Dry barking cough in an adult without fever, reasons and treatment

The article was checked by an otolaryngologist

Natalya Aleksandrovna Naumova, Medis Clinic

Inflammation of the larynx occurs more often with climate change. Laryngitis is a concomitant symptom that appears with the development of a cold or infectious pathology. Along with it, the patient is worried about bronchospasm; cough with laryngitis is eliminated using traditional or folk medicine.

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Causes of laryngitis and its complications

The disease is not an independent pathology; it develops against the background of other inflammatory processes in the throat and upper respiratory tract.

The most common viral infections that cause laryngitis are:

• flu;
• diphtheria;
• whooping cough;
• tuberculosis;
• syphilis;

There are other reasons that contribute to the development of pathological processes:

• Dirty air, gas or steam with dust particles entering the respiratory system.
• Bacterial infection - it penetrates the human body against the background of reduced immunity.
• External allergens that have a negative effect on the larynx.
• Cigarette abuse.
• High load on the vocal apparatus.
• Eating cold or hot food.

Sometimes, against the background of gastroesophageal reflux disease, inflammation of the trachea occurs. The pathology is characterized by the entry of stomach contents into the esophagus and larynx, the mucous tissues become irritated, and corresponding symptoms appear.

How can you catch it?

The most common cases of the disease are various viral infections (ARVI, reovirus, influenza). All these diseases are characterized by high body temperature (can rise above 40ºC). Against this background, acute malaise appears, severe weakness of the body, dry barking cough, which negatively affects the mucous membrane. Usually, when children suffer from viral diseases, improvements begin a few days after the start of treatment. In adults it may be different, since the same flu or ARVI can cause serious complications.

Cough and its complications

Along with pathological processes, the patient experiences discomfort and unpleasant sensations. But the most alarming sign is a barking cough, it is dry and accompanied by attacks. It resembles the barking of a dog, which is why it got its name. Such a cough only causes discomfort and pain, but does not remove phlegm from the bronchi.

The attack is difficult for children to endure, this is due to the fact that in a small body the muscles of the respiratory system are much weaker compared to an adult.

Character traits:

• cough is obsessive and painful for the patient;
• in a difficult situation it often causes respiratory arrest;
• sometimes manifests itself with vomiting;
• A barking cough causes severe swelling of the airways and their narrowing.

In children, such bronchospasm not only causes breathing problems, but a barking cough takes on a rough tone. Its unexpected appearance during laryngitis requires urgent medical attention. Severe swelling of the respiratory system sometimes leads to their complete closure.

Laryngitis is accompanied by a dry cough, which comes in two types:

• deep - spasm leaves the lungs;
• shallow - the source of the problem is in the throat or trachea.

With laryngitis, the cough is accompanied by painful attacks, and it is difficult for the patient to get rid of them. Forced exhalation is so unproductive that unpleasant sensations appear in the throat, causing discomfort to the person. The voice begins to wheeze, the patient complains of pain during swallowing.

Key reasons

Identifying the causes that provoke the appearance of a barking cough allows you to prescribe objective treatment.

• Diseases

Often such a rough cough becomes evidence of the development of a number of serious diseases. The list of pathologies that provoke a barking dry cough includes laryngitis and acute pharyngitis that is not treated in a timely manner. Diphtheria is considered the most dangerous and requires immediate medical intervention, as well as whooping cough, scarlet fever and measles.

• Allergy

An emerging barking cough is, as a rule, the dominant sign of narrowing of the lumen of the larynx due to swelling, which can be provoked by various allergens.

The free flow of air into the lungs is blocked, causing suffocation. One of the reflex actions of the body is a strong barking cough, aimed at expanding the narrowed lumens. At the same time, a runny nose, conjunctivitis, and skin rashes may occur.

• Irritation of the larynx

Irritation of the larynx accompanied by itching can be caused by the ingress of foreign objects - sand, lint, dust, etc. Toxic substances, exhaust gases, smoke, and various chemical compounds have a provoking effect. The result is a barking cough without fever, which requires immediate elimination of the irritant.

• Non-infectious inflammation

A specific barking cough appears when the larynx is inflamed, which is provoked by overexertion from strong screaming or illiterate singing. The consequence is also a sore throat, a sore throat, a hoarse voice, and a feeling of dryness.

Therapeutic methods

The treatment is carried out by a qualified doctor, he constantly monitors the condition of the patients, and draws up a picture of the course of the pathology. You cannot treat a cough with laryngitis on your own; there is a risk of aggravating your health condition, including complete hospitalization in a medical facility.

You should follow the recommendations for a speedy recovery.

• Maintain vocal rest - the patient should communicate with others in a whisper or using notes. Loud speech is prohibited.
• Adhere to a gentle diet: exclude hot or cold foods, carbonated drinks and any foods from your diet; they can have a detrimental effect on the throat, irritating it.
• Maintain drinking regime. Doctors recommend that their patients give preference to warm milk with the addition of a small amount of honey. This rule applies to alkaline mineral waters.
• You should stop smoking not only during the period of treatment of laryngitis with cough, but also during rehabilitation.
• The room where the patient is located must be constantly ventilated and maintain air humidity.
• Traditional medicine recipes include alcohol compresses or steam inhalations.
• Apply mustard plasters to the chest and hover the legs.
• Adhere to systemic treatment for cough with laryngitis.

Do not forget to consult a doctor; some traditional medicine recipes are contraindicated. It all depends on the patient’s condition and the course of the pathology.

During the initial stage of laryngitis, the patient develops a dry, unproductive cough, which must be eliminated. When it changes to wet, the patient is on the road to recovery. Additionally, therapy involves eliminating irritating factors that negatively affect the condition of the larynx and throat.

Symptoms of chronic inflammation of the larynx

In chronic laryngitis, the symptoms of the disease are characterized by hoarseness of the voice, and sometimes its complete disappearance.

The disease is also accompanied by constant dryness in the larynx, soreness, a feeling of a lump in the throat, and the appearance of a cough, which can take on a paroxysmal, painful character.

During remission, the listed symptoms hardly appear or have an unexpressed form; during exacerbations they become more intense.

Body temperature rises, headaches occur, the patient quickly gets tired and complains of constant weakness.

Symptoms of chronic laryngitis vary depending on the nature of the inflammatory process, which serves as a criterion for dividing the pathology into the following types:

• catarrhal;
• hypertrophic;
• atrophic.

Symptoms of catarrhal laryngitis

This type of laryngitis develops due to acute respiratory diseases and is accompanied by diffuse thickening of the mucous membrane, filling the vessels of the larynx with blood, as a result of which it turns red and the vocal folds swell.

At the initial stage, chronic catarrhal laryngitis has all the symptoms of the flu:

• runny nose,
• temperature increase,
• weakness,
• the appearance of a dry cough, gradually turning into a wet one, with sputum discharge.

To the listed signs are added symptoms characteristic of chronic inflammation of the larynx: soreness and constant discomfort in the throat, hoarseness of the voice, which forces the patient to whisper.

Sometimes during a cough you can find small blood discharge in the sputum; this is due to the thinning of the walls of the vessels of the submucosal layer.

The course of catarrhal laryngitis is not accompanied by a serious condition of the patient; the symptoms disappear immediately after recovery from acute respiratory infections.

Symptoms of hypertrophic laryngitis

Chronic laryngitis with hypertrophy can develop in two forms: diffuse and limited. The diffuse form is marked by swelling of the laryngeal mucosa; the limited form is characterized by the formation of so-called connective tissue nodules in the vocal cords.

Important to know: Symptoms and treatment of laryngitis. How to recognize the disease

Characteristic signs of laryngitis with hypertrophy:

• local proliferation of mucosal surface tissue with the formation of tubercles;
• thickening of the vocal folds;
• hoarse (hoarse) voice, sometimes complete loss of it (aphonia);
• presence of intense dry cough;
• burning, dry throat.

The disease can be accompanied by a severe course and cause complications in the form of benign and malignant neoplasms in the larynx.

Signs of atrophic laryngitis

Atrophic inflammation of the larynx is manifested by the following symptoms:

• the mucous membrane of the larynx becomes dry and thinned, covered with viscous mucus, which dries and forms crusts;
• constant sore throat;
• attacks of dry cough with the discharge of crusts and blood streaks;
• hoarseness, pronounced in the morning, minor after coughing with sputum discharge;
• putrid odor from the mouth;
• the presence of purulent exudate, determined by laryngoscopy.

Complications of laryngitis can include ulcers in the larynx, as well as malignant and benign neoplasms. Therefore, chronic atrophic laryngitis should “receive” decent treatment.

Drug therapy program

Medicines are prescribed only by a specialized specialist, who takes into account the results of tests, examinations, as well as the individual characteristics of the patient.

Therapy includes:

• Local medications with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial substances. We are talking about absorbable lozenges or sprays.
• Laryngitis cough is treated with expectorants, which include Mucaltin, plantain or ivy.
• Mucolytic drugs are effective; they are based on Carbocysteine, Acetylcysteine ​​or Ambroxol.
• Severe dry cough with laryngitis is eliminated with antitussive drugs. They contain active ingredients such as Butamirate, Codeine.

Laryngitis is characterized by severe swelling of the larynx. Qualified specialists prescribe antihistamines to their patients to alleviate the condition.

Frequent headaches are eliminated with painkillers. If the causative agent is a bacterial infection, the doctor prescribes the patient a spray that contains a local antibiotic.

Such medications can reduce the manifestations of the inflammatory process in a short time. Antibacterial agents are prescribed after receiving tests, if other treatment methods have not given a positive result.

Drug treatment

Before treating a barking cough, the doctor prescribes a diagnostic examination to determine the cause of this condition. The primary diagnosis is established after examining the patient. If infection is suspected, a laboratory test is taken. When an allergy or a specific disease is identified, drug therapy is carried out using various dosage forms. Depending on the stage of development and severity of the disease, the doctor will recommend an injection, rinse, tablet, powder or capsule. If the cough is caused by an allergy, then antihistamines are prescribed - Suprastin, Tavegil, Loratadine. They quickly eliminate swelling of the airways. For the same purpose, it is recommended to take Clemastine, Diazolin, Fenistil, etc. To get rid of a barking cough provoked by the development of an infection, the necessary remedy is selected in each specific case.

• Antitussive, relieving attacks. This could be Codelac, Bronchicum, Robitussin. Included in the therapeutic complex to get rid of dry cough Sinecod, Tusuprex, Libexin. Promotes expectoration and removal of sputum Gedelix, Ascoril.
• Antispasmodic, helping to improve breathing by relieving spasms and expanding the lumen of the pharynx.
• Antipyretic, necessary for body temperatures above 38°. Such types of drugs as Coldrex, Efferalgan, Panadol act quickly. Tylenol and Theraflu have good effectiveness.
• Antiviral, necessary for the viral nature of the cough. Medicine - Amizon, Novirin, Amiksin must be taken at the first sign.
• Anti-inflammatory, aimed at treating inflammation and reducing pain. Most often, Mucaltin, Ibuprofen, and Seratta are recommended for barking cough.

The drug therapy is complemented by a vitamin complex designed to strengthen the immune system. Decamevit has a beneficial complex effect.

Use of antibiotics

Despite the widespread popularity of antibiotics, only a doctor can prescribe them as a cure for barking cough. This is due to the risk of negative consequences if taken incorrectly. There are different groups of antibiotics.

• Penicillins. Represented by such drugs as Amoxicillin, Flemoxin, Amosin. If a dry cough resembles barking, then Augmentin, Ecobol, Amoxiclav will also help.
• Macrolides. According to indications, Azitsin, Erythromycin, Sumamed are recommended. Azithromycin, Rovamycin, Vilprafen have a beneficial effect in the treatment of debilitating dry cough.
• Cephalosporins. Among the many varieties, popular antibiotics of this group include Ceftriaxone, Suprax, Cephabol.

When deciding how to treat a dry barking cough, medications of the penicillin group are often included in medical prescriptions. If intolerance to them occurs, then cephalosporins or macrolides are prescribed.

Hospital treatment

Rules for inpatient treatment:

• an infusion of medicine into the larynx using special instruments is prescribed;
• the patient is referred for physiotherapeutic procedures;
• The diet is adjusted if the cause of laryngitis is intestinal pathology.

The chronic form of the disease requires special attention. It is necessary to eliminate the influencing factors that provoked an exacerbation of the pathology. Acute laryngitis is treated for 7–10 days, after the recovery period the patient makes a full recovery.

Chronic disease is difficult to overcome; sometimes the combination of all factors makes this process impossible. In most cases, specialists help alleviate the patient’s symptoms and condition with effective treatment.

Traditional medicine

Many patients use recipes from herbalists and healers to cure cough due to laryngitis. Traditional medicine offers a huge number of methods; it is important to consult a doctor before using any remedy. Laryngitis is a serious disease, self-medication can provoke complications and cause consequences, including respiratory arrest.

Folk remedies reduce inflammation in the upper respiratory tract and throat. They relieve unpleasant symptoms, but cannot completely eliminate the pathology. Treatment should be comprehensive if the patient has no contraindications.

There are several of the most effective traditional medicine recipes for coughs with laryngitis.

Fresh squeezed carrot juice and honey; for 1 glass of nectar you will need 10 ml of honey. The components should be mixed well and the medicine should be taken throughout the day.

Heat a small amount of salt in a frying pan, add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil. The patient is recommended to breathe in the vapors of the resulting mixture; the procedure is carried out 2 times a day.

Mix a glass of water with 1 teaspoon of sugar, add the same amount of soda. You should gargle with the resulting solution; this is an effective medicine for stenosing laryngitis.

Herbal infusions help reduce the inflammatory process. For preparation, coltsfoot, thyme, marshmallow, and nettle are used. The resulting solution is taken orally.

Lemon pulp with honey. A folk remedy that alleviates the condition of a patient with a chronic form of the disease. The mixture should be kept in the mouth for some time and then swallowed.

Alkaline mineral waters help eliminate not only sore throat, but also dry cough due to laryngitis. It is necessary to mix the liquid with milk, maintaining the same proportions. Heat, add butter, cognac and honey 1 teaspoon each. It is recommended to drink the resulting drink hot to warm your throat.

Patients should remember that traditional medicine recipes are auxiliary therapy for the disease. They require caution and approval from the attending physician. Only an integrated approach will allow you to recover quickly.

How to treat cough with laryngitis: methods

In the first days , when the patient’s cough is still dry, the goal of treatment is to make it productive , for which the patient first needs to eliminate irritants (tobacco, alcohol, carbonated drinks, hot and cold food).

It is also necessary to protect the vocal cords and larynx, avoiding too loud conversations and especially shouting and singing.

Further treatment is divided into stages and may involve taking medications from different drug groups.

Drug therapy

This treatment comes down to taking topical medications.
Important! If the disease is mild, and the thumping does not bother the patient too much, you can limit yourself to lozenges or sprays for irrigating the larynx.

If the thumping does not change from dry and barking to productive, in consultation with the doctor, you can drink mucaltin , which has an expectorant effect.

An alternative to this remedy are the drugs ambroxol, acetylcysteine, carbocysteine.

Treatment of dry cough

A dry cough may not go away for several days.

But it is better not to wait until this symptom begins to cause pain and discomfort, but to begin treatment on the first day using inhalations.

Coughing may intensify, but not become productive, and this almost always means that due to the developing inflammatory process in the patient, the lumen of the larynx narrows.

This symptom can be eliminated by inhalation of the drugs pulmicort or budesonide (the solution must be prepared in accordance with the instructions for the product).

In the first days, when phlegm in the body has not yet accumulated in large enough quantities, a cough occurs due to irritation of the throat.

You can relieve the tickle and moderate the swelling (but not completely remove it) by rinsing with a mixture of warm water and salt .

Attention! A dry cough often causes drying of the laryngeal mucosa, and in such cases it is appropriate to use moisturizing sprays or aerosols (chlorophyllipt, stopangin).

Treatment for barking cough

With proper treatment, a barking cough occurs within a few days and is accompanied by sputum discharge.

You cannot swallow the discharge : it must be expectorated, and as soon as the sputum begins to steadily separate, you must stop taking all expectorants.

Gargling with “sea water” still needs to be done, but every other time, instead of water with salt, you need to use a decoction of chamomile or sage.

Next, you need to suppress the activity and sensitivity of the receptors that cause coughing. For this purpose, medications such as codelac or terlicond are used.

Remember! If after 5-7 days the cough does not disappear, the matter may be allergic reactions (that is, the body thus shows an allergy to laryngitis pathogens), and in this case the doctor should prescribe antihistamines.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine is an acceptable method of treating laryngitis cough. There are several effective recipes in this direction:

1. Raw potatoes are grated and then pressed through cheesecloth with your hands to obtain juice. It is advisable to grate enough potatoes so that there is enough for at least half a glass of juice. Gargle with this liquid 1-2 times a day.
2. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to 200 milliliters and gargle with the mixture 2-3 times a day.
3. If the buzzing does not go away for a long time and the voice begins to shrink and the voice disappears, you can mix half a glass of anise seeds with a glass of water and boil the product for a quarter of an hour. After this, the composition is filtered and two tablespoons of honey and a tablespoon of cognac are added . The entire composition is put back on the fire and brought to a boil, then cooked for another five minutes. The cooled product is taken one teaspoon every half hour for several days until the cough goes away.
4. Any type of honey is mixed with the same volume of finely chopped plantain leaves , then the mixture is boiled on the stove for 15 minutes. The product should be drunk three times a day, one tablespoon.

Treatment of laryngitis during pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is much more difficult to treat inflammation of the throat; not all medications are recommended for expectant mothers. It is necessary to think not only about the woman’s condition, but also take into account the negative impact on the fetus. Many medications can enter a child’s body and harm him, causing serious problems.

Rules for treating laryngitis:

• The doctor selects medications based on the condition of the pregnant woman.
• It is recommended to completely comply with bed rest.
• The expectant mother's nutrition should be complete.
• Stick to the drinking regime.
• It is recommended to maintain vocal rest.

Traditional medicine recipes should be used by expectant mothers with caution. The risk of harming your health and the developing fetus is always great. The therapy program is discussed with the attending doctor; the woman must be under his supervision at all times while she is carrying the child.

Many qualified specialists recommend doing inhalations with herbal decoctions. Mint, chamomile, eucalyptus or pine buds are suitable. To eliminate dry cough due to laryngitis, doctors prescribe medications to pregnant women that do not contain hydrochloride, codeine or ethylmorphine.

Bronchospasms in women bearing children are treated with decongestant and anti-inflammatory drugs. Additionally, immunomodulators are added to the list of drugs.

Patients should always remember that laryngitis is a serious condition. Along with pathological processes, unpleasant symptoms develop that bring discomfort to a person. The disease is easy to prevent if you remember about prevention.