Sputum without cough in an adult, child: causes

What is sputum?

Sputum is understood as a secretion product of cells of the bronchial tree, which is formed in the lungs and bronchi. Consists of water, proteins, carbohydrates and mineral salts. The sputum is clear, liquid, odorless and colorless.

Discharges in normal quantities help to moisturize and protect the epithelial tissues of the bronchi and trachea from mechanical damage, and also help eliminate pathogens. When a person is in a healthy state, the discharge of sputum does not bother him; he does not notice or feel this process. If pathology develops, pus, blood or mucus may get into the sputum. The liquid becomes more or less viscous. Copious secretion is accompanied by a wet cough, but can pass without it.

What to do if bronchitis is not accompanied by a cough?

If there is no cough when bronchitis has just begun to develop, there is no reason to worry; this is typical for the early stage of the disease and will soon go away. And the prolonged course of the disease, in which the main symptoms of bronchitis are present (sore throat and runny nose, chest pain and shortness of breath, signs of intoxication), with the exception of cough, requires close attention from doctors, examination and identification of the cause of such an anomaly. It is possible that another disease that requires a fundamentally different treatment is mistakenly mistaken for bronchitis.

What is the danger?

If a person does not cough when phlegm accumulates in his bronchi, this is dangerous:

How to stimulate and relieve cough?

If bronchitis is accompanied by the formation of sputum, wheezing is heard when breathing, and a cough does not appear, it must be stimulated. For this, the following drugs may be recommended:

expectorants – increase mucus production and stimulate its elimination;
mucolytic - thins mucus and facilitates its passage.

Drugs of the first group can affect the mucous membrane of the stomach (reflex action) or the bronchi themselves (direct action), in both cases the production of mucus is stimulated, and when taking drugs of reflex action, the smooth muscles of the bronchi and the epithelium lining them begin to more actively perform their functions. Mucolytics also differ in their mechanism of action: some reduce the viscosity of sputum, others reduce the production of mucus, and others accelerate its elimination.

When taking drugs from these groups, bronchitis is not so severe and painful, and recovery occurs faster. Most ready-made pharmaceutical drugs have a combined effect; which of them in a particular situation will best help stimulate a productive cough, the doctor must decide based on the results of the examination of the patient.

Possible causes and pathologies of the appearance of sputum without coughing

The human respiratory organs are designed in such a way that they can cleanse themselves of unnecessary secretions. With the help of special cilia and mucus secreted by goblet cells, dust particles and pathogens entering the body from the outside are eliminated.

The entire bronchial mucosa is covered with excretory cells. The production of phlegm is a continuous natural process in the body. However, sputum without cough in an adult indicates an infection. The causes of this pathology can be:

living or working in dusty places. With constant contact of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract with dust particles of various origins, protective mechanisms are activated in the body. An additional amount of mucus begins to be produced, which prevents the oral cavity, nasopharynx, trachea and bronchial tree from drying out. Regular stay in unfavorable conditions contributes to constant phlegm in the throat without coughing, so a person needs to either come to terms with this or change his living or working environment to another,
bad habits, in particular smoking and drinking alcohol. With each puff of a cigarette, a person's lungs receive a small burn. Because of this, the surface of the trachea, bronchi and larynx dry out, and the brain gives a signal to protect them. The only way to do this is to produce large amounts of phlegm. Alcohol above 40 degrees irritates the bronchial glands, forcing them to work at increased speed. As a rule, eliminating provoking factors stabilizes the situation,
acute sinusitis. Inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx spread swelling of the mucous membrane of the larynx to the segments of the upper respiratory tract. Thick sputum accumulates in the trachea, which is not accompanied by a cough,
chronic tonsillitis. Constant inflammation of the tonsils leads to the constant formation of thick, transparent mucus with a putrid odor in the larynx. When mucus flows outside the larynx, a person may observe white particles. These are waste products of pathogenic bacteria that multiply in the tonsils,
rhinitis. During the course of the disease, copious mucus secretion appears, which is not expectorated due to swelling. It flows from the nasopharynx into the throat and can enter the stomach. To prevent pathogenic microorganisms from entering the body, it is necessary to rinse the nasopharynx from mucus,
allergic manifestations. May be accompanied by increased bronchial secretion, which is actively secreted and accumulates in the throat,
Schöngren's syndrome. It is quite rare and is characterized by increased activity of both the bronchial glands and abundant irrigation of the entire mucous surface of the respiratory tract. As a result, clear mucus accumulates in the throat and requires constant drainage. This condition is associated with disruption of the areas of the brain and the endings of the central nervous system, which are responsible for regulating the hydration of the surface of the respiratory organs,
reflux esophagitis. The disease is accompanied by symptoms such as heartburn, belching, a lump in the throat and an increased amount of sputum. This occurs due to the fact that the contents of the stomach involuntarily enter the esophagus, irritate it and cause the production of secretions.

Respiratory diseases become provoking factors for an increase in the amount of sputum. In the initial stages, acute respiratory infections and influenza occur without coughing, although bronchial secretions are present initially.

Increased secretion from the bronchi is a symptom of a metabolic disorder that occurs due to hormonal imbalance, addiction to fast foods, spicy foods, or taking medications.

A child often produces sputum without coughing due to adenoid disease. The disease is characterized by difficulty breathing through the nose and a change in voice to a nasal one. In this case, only an ENT specialist can make the correct diagnosis.

Treatment of illness without fever

If there is no temperature, this does not mean that treatment is not needed.

Treatment of bronchitis in an adult without fever will depend on the form of the disease, but will always be focused on the main therapeutic goals:

Antiviral drugs are prescribed when the nature of the disease is influenza virus.
If the disease is caused not by the penetration of a virus, but by an infection of another kind, then antibiotics are prescribed.
An increase in temperature is natural, but if the reading exceeds 38.5 in an adult, you need to resort to medication to reduce the temperature. Such drugs are often also painkillers, which means they can reduce pain in the chest during intense coughing.
In cases where the disease begins with a dry cough, it is necessary to stimulate the formation of sputum.
Mucolytic drugs help sputum to successfully separate from the walls of the bronchi and come out.
Bed rest will help reduce the load on the body, freeing up strength to fight inflammation and pathogenic organisms.
As directed by your doctor, you can prescribe vitamins to support your immune system.
Nutrition should be moderate, food that is easy to digest and does not deprive the body of strength. There are exceptions to this rule - with toxic bronchitis, nutrition should not be poor. Drinking should be plentiful, coffee and strong tea are excluded. Eating berry fruit drinks and vitamin herbs is beneficial.

Often a sick person has a question about how to treat bronchitis without fever in an adult in order to prevent the development of complications or relapse of the disease. When the acute stage of the disease has passed, it is good to undergo a course of physiotherapy.

Important: physiotherapeutic and other restorative procedures should be carried out only when body temperature is not elevated.

Features of clinical manifestations

During the formation of sputum, mucus periodically descends along the walls of the nasopharynx and the person begins to experience soreness and tickling in the throat. Symptoms intensify when taking a horizontal position. After sleep, mucus builds up in excess, but the lack of coughing does not allow you to get rid of it. A person is forced to cough up mucus, but some of it still remains on the walls of the throat. The presence of stagnant masses in the respiratory organs is accompanied by the following symptoms:

there is a feeling of heaviness in the chest,
there is an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth,
When listening to the chest, wheezing is heard,
difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and a feeling of suffocation, worse at night,
loss of appetite,
nausea and vomiting,
muscle pain,
elevated temperature,
fatigue and deterioration in general health.

Phlegm in the throat without coughing is extremely dangerous. It is an excellent environment for the development and residence of pathogenic organisms, so it is necessary to find out the causes of the pathology and carry out treatment as quickly as possible.

Diagnosis of sputum in the throat without cough

A condition that does not go away within a week is considered dangerous. The appearance of sputum without coughing in the morning or during the day, especially in a color that is not typical for it: yellow, green or gray, with lumps, should be the impetus for contacting a specialist. Only determining the real cause of the formation of bronchial secretions can be the key to correct treatment. Diagnostics includes the following activities:

medical examination. He examines his throat. The patient’s oral cavity and larynx to detect plaque, redness and various formations,
oral survey. The medical history is compiled on the basis of previous diseases of the respiratory system, the presence of tuberculosis in close relatives, etc.,
listening to the chest with a fanendoscope to determine wheezing in the respiratory organs,
sputum analysis for the presence of pathogenic organisms in mucus,
general urinalysis, biochemical and general blood tests show the number of leukocytes and changes in ESR,
Lung MRI and CT,
bronchoscopy and bronchography,
examination by a gastroenterologist, ultrasound and FSHD to determine abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract.

Increased mucus production may be associated with dental problems, so it would be a good idea to get examined by a dentist.

How to treat the disease

When treating bronchitis without coughing, the main task is to improve the discharge of accumulated mucus (sputum). The patient is recommended:

Bed rest;
Drink plenty of warm drinks;
Eating foods rich in vitamin C.

When the temperature rises, take antipyretics:

Paracetamol for adults;
Ibuprofen;
Acetylsalicylic acid.

Mucus thinners:

Ambrohexal;
Acetylcysteine;
Fluditek.

Expectorants Herbal mixtures or extracts in the form of syrups, tablet forms, dry mixtures. They improve the process of sputum discharge itself:

Licorice root syrup;
Chest collection;
Chamomile decoction;
Mukaltin;

Carrying out inhalations through a [nebulizer] In the initial stage, simply with a saline solution of 0.9%. 10 minutes 5-6 times a day. Then the number of inhalations is gradually reduced so as not to dry out the mucous membranes.

Electrophoresis on the chest. Vibration massage of the chest to improve mucus discharge.

Important to know: Bronchitis with obstructive syndrome

Antibacterial drugs

Prescribed by a doctor in the presence of purulent sputum, which indicates the presence of bacterial inflammation. The following antibiotics are often prescribed:

Amoxiclav;
Azithromycin;
Levofloxacin;
Ampicillin;
Ceftriaxone.

Antiviral drugs:

Arbidol;
Kagocel;
Cycloferon.

There is no need to self-medicate. All treatment must be prescribed by a specialist (therapist, pulmonologist, