescribed by a doctor.
- Compress of apple cider vinegar, honey and water or vodka. Moisten a dry textile napkin, apply to the chest area. The method has a warming effect, unacceptable for purulent formations.
- Decoction of onions with milk (2 onions per 200 ml of milk). Boil for 20 minutes, cool and strain. Take 30 ml 4 times a day.
- Lemon with glycerin. Boil citrus, squeeze out the juice and mix it with a teaspoon of glycerin. Add honey to the volume of a glass. Take the medicine 5 grams up to 5 times a day.
- Mustard. This spice has always been considered an effective treatment for dry coughs. Mustard can be used to warm up the legs or back, chest. When putting mustard plasters, always be careful: do not apply on the heart area, do not leave overnight, if discomfort and severe burning sensation appear, immediately remove the compress.
MD is a respected leader in smoking cessation and lung medicine. Has over 20 years of experience in medical practice
and treatment of pulmonary diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The mechanism of symptom development
When pollen and foreign small particles enter airways the cilia of the epithelium of the respiratory tract begin to actively displace them. This clears the trachea and bronchi.
Mucus plays an important role. It is characterized by antimicrobial action due to the high content of immunoglobulin and lysozyme. The development of a cough begins due to irritation of sensitive receptors, which react negatively to any small particles that have entered the respiratory tract. The signal goes to the brain, where the cough is activated.
The body signals the ingress of harmful substances into it, with which it is unable to cope. Sensory receptors responsible for cleansing are located in the nasopharynx, esophagus, pericardium and diaphragm. Therefore, coughing is not always the cause of airway damage.
To cleanse the body, two main conditions must be met:
- uninterrupted operation of the cilia of the epithelium;
- viscosity, elasticity and fluidity of mucus.
The development of inflammatory processes corrects these conditions. As a result, the mucus loses its beneficial features, and becomes thicker.
This process leads to the development of a dry cough. With irritation of the mucous membranes and sensitive receptors, the attack intensifies.
This indicates the fact that the body is trying to cope with the problem on its own, therefore, to clear the airways, it is advisable to convert a dry cough into a productive one.
Developmental factors associated with airway involvement
The causes of dry cough in adults in many cases indicate damage to the respiratory system. Inflammation develops due to the penetration of pathogenic bacteria into it. This is not a problem for an organism with high protective functions.
Immunity without the help of medications removes pathogenic microorganisms from the respiratory system. If the protective functions are weakened, the whole body is affected, and a cold develops.
Factors provoking dry cough:
- ARVI;
- cold;
- flu;
- atypical form of pneumonia;
- whooping cough;
- tuberculosis;
- laryngitis, pharyngitis, tracheitis;
- diseases of the ENT organs;
- malignant neoplasms in the respiratory tract.
Cough with colds, SARS and flu is caused by weak protective functions of the body. The situation can be aggravated by addictions, in particular alcohol and tobacco.
Drinking a small amount of fluids contributes to the developmental process in adults.
The addition of another infection or virus can complement the overall picture.
Atypical form of pneumonia. A prolonged cough is a consequence of the penetration of mycoplasma and chlamydia into the body. Pathogenic bacteria provoke the development of pneumonia. In this case, the cough can take a long time.
Whooping cough
This disease is contagious. It is characterized by the appearance of a convulsive cough, and it is so strong that it can lead to vomiting.
The disease is serious, it has a serious impact on respiratory system... It can develop due to constant stress, malnutrition and nervous tension. People in high positions are susceptible to the disease.
Laryngitis, tracheitis and pharyngitis
Most common reasons the appearance of a dry cough. Inflammatory processes cover the mucous membranes of the pharynx, causing a debilitating and barking symptom.
Diseases of the ENT organs. Inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx often provoke the development of cough. With rhinitis, sinusitis and sinusitis, excessive mucus production is recorded. Getting on the mucous membranes of the pharynx, it causes irritation, provoking the development of a cough.
Malignant neoplasms in the respiratory tract. Cancer of the throat, bronchi and lungs often provokes the development of cough.
The symptom manifests itself at any time of the day and does not go away under the influence of drug therapy.
Factors not associated with damage to the respiratory system
Factors unrelated to the respiratory system can cause the development of a dry cough. These include:
- stressful situations;
- cancers;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- damage to the thyroid gland;
- some diseases of the digestive system.
