How to treat chronic cough

Many people believe that chronic cough is a sign of respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, bronchitis or tracheitis. It's a delusion. Cough syndrome in a chronic form may be present in diseases of the ENT organs, cardiovascular system and digestive tract.

It should be noted that correctly identifying the cause of the symptom makes it possible to completely recover. In this article we will tell you how and how to treat chronic cough.

Symptoms of chronic cough

The symptoms of chronic cough are pronounced. Signs include:

1. Sputum in a significant volume (if there is a disease of the bronchi or lungs).
2. Signs characteristic of intoxication (high temperature, increased sweating, poor appetite, weight loss, general weakness). In addition, such symptoms accompany cough syndrome if a person is sick with tuberculosis or lung cancer.
3. The appearance of shortness of breath not only after physical activity, but also at rest.
4. Bloody sputum or hemoptysis.

If any of the symptoms of a chronic cough appear, you must immediately seek help from specialists , otherwise irreversible processes that are dangerous to human life are possible.

Causes of cough

The causes of respiratory disorders and cough are:

1. Bronchial asthma. This is a chronic disease of an allergic nature. Predisposing factors are heredity, contact with allergens (dust, pollen, chemicals, gases), smoking, contact with germs, taking medications (Aspirin). Cough in asthma occurs as a result of bronchial hyperreactivity to irritants and their spasm. It is combined with attacks of suffocation, a feeling of tightness in the chest, wheezing and expiratory shortness of breath. Productive cough (with sputum). It is possible to develop asthma, manifested only by coughing attacks.
2. Tuberculosis. This is a dangerous infectious disease caused by mycobacteria. The cough with it is caused by a specific inflammation of the lung tissue. Human infection occurs through the air. Possible alimentary (food) and transplacental routes of transmission of infection. Smokers and people with immunodeficiency are most often affected. At first the cough is dry, then becomes wet. Purulent sputum is often produced. The cough is combined with symptoms of intoxication, sweating, swollen lymph nodes and hemoptysis.
3. Chronical bronchitis. This is a disease characterized by diffuse inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. Men over 40 years of age are most often affected. The causes of inflammation and chronic cough are inhalation of chemicals (vapors, aerosols, smoke, dust), smoking and existing infectious diseases. Chronic bronchitis develops with improper treatment of acute bronchitis. Coughing appears against the background of increased secretion of mucus and sclerosis of bronchial tissue. A lot of mucopurulent sputum with an unpleasant odor comes out. Often with bronchitis, inflammation of the alveoli is observed.
4. Reflux. Chronic cough in children and adults can occur due to the reflux of acid from the stomach into the pharynx and esophagus.
5. Sinusitis (inflammation of the paranasal sinuses). Coughing occurs as a result of pus flowing down the wall of the pharynx and irritation.
6. Bronchiectasis. With this pathology, deformation of the bronchi occurs (pathological expansion of individual areas) and accumulation of pus. Symptoms of the disease are detected mainly in children and people under 25 years of age. A persistent cough is the main symptom of bronchiectasis. It intensifies as sputum accumulates. Additional symptoms include cyanosis of the skin, shortness of breath, changes in the shape of the chest, weakness, pale skin, hemoptysis, changes in the phalanges of the fingers and weight loss.
7. Chronic heart failure of the left ventricular type.
8. Narrowing of the mitral valve of the heart.
9. Pneumosclerosis (replacement of functional tissue with fibrous tissue). At first, the cough is rare, and then becomes constant and obsessive. The disease progresses steadily and leads to respiratory failure. Fever, as with asthma, is absent (there is practically the only symptom - coughing).
10. Benign and malignant lung tumors . In cancer, the cough is dry, frequent, and paroxysmal. In later stages it becomes moist. The reason for its appearance is compression of the bronchus by the tumor. Along with it, hemoptysis and signs of cancer intoxication are observed (low-grade fever, weakness, fatigue, decreased performance, weight loss).
11. Pneumoconiosis. This is a pathology in which, against the background of prolonged inhalation of dust (containing beryllium, silicon dioxide, iron, aluminum, silicates), tissue fibrosis is observed. A similar problem is faced by people working with metal, asbestos, coal, talc, soot, iron, welding machines, gas burners and fabrics (cotton, wool). A cough may appear 10-15 years after starting work.
12. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
13. Pulmonary echinococcosis. This is a parasitic pathology caused by the larvae of the tapeworm Echinococcus. Cysts form in the lungs, which are bubbles with fluid and the heads of the parasite. They compress the small bronchi. Human infection occurs through the mouth through contact with the fur of sick animals, through consumption of infected foods (greens, vegetables, fruits) and water. Cough with echinococcosis is often combined with rash, itching, shortness of breath, dysphagia and dull chest pain.
14. Ascariasis. This disease is caused by large helminths from the group of nematodes. Parasite eggs enter the body from the external environment (soil) with dirty hands, unwashed food and unboiled water. The larvae enter the lungs through the bloodstream. They damage blood vessels and contribute to the formation of infiltrates. Against the background of ascariasis, eosinophilic pneumonia and pleurisy can develop.

