Coughing is actually a natural defense mechanism in our body. It is the body's way of trying to get rid of harmful things like mucus, smoke, and dust in our respiratory tract. But when you have a continuous, incessant cough, it can be very annoying, isn't it? You can't sleep well at night, you can't do any work, and sometimes your chest hurts. So today, let's talk about some ways to get relief from this annoying cough.
First, let's look at what can be done for a cough in general.
The cause of your cough could be a cold, an allergy, or gastritis (acid reflux). Treating the cause is the best thing to do. But in the meantime, these simple things can help control your cough.
- Drink plenty of fluids like water, soup, and porridge: When you are sick, mucus can flow from your nose to your throat. When we drink plenty of fluids, this mucus will thin out and the throat will feel less stuffy. This will reduce coughing. It will also make it easier for the lungs to expel the mucus.
- Honey is a great medicine: A teaspoon of honey can greatly reduce the irritation and itching in the throat. Some studies have found that honey is as effective as some medicines for nighttime coughs. You can drink a teaspoon of honey alone or mix it with hot tea. But remember one thing: it is not good to give honey to babies under one year old.
- A hot drink can help: Drinking a cup of ginger tea with some coriander can help relieve a cough that comes with a cold. Ginger can relax the muscles in our airways. The heat also helps reduce mucus.
- Remove harmful substances from your home: Some people are very sensitive to things like perfumes, air fresheners, and laundry detergents. These can also cause mucus production and coughing. If you have allergies to things like dust and mold, keep your home clean. Wash bedding in hot water and vacuum thoroughly.
- Keep your head slightly elevated while sleeping: When you lie down in bed, mucus can accumulate in your throat and make coughing worse. The best solution to this is to sleep with your head slightly elevated on a couple of pillows.
- Gargle with salt water: Gargling with half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water can help relieve a sore throat and loosen thick mucus stuck in the throat.
- Quit smoking completely: When we smoke, the fine hairs (cilia) in our lungs become inactive. These hairs are what clean the mucus in the lungs. This is one of the reasons why smokers have a long-term cough. So if you smoke, definitely stop it. Also, being around smokers (secondhand smoke) is not good.
- Steam: Steaming well, whether it's by going to the bathroom and taking a hot shower, or using a humidifier, can help loosen mucus and provide great relief.
Not all coughs are the same, right? Let's look at remedies based on the type.
There are different types of coughs. There are dry coughs and coughs with phlegm. Once you know what type of cough you have, it's easier to find the right remedy for it.
Simply put, it is not a good idea to try to stop a productive cough. Because it only brings up mucus from the body. What you need to do at that time is to help the mucus come out more easily. It is a dry cough that we should try to stop.
| Type of cough | Common causes | The best thing to do |
|---|---|---|
| Dry cough | Colds, flu, throat infections, allergies, asthma | Drink fluids to keep your throat moist. Use honey, ginger tea, and cough lozenges. Take cough suppressants as directed by your doctor. |
| Productive/Wet Cough | Respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia | Drink plenty of fluids. Inhale steam. Use expectorants as directed by your doctor. Do not try to stop this cough. |
| Allergy Cough | Allergies to things like dust, pollen, and animal dander | Stay away from things that cause allergies. Use medications such as antihistamines prescribed by your doctor. |
Let's learn a little about medicines.
There are two types of cough medicine you can buy at the pharmacy.
1. Cough Suppressants: These work by blocking the signal that tells our brain to cough. These should only be used for dry, annoying coughs . These are useful if you have a cough that keeps you awake at night.
2. Expectorants: These work by thinning the mucus in the lungs and helping it to be coughed up more easily. These should be taken for a cough with mucus .
The most important thing is to consult your doctor about any medication you take and take it exactly as directed. Some cough medicines may not be compatible with medications for other conditions.
Questions you may have about cough (FAQ)
Why do I always feel dizzy even though I have no physical problems?
There are several reasons for this. One is postnasal drip . The other is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) . This is a condition that many people call gastritis. Also, some people can develop a dry cough as a side effect of medications such as ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure. To find out exactly what the cause is, it is best to see a doctor.
Why does my head hurt when I cough?
This is called a 'cough headache'. When we cough hard, the pressure in our chest and abdomen increases. This pressure also increases the pressure inside the brain, which can cause a headache. This is usually nothing to worry about. However, if the pain persists or is severe, seek medical advice.
What do you do if you have an unstoppable cough?
Drinking a little water or a teaspoon of honey right away can provide immediate relief. However, if the cough persists, is accompanied by difficulty breathing, or chest tightness, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Don't delay.
Take-Home Message
- Coughing is a protective mechanism of the body, but a persistent cough is uncomfortable.
- Drinking plenty of fluids like water and porridge helps a lot with a cough.
- Honey is a good home remedy for sore throats and dry coughs (but do not give it to babies under one year old).
- Identify your cough type (dry? phlegmy?) and choose the right remedy for it.
- Most importantly: If your cough persists for more than two to three weeks, and is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or coughing up blood, do not waste time and definitely see your doctor.
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