Stressful situations and nervous strain
They can be a provoking factor for the development of dry cough. Excessive excitement or embarrassment of a person makes him constantly cough.
Without additional clinical symptoms, it may indicate the presence of cancer. In this case, it is advisable to consult a therapist.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system
Cardiac cough manifests itself with an acute course of the disease. Together with it, the release of sputum with blood is recorded. This may indicate a violation of the normal functionality of the left ventricle of the organ.
Thyroid damage
Cough is observed with nodular and diffuse enlargement. The change in size puts pressure on the trachea, resulting in a cough.
Some diseases of the digestive system. Reflex cough develops in the presence of esophageal diverticulum and reflux esophagitis.
Drug therapy
Dry cough in adults can be treated with both medication and traditional medicine. Experts recommend giving preference to drugs whose action is aimed at suppressing the cough reflex. You must take Codeine, Oxeladine or Glaucin.
Peripheral antitussives have a beneficial effect on the mucous membranes, thereby reducing the cough reflex. The funds in this category include:
- Bronchicum;
- Panatus;
- Neo-Codion;
- Fervex;
- Terpinkode.
How to treat a severe dry cough in an adult? If the cough is unproductive, you should pay attention to mucolytics and expectorants. It can be Mukaltin or Lazolvan. It is advisable to use the drugs only in case of prolonged dry cough.
Combined drugs, in particular Sinecod, Omnitus, and Stoptusin, have a good effect. The medication should be chosen based on the general condition of the patient and the clinical picture shown.
Alternative methods of eliminating the symptom
A dry cough in an adult can also be treated with herbal decoctions. It is important to make sure that the symptom is not caused by serious abnormalities in the body and malignant neoplasms.
Decoctions and infusions based on medicinal herbs allow you to get rid of a painful cough. Herbal preparations are characterized by expectorant and mucolytic properties.
Mother-and-stepmother, calendula and licorice have an antitussive effect. Honey is an effective remedy. It has a beneficial effect on the throat, enveloping it and reducing the manifestation of the symptom.
Honey can be used both independently and as part of a drink. For this, the main ingredient is melted in a glass of warm milk. Honey, together with grape juice, accelerates the process of expectoration.
Inhalation with potato steam can not only eliminate cough, but also runny nose. To improve the effect, a few drops of fir oil are added to boiled potatoes.
Steam inhalations based on mineral water have a beneficial effect on the human respiratory system. Enhances the effect of lavender, mint and cedar oil. Broth and sage are characterized by good action.
Traditional methods can be used after medical approval in the absence of serious pathologies.
Cough has a protective function in adults. Reflexive expiration of air occurs when there is a speck of dust in the airways, in case of allergies, or as a precursor to diseases such as asthma and pneumonia. Therefore, such a symptom as a debilitating cough in children and adults must be examined and cured.
Causes of severe discomfort in the throat
Coughing up helps clear the lungs of phlegm, mucus, foreign bodies... A sudden attack is caused by the ingress of dust, other particles, and acute, debilitating and indicates the presence of inflammatory diseases in an adult. It turns into a chronic form after two months. The main diseases provoking its development:
Severe cough: additional provoking factors
The reasons similar ailment the following may be:
- Psychogenic. In stressful situations, various experiences in adults, coughing occurs;
- An irritating effect on the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs of an adult is exerted by the polluted air of the room, work in hazardous industries, and smoking. Often under the influence of dust, other allergens (pets, perfumes, flowers, household chemicals), an allergic, debilitating dry cough occurs. To create a healthy atmosphere in the child's room, you need to clean up on time, maintain humidity;
- Sore throat, coughing can persist in adults after inflammatory diseases for a month;
- Low indoor humidity;
- Some medications can also cause a debilitating cough in an adult. These drugs include: ACE inhibitors, diuretics, psychotropic;
- Irritation caused by uncomfortable air temperatures (cold or heat).
Characteristics of dry cough
A similar symptom may vary in the strength and nature of the coughing up:
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How to beat a disease
A debilitating dry cough can be successfully treated by identifying the cause that caused it. For the purpose of diagnosis, the following studies are carried out:
- X-ray;
- Conducting general laboratory tests;
- Endoscopy;
- Bacterial culture of the secreted sputum with a debilitating wet cough;
- Bronchoscopy;
- CT scan.
The main conditions for alleviating the condition of the body with a debilitating cough in adults and children:
When an adult's coughing is debilitating, prolonged, expectorant drugs such as Sinekod and Stoptussin are used. The first drug has a fairly strong antitussive effect. Removes inflammation, helps to cough up, has a beneficial effect on the muscles of the bronchi. It is prescribed for acute, debilitating cough. In children under 12 years of age, it is used in the form of drops. It is contraindicated to treat a child under 2 months of age. Stopusin also belongs to the series. In addition, it has a local anesthetic effect, dilutes the accumulating mucus, making it dry. Infants (up to a year) cannot be treated with them, and Stoptusin is not used during pregnancy. In order to remove mucus from the bronchi, mucolytics (ACC, Mukaltin) are prescribed for adults with a debilitating cough. But it is not recommended to treat a child with these drugs.
If the bacterial nature of the cough is identified, a course of antibiotic treatment (Amoxicillin, Ceftriaxone) is mandatory.
If you are allergic to these drugs, macrolides are used (Azithromycin, Clarithromycin). Bronchodilators and hormones may be required. There are a number of medications that have not been clinically proven to be effective, but they can relieve an adult with a debilitating cough. Among them, one can distinguish Herbion, which is also prescribed for children. The drug is based on the medicinal properties of plantain. It actively destroys bacteria, softens inflamed tissues, and has an expectorant effect. The medicine helps to relieve a debilitating dry cough. With a pronounced allergy, Gerbion cannot be taken.
Dry cough treatment: folk recipes
When a similar symptom occurs, an increased dose of vitamin C (in citrus fruits, tea with lemon juice or raspberry jam) often helps. The most effective among breast fees are plants such as plantain, thyme herb, linden blossom, and flaxseeds. At night, you can brew chamomile tea, valerian, calamus. They are soothing and prevent dry, debilitating coughs that get worse at night. For inhalation, a collection made up of equal parts of sage, thyme, coltsfoot and chamomile is suitable. Traditional recipes for the treatment of debilitating cough in adults and children:
Thus, a dry cough in an adult can be debilitating and quite prolonged. The basis of correct treatment is the diagnosis of the diseases that cause it. If it appears in a child, this most often indicates the presence of infectious diseases that must be cured. The wet nature of the coughing contributes to the discharge of sputum.
Medication and inhalation are used to treat a debilitating cough in adults or children.
There are also many popular recipes to help get rid of the disease.
The most common disease is considered to be a cold, accompanied by a high fever, cough, runny nose and other symptoms.
Cough occurs when foreign particles, sputum or mucus enter the respiratory system. Reflexive coughing helps to clear the lungs and bronchi from foreign components and physically protects the body.
However, patients often have a dry cough, when there is no phlegm and severe sore throat. Patients complain of shortness of breath, anxiety, night cough, choking,. Hence, insomnia, nervous system disorders and headaches appear.
What is the reason for the cough? Any infection leads to inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, resulting in a dry or wet cough. Dry cough is unproductive, exhausting for the body.
If the treatment is effective and the dry cough attacks are reduced, then it becomes moist. In other words, mucus and phlegm are released, which significantly improves the patient's condition. If the dry type of cough does not go away, it is necessary to urgently change the tactics of treatment. It is especially important not to waste time in case of illnesses of young children.
A dry cough may indicate pneumonia or other serious medical conditions. You can determine the nature of the disease by its characteristic features. If the cough is tormented by a ringing, barking, possibly leaking viral disease... A dull sound may indicate diseases such as pulmonary tuberculosis (see) or a tumor. Harsh cough is a symptom of whooping cough and is more common in children.
Causes of dry cough
Smokers often complain of sore throat and dry cough. Nicotine damages the respiratory system, leading to chronic inflammatory diseases. In addition, people with chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract (,), with negative external factors, cough, they have discomfort in the throat.The causes of dry cough:
- bronchitis or asthma;
- infectious diseases;
- tumor.
Pleurisy is characterized by a dry cough and sharp pain in the side. With whooping cough, a tearful dry cough is observed, the disease is more common in children under 14-15 years old.
With upper respiratory tract infections or any inflammation, this symptom may appear. Against the background of other signs inflammatory process - fever, burning in the nose, sore throat, dry cough may occur. Also, a dry deep cough accompanies cancer and lung tumor.
As you can see, there are many causes of dry cough. And if in milder forms you can try to restore the functions of the respiratory tract with folk remedies (tea, warm milk), then more complex diseases require medical attention.
To others possible reasons dry cough include diseases such as croup, tuberculosis, aortic aneurysms, heart failure, bronchospasm. Do not forget that taking some medications has side effect - the appearance of a dry cough. These drugs include drugs to lower blood pressure.
The possibility of continuing treatment with such medications depends on the frequency of coughing attacks and the patient's general well-being. The doctor may stop these drugs and prescribe other drugs.
A cough is advisable to rid the body of harmful microbes and foreign objects that are excreted with phlegm. If an unproductive dry cough appears, which is exhausting with insomnia and pain, then it must be treated immediately.
For the treatment of dry cough, medications and physiotherapy are used. Inhalation over essential oils helps well. The pharmacy sells a remedy based on herbal preparations - "Ingalar", which has proven itself in the treatment of the upper respiratory tract. In addition, chest massage, oxygen foams, UHF are prescribed.
As for drugs, antispasmodics, sedatives, mucolytics, antitussives and antibacterial drugs... If a symptom arose due to the ingress of an allergen into the bronchi, then first of all it is necessary to eliminate contact with a negative factor. A dry cough can occur if you inhale detergents, animal hair, house dust, or plant pollen (see). In this case, antihistamines and sorbents are added to the complex for treatment.
Sometimes patients complain that at night they are tormented by cough and sore throat. In the supine position, when the pressure in the pulmonary vessels rises, a dry cough begins. This course of the disease is associated with insufficient work of the heart muscle. Accordingly, treatment is prescribed to maintain the vegetative-vascular system and the heart.
With excessive nervous tension, a violation of bronchial patency occurs. Psycho-emotional overload can also cause dry cough. In this case, sedatives and antitussives are prescribed.
The main principle of dry cough treatment is to eliminate the cause of the disease. In order to relieve the patient of a dry cough as soon as possible, he is prescribed mucolytic drugs that promote sputum discharge and cleanse the lungs and bronchi. To suppress cough, weak drugs (morphine, codeine) are sometimes prescribed, but only if other drugs have been ineffective.
Drug treatment
The tactics of treatment with drugs are chosen depending on the patient's condition and the totality of clinical symptoms.| What is it? | What are they appointed for? | List of drugs |
| Drugs to thin phlegm | help to cough up faster, promote the unhindered outflow of mucus, clear the throat. | Ascoril, Neo-bronchol, ACTS Long, Flavamed, Bromhexin, Mukaltin. |
| Immunostimulants and vitamins | designed to increase the body's resistance to pathogenic flora, provide a reduction in the cough reflex. | Imudon, Immunoplus, Amiksin, Imunofan, Ribotan, Viferon. |
| Antitussive drugs | are intended to suppress the pathological reflex, to facilitate general well-being. | Codelac Neo, Sinekod, Prospan, Ascoril, Gedelix |
| Herbal and homeopathic remedies | relieve throat edema, have a gentle effect on the mucous membrane. | Bronchipret, Stodal, Herbion, Briony, Sinupret, Doctor Mom, Doctor Theis. |
| Antibiotics | are prescribed in complicated clinical pictures, when the first step is to suppress the pathogenic flora of the oral mucosa. | Cephalexin, Azithromycin, Sumamed |
| Folk remedies | are only an auxiliary treatment for dry cough, but noticeably accelerate the recovery of an adult patient, strengthen the immune response of a weakened organism. |
The lack of a single algorithm for the treatment of cough requires immediate medical attention if the cough lasts more than a week. In cases where the cough is accompanied by other pronounced symptoms, a doctor's consultation should be carried out immediately.
Physiotherapy procedures
In the treatment of dry cough, the following physiotherapy methods are most often prescribed:- Inhalation;
- Electrophoresis;
- Warming up.
- Various techniques of chest massage;
- Performing special breathing exercises;
- Acupuncture;
Treatment of dry cough with alternative methods
If a dry cough occurs in adults and a cold is suspected, it is necessary to take warm milk with the addition of soda or tea with lemon. Ascorbic acid or vitamin C in the first hours of the disease plays an important role in suppressing the disease. Therefore, you should use tea with the addition of lime, black currant, raspberry. The antibacterial and regenerating properties of vitamin C help to cope with viral and bacterial infections. To get rid of pharyngitis and laryngitis, you need to gargle with a solution of soda, salt and iodine several times a day. Lubricate the tonsils with Lugol's solution. It is recommended to take decoctions from licorice root, mother-stepmother, elecampane, thyme, chamomile and calendula. Collection of herbs - "Elekasol" includes useful and medicinal herbs from dry and wet cough... You can gargle with a decoction of herbs and take 1/2 cup orally three times a day. For the treatment of dry cough, warm milk with the addition of cocoa butter helps. It is important to soften and moisturize the larynx. And indoors it is necessary to create a humid microclimate. A mixture of radish and honey, extract of thyme and anise also helps.
If you suspect bronchitis (see), you can do inhalations based on eucalyptus, essential oils, pine extracts, lemon balm. Inhalation over crushed garlic or grated onions also helps. Compresses made from potatoes boiled in a peel are wonderful to warm and help the discharge of phlegm.
They are prepared simply: boiled potatoes are placed on cheesecloth, lightly sprinkled with alcohol, and applied to the chest. Cover the top with polyethylene and a warm towel. You can keep the compress for about an hour. Cabbage leaves (previously dipped in boiling water) with the addition of honey are also used for compress. This compress can be done for both adults and children.
Prevention
The best prevention of dry cough is a healthy lifestyle and rejection of bad habits:- 1) Get tempered, try not to get sick colds or avoid their complications.
- 2) Humidify the air in the room you are in for a long time. The air should be cool, however, do not abuse air conditioners, and even more so be under it when it is working.
- 3) Observe the working safety conditions. If at work you are faced with occupational hazards, then always use personal protective equipment - gas masks, masks, etc.
- 4) If you smoke, then you need to stop it immediately. You should not be in the same room with smokers. It is also recommended to refuse to take alcoholic beverages, which severely injure the larynx.
Which doctor should I go to for treatment?
If, after reading the article, you suspect that you have symptoms characteristic of this disease, then you shouldA debilitating cough that does not bring relief appears for various reasons. In most cases, this is a sign of a viral or bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. However, other more serious diseases can provoke attacks of bronchospasm. The patient's condition can be alleviated with the help of medications, traditional medicine and special procedures. Let's consider them in more detail.
Reasons for the appearance
A debilitating dry cough in a child or adult can occur as a result of hypothermia and various diseases. Most often it manifests itself at night, it is in the supine position that the airways begin to cope poorly with their functions. Bronchospasm is eliminated by different methods, they are chosen depending on the ailment that provoked the violation. The following pathologies can cause seizures:
Types of cough
Let's consider in more detail what are, and what features are characteristic of them. This will help to find out what exactly led to the disruption of the respiratory system.
According to certain characteristics of bronchospasm, it is possible to find out what disease worries the patient, and what measures should be taken to alleviate his condition.
| View | Features: |
| Unproductive | It can be exhausting during the day, but most often it manifests itself at night, does not bring relief. A characteristic feature - the absence of mucus, can be caused by various diseases. |
| Barking | Worries patients at night, does not provide relief, and does not produce mucus. Most often indicates development viral infection upper respiratory tract (tracheitis, laryngitis). |
| Protracted | It manifests itself at night, since it is at this time that sputum flows into the nasopharynx and irritates the respiratory tract. It is a consequence of prolonged bronchitis and can disturb the patient for several weeks. |
| Paroxysmal | It manifests itself most often at night, accompanied by the release of lumps of thick sputum. It is observed with tracheitis and tracheobronchitis, rarely occurs after whooping cough, which proceeded in an atypical form. |
| Acute unproductive | It develops against the background of acute respiratory infections (laryngitis, pneumonia, pharyngitis, etc.), may indicate the presence of foreign bodies in the respiratory tract. |
| Residual | It can appear after tracheitis, pneumonia or bronchitis, even when all other symptoms have long since disappeared. |
Drug therapy
A cough can exhaust the patient, weaken him and interfere with normal rest, since it manifests itself most often at night. You can alleviate the condition with medications, they affect both the respiratory tract and the causative agents of the diseases that caused the violation. Consider what groups of drugs are commonly used in therapy.
The funds act to eliminate the cough reflex at the level of the brain. These are powerful drugs that have a ton of side effects. They are prescribed only if the patient cannot sleep at all. They are made on a narcotic and non-narcotic basis, and are prescribed with extreme caution to children.
The most popular medicine is Sinekod, it simultaneously relieves inflammation and completely suppresses cough. Also has a combined effect "Stoptusin" and "Codelac".
Mucolytic agents
The drugs thin out phlegm and speed up its excretion from the respiratory tract. The most popular products in this category are: "Ambrobene", "Lazolvan", "ACC 100". They have a positive effect on recovery from acute and chronic forms of bronchitis or laryngitis.
It is unacceptable to combine mucolytics with antitussive drugs, as this can cause stagnation of phlegm in the bronchi.
Expectorants
Drugs from this group will help to improve the excretion of mucus from the respiratory tract, disinfect them and suppress coughing attacks. They have a combined effect, at the same time relieve inflammation, soothe mucous membranes, provoke the separation of sputum from the bronchi.
The most popular is Mukaltin.This is a multicomponent drug that can cause negative reactions, it is highly effective, but it is prescribed with caution to patients who have problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
Antibiotics
Means of a wide spectrum of action, the main task of which is to eliminate pathogens and suppress their reproduction. The drugs are one of the most powerful, they give the desired results after 2 days of use, but if there are no changes, then other drugs are selected.
You can take antibiotics for no more than 10 days, as they have many side effects.
Homeopathic remedies
The drugs that help to overcome the debilitating cough are made from natural ingredients. They are often prescribed to babies, since children have a lot of contraindications to the use of chemicals. Most often, the active ingredients of drugs are belladonna and aconite. The high biological activity of the components makes them harmful to allergy sufferers. Among homeopathy, it is worth highlighting "Gepar Sulfur", "Spongia".
Treatments to relieve the condition
Special procedures, which can be carried out at home or in a polyclinic, can help in the fight against a debilitating cough. They are aimed at actively eliminating the signs of the disease and alleviating the patient's condition.
The following measures are applied:
- "ACC";
- Ambrobene;
- "Lazolvan";
- "Evkarom No. 1";
- Ingafitol;
- chamomile;
- calendula;
- st. John's wort;
- pine cones, etc.
- badger fat;
- bear fat;
- goose fat;
- beef fat.
- Infusions and decoctions. Oral administration of medicinal infusions and decoctions has a beneficial effect on the bronchi and mucous membranes. With the help of funds, you can disinfect the respiratory tract, relieve inflammation, eliminate pain, thin out phlegm and improve its discharge, overcome even the most severe spasm. Healing drink is prepared from pharmacy collections or individual plants. It is important to remember that even medicinal herbs can be harmful to the body, as they have high biological activity. The following plants help cough:
- Medicinal drinks. Not only herbs have healing properties, but also food products that are familiar on our tables. A combination of several healing ingredients can have a great effect. The funds simultaneously relieve spasm, fight against pathogenic microorganisms, improve the protective functions of the body and saturate it with useful substances, anesthetize, disinfect, thin and remove phlegm, envelop the mucous membrane with a protective film. These properties are:
- natural honey;
- fatty butter;
- milk;
- burnt sugar;
- banana;
- radish juice, etc.
Precautions
An adult or child can cough violently for a variety of reasons. A debilitating spasm is a manifestation of any disease, therefore, before starting treatment, you need to accurately diagnose. This can only be done by a doctor after a detailed examination, laboratory tests and additional consultations. It is impossible to independently apply any measures to eliminate the violation, this can harm health.
Any drugs and treatment methods are selected individually and depend on such factors:
- diseases that provoked cough;
- the presence and type of complications;
- characteristics of the body;
- age;
- the presence of concomitant diseases;
- clinical picture.
It is also worth remembering that procedures such as warming compresses, rubbing and inhalation are completely contraindicated in elevated temperature body. Folk remedies are only an additional measure, they are not able to completely replace the use of medications.
Let's sum up
You can fight a cough that prevents you from living normally different ways... Traditional and alternative medicine offers effective means to eliminate seizures and improve the patient's condition. However, it is worth remembering that it is not the spasm itself that needs to be treated, but the disease that caused it... This requires a visit to a qualified specialist. Early diagnosis and the right treatment will help you quickly recover and avoid complications.