Possible reasons

There are many sources of manifestation of cough syndrome in chronic form. An accurate diagnosis of the disease can only be made by a specialist who will conduct a complete examination of the patient. The main causes of chronic cough:

1. Chronic course of bronchitis.
2. Bronchiectasis.
3. Bronchial asthma.
4. Side effects when taking ACEIs and medications to lower blood pressure.
5. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
6. Eosinophilic form of bronchitis.
7. Chronic pulmonary obstruction.
8. Pneumonia.
9. Presence of tuberculosis.
10. Heart failure.
11. Oncology of the respiratory organs.
12. Thyroid diseases.
13. Foreign object in the respiratory tract.
14. Sarcoidosis.
15. Presence of HIV infection.
16. Lung damage due to systemic diseases in connective tissues.

Important. We should not forget that you can get rid of a cough, even in a chronic form, by curing the main cause of the disease.

Causes of chronic cough

Foreign particles, mucus and sputum entering the respiratory system have an irritating effect on the mucous membranes of organs, which causes coughing. A lingering cold often develops into chronic bronchitis, which worsens every 2-3 months for several years. The main symptom of the disease is chronic cough. The reasons causing exacerbation of the disease are as follows:

• frequent hypothermia;
• infectious diseases of the respiratory system (flu, sore throat, tonsillitis, etc.);
• viral disease (ARVI, acute respiratory infections).

By the way, chronic cough is not always associated with respiratory tract disease. Such manifestations can occur in heavy smokers and people working in hazardous enterprises.

There are two main reasons for the development of the chronic stage of bronchitis:

1. Treatment of the acute form of the disease was ineffective or incomplete, which resulted in complications.
2. The patient's work is associated with hazardous production, where a person inhales dust, vapors of chemical compounds and toxic substances. During breathing, foreign particles enter the bronchi, where they settle, which leads to changes in the structure of the mucous membranes.

Drug treatment

Treatment of chronic cough in adults should begin after establishing the exact cause of its manifestation. To do this, you should seek help from specialists and undergo the necessary examination.

After establishing an accurate diagnosis and determining concomitant diseases, the doctor may prescribe the following groups of medications for a dry type of cough:

1. Mucolytic.
2. Antitussives.
3. Antispasmodic.
4. Antiviral or antibacterial drugs.
5. Bronchodilators.
6. Anti-inflammatory drugs.
7. Immunomodulators.
8. Antipyretic medications.
9. Antihistamines.
10. Medicines to restore damaged mucous membranes.

The main method of treating chronic cough syndrome is the use of inhalations. For inhalation, it is recommended to use eucalyptus, chamomile, lemon or menthol essential oils.

The use of these medications eliminates spasms in the mucous membrane, has an anti-inflammatory or antibacterial effect, activates blood flow, improves the patient’s well-being, and also reduces cough syndrome.

If the patient has a dry chronic cough, the doctor will prescribe treatment to transform the cough into a wet one. After all, the secreted sputum helps to cleanse the respiratory system, and proper treatment can return the patient to full breathing.

Each type of cough is treated with a specific set of medications. To treat a wet cough, medications are often prescribed to help the patient cough up mucus. In addition, the following medications may be prescribed:

1. Enveloping drugs.
2. Antibiotics.
3. Physiotherapeutic treatment.
4. Gargling with disinfectant solutions.
5. Mucolytics.

Chronic cough: causes and treatment of old cough

Cough is one of the main symptoms of respiratory diseases. And this is a completely normal process that helps free the bronchi and lungs from viruses, bacteria and other pathogens.

But in some situations, the cough does not disappear after recovery. It can last several weeks or more than six months.

How to cure an old cough? Why does this phenomenon occur? What symptoms does it accompany? The answers to all these questions will be discussed below.

Causes

Correctly identifying the cause of a chronic cough can guarantee complete recovery. Most often the phenomenon occurs as a result of:

• bronchial asthma;
• bronchiectasis;
• postnasal drip syndrome;
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
• chronic bronchitis;
• side effect from taking certain medications, particularly those that lower blood pressure.

But in 5% of cases of chronic cough, the causes will be as follows:

• pneumonia;
• tuberculosis;
• scleroderma;
• oncological diseases of the respiratory system;
• lung abscess;
• sarcoidosis;
• lupus erythematosus;
• left ventricular heart failure;
• pathology of the thyroid gland.

We must not lose sight of the likelihood of an allergic, psychogenic and even idiopathic (causeless) cough. Smoking (including passive smoking) and weakened immunity can also contribute to the process.

Due to the large number of causes of chronic dry cough, the diagnostic process can be somewhat difficult.

Symptoms

Chronic cough itself in adults is a separate symptom of a certain disease. But it, depending on the disease, can be accompanied by various manifestations:

• bitter taste in the mouth;
• wheezing;
• shortness of breath;
• wheezing;
• sputum mixed with blood;
• rhinitis.

With prolonged chronic cough, the patient may begin to experience headaches, dizziness, excessive sweating, severe malaise, urinary incontinence, and even broken ribs.

Drug therapy

How to cure a chronic cough that lasts, although not six months, but for quite a long time? The answer to this question must be sought from a doctor.

In the case of an old cough, treatment should be carried out only after consultation with a doctor!

First of all, the cause of the phenomenon is taken into account. Based on this, the necessary medications for chronic cough are prescribed to adults.

Postnasal drip

Depending on the presence of certain symptoms, as well as the medical history, the patient may be prescribed antihistamines, fluoroquinolones or ipratropium spray, nasal glucocorticoids. The latter are able to reduce postnasal drip, with only two applications per day being sufficient.

Antihistamine tablets and syrups are also quite effective, but may cause some side effects (dry eyes, nose, mouth, drowsiness, and so on). The safest drugs among them for postnasal drip are Cetirizine and Loratadine. However, they are less effective in treating chronic cough.

Decongestants can relieve swelling and relieve nasal congestion. They also relieve some other symptoms of postnasal drip, such as sneezing and runny nose.

Asthma

You can get rid of chronic cough caused by asthma using inhalations. In this case, adrinomimetics and corticosteroids will be added to the solution. Such substances can relieve inflammation and swelling, increase the clearance in the bronchi.

Acid reflux

In this case, to eliminate an old cough, you will need to reconsider your diet and exclude from it foods that promote the secretion of excess acid. In addition, the doctor may prescribe the use of other drugs in the form of tablets, syrups, wafers, gels (Ranitidine, Famotidine, Maalox, Rennie, Almagel, Omeprazole, Rabeprazole, Lansoprazole).

Allergy

In this case, the use of antitussives will not bring any results at all. Usually, for allergies, antihistamines for internal use (syrups, tablets) are prescribed. Additionally, the doctor can include various wraps, massage, inhalations, physiotherapy, and so on in the therapy.

ethnoscience

Chronic cough can be treated at home in adults using non-traditional methods. But in any case, you should consult a specialist for advice before you start using traditional methods to get rid of cough.

Treatment with folk remedies:

1. Honey with goat fat helps a lot . Honey (in the absence of an allergic reaction) and fat are melted in equal quantities. Rub the resulting mixture onto the skin, wrap it in wax paper, and tie a warm scarf on top.
2. garlic and onions as antiseptics . To prepare the medicine, take 10 onions and 1 garlic, chop and boil in homemade milk until completely softened. A small amount of honey and cape-shaped budra are added to the resulting mixture (it is possible to use a decoction). The mixture is taken throughout the day, every 1 hour, one tablespoon at a time. It should be noted that this method helps alleviate cough syndrome and removes phlegm.
3. To get rid of cough syndrome, you can use leeks . The medicine is prepared as follows: the white part of the plant is cut and boiled in milk (1/4 liter). The pan with the hot mixture is wrapped and left for 4 hours, then the broth is filtered and 1 teaspoon is taken every 2 hours.
4. You can use a kind of onion inhalation . Peel the onion and chop it as finely as possible, place it on a saucer. The patient bends over the bow, covers himself with a blanket and breathes in medicinal vapors. In addition, chopped onions are placed in the room where the patient is constantly present. Although such treatment is not indicated in the presence of spasms in the bronchi.
5. Onions can also be used to treat cough syndrome . Take 0.5 kg of onion, chop and add 2-3 tablespoons of honey to it. All this is mixed and put on fire. During cooking, add 0.4 kg of sugar and a liter of water. The resulting mixture is boiled for 3 hours. The resulting decoction is taken 4-6 times a day, 1 tbsp. l. This remedy is good for relieving intense coughs.

Alternative medicine also involves the use of medicinal herbs to treat cough syndrome. To do this, you can make your own collection from the following herbs:

1. 30 g licorice root.
2. 40 g coltsfoot.
3. 30 g plantain leaves.

All ingredients are poured with 0.5 liters of hot boiled water and left to infuse for 40 minutes. The decoction is taken warm, 100-120 ml three times a day.

Preventive measures

If cough syndrome in adults is fully treated, it disappears over time. Naturally, you should adhere to some requirements so that the cough does not return . The following are recommended as preventive measures:

1. Quit smoking completely.
2. Get outside and breathe fresh air as often as possible.
3. Do therapeutic exercises.
4. Humidify the air in your apartment (find out how to choose a humidifier).
5. Clothing must be appropriate for the weather.
6. Eat food after it has cooled to room temperature.
7. Try to avoid staying in a smoky or dusty room.
8. Drink as much fluid as possible throughout the day.
9. Nutrition should be balanced.
10. Take vitamin supplements.
11. Get fluorography regularly.
12. Check with your doctor periodically.