The Main Causes and Treatments for Cough

However, if over the days the cough  becomes dry and takes time to disappear, it is a clear sign that something is not right. These symptoms must be taken seriously and cannot go unnoticed, as they can complicate the state of health . If after trying the home remedies that we will recommend the problem remains, consult a doctor as soon as possible.

What is Cough: Cough is  a fundamental lung defense mechanism, which allows the removal of unwanted and irritating substances. It should be known that coughing  is not strictly a disease, but a symptom. However, coughing  is almost always a pathological process.

Coughing is usually a reflex that occurs after stimulation of the airways (trachea and bronchi), which sends a message to the brain at the center of the cough , which will  then trigger muscle contraction (particularly the diaphragm). When mucus or an irritating agent blocks the airways, the coughing  mechanism is used to clear the air passage and make breathing easier.

Types of Cough:  There are several types of cough , the main ones are:

• Allergic Cough: Allergic  cough is  characterized by a persistent cough that occurs whenever the individual is exposed to what he is allergic to, which can be cat or dog hair, dust or pollen from flowers or certain plants, for example. . Its treatment can be done with the ingestion of antihistamine medicines, such as Hixizine, but it is important to avoid contact with the allergen so that the cough  is really cured.
• Dry Cough: Dry  cough can  be caused by an irritation in the throat caused by inhaling smoke, cigarettes or a foreign object in the airways, for example, and finding out its cause is critical to successful treatment. Water is a good natural remedy that can help with cough treatment as it will keep the throat hydrated, calming the cough .
• Cough with phlegm:  Cough with  phlegm can be caused by  respiratory diseases such as flu , cold  or respiratory infection, for example. In this case, it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as body pain  and sometimes fever. Its treatment can be done with the use of cough  medicines that help in the elimination of phlegm, but always under medical supervision to avoid complications.

Causes of Cough:  Recent upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold  or the flu , can trigger a cough . Other common causes are:

• ACE inhibitors (medicines used to control blood pressure )
• Allergic rhinosinusitis (inflammation of the nose and sinuses)
• Asma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema or chronic bronchitis)
• smoking
• Exposure to cigarette smoke
• gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Lung diseases  , such as bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease, or tumors
• Lung infections , such as pneumonia or acute bronchitis
• Sinusitis  leading to postnasal drip
• tuberculosis .

Cough Symptoms:  Symptoms associated with Cough  can help clarify its cause. They are: nasal secretion (runny nose), feeling of secretion that runs from the back of the throat, wheezing or shortness of breath, burning in the stomach  and bitter taste in the mouth, Coughing  up blood  (rare cases).

How to Treat Cough:  Treatment for persistent cough should be directed at solving its cause. In the case of allergic cough  , in addition to the use of medications prescribed by the doctor, it is important to:

• Drink at least 1.5 liters of water a day: water helps keep the airways hydrated and reduces throat irritation;
• Take 1 tablespoon of carrot or oregano syrup about 3 times a day: these syrups have antitussive properties, reducing coughing fits . See how to make these syrups at: Homemade Cough Syrup ;
• Drink 1 cup of mint tea  about 3 times a day: mint has a tranquilizing, antitussive, mucolytic, expectorant and decongestant action, helping to relieve coughing . To make the tea  , simply add 1 teaspoon of dried or fresh mint leaves to a cup of boiling water. Let stand for 5 minutes, strain and drink. See other natural options to end Cough by clicking here.
• Take medicine for persistent cough under medical advice: a good medicine is Paracetamol + Codeine, as it acts in the center of the cough  , inhibiting this reflex. When the cough  is caused by an allergy, a great remedy is Cetirizine;
• Avoid indoor dust, contact with animals and cigarette smoke: these substances can be the cause of persistent coughing and, therefore, should be avoided.

Cases of  persistent cough for more than 1 week deserve more attention, especially if the individual has asthma, bronchitis, rhinitis or any other chronic respiratory disease. It can mean a worsening of the condition and the need to take antihistamines or corticosteroids.