Coughing removes irritating particles from the airways. The cough itself can have several reasons, each causing a different type of cough: tickling cough, phlegmy cough, and persistent cough. Let’s discuss the causes and what you can do about it.
Causes of cough
Coughing is caused by irritation of the airways. This can have various causes. This is often caused by a viral infection, such as a cold. But it can also be a bacterial infection. It can also be a side effect of some medications, asthma, but also frequent throat clearing. Also, it can be a reaction to chemicals, (cigarette) smoke, very cold or hot air, or because stomach acid flows back into the throat.
By coughing, the body removes unwanted or irritating substances from the throat, lungs, and airways. It therefore has a function and in general it is better not to suppress it. However, there are several things you can do to relieve your cough.
Tickling cough
A hacking cough is usually caused by a viral infection. It is also called irritable cough. Or dry cough, because when you cough there is (almost) no mucus. Some medications can also cause a hacking cough as a side effect. This is the case, among others, with captopril, enalapril, fosinopril or lisinopril. If so, consult your doctor or pharmacist to see if you can switch to another medication.
If you suffer from a hacking cough, it may be helpful to lubricate your throat frequently. For example, you can drink water or tea or take honey. Sucking on a licorice or throat lozenge also provides temporary relief, but cough syrups and lozenges do not help, according to Thuisarts.nl.
If you suffer from a hacking cough a lot, your doctor may prescribe the cough medicine noscapine. This medicine suppresses the urge to cough. Since mucus is no longer expelled when coughing, it is not suitable for coughing with phlegm.
Read also: Do you cough more intensely at the end of the day? Here because
Catarrhal cough
Sometimes the mucus comes along with the cough, causing you to suffer from mucous cough. You can swallow it, so it will be transported to the stomach. Drinking something warm or misting with warm water may help. This allows the mucus to dissolve. Specific cough medicines for expectorant coughs or expectorant drinks generally do not help. It is also best not to suppress the cough, so that the mucus can leave the body.
Cough blocked
When there is (hard) mucus stuck in the airways that cannot be coughed out, it is called a blocked cough. As a result, you may also have difficulty breathing or experience a feeling of heaviness in your chest. It can be caused by a viral infection, but also by smoking, among other things. It may be useful to sleep with an extra pillow or, if possible, raise the headboard slightly. This makes breathing easier.
More anti-cough measures
Clean air ensures that the airways are less irritated. Therefore, avoid areas with smoke or dirty air. If you smoke, stop smoking. Try not to clear your throat or as little as possible. This irritates your throat and makes you cough again.
If you have a cold, you can use a nasal spray to keep your nose open. This means that you have to breathe less through your mouth and the mucous membranes remain moist. Dry mucous membranes can make you cough more. Dust and mites can make coughing worse, so try to keep your home as dust-free as possible.
When should you go to the doctor if you have a cough?
In general, the cough goes away on its own within about 3 weeks. If this is not the case or if you start to feel unwell, contact your doctor. Do this even if you feel short of breath or if you are coughing up blood or rusty brown mucus.
(Source: Thuisarts.nl, Moetiknaardedokter.nl, redactie.nl, Margriet, Gezondheidsplein, Arts en Zorg, Benu, influenzaalert.nl, Longfonds. Photo: Shutterstock)
2024-01-13 05:02:13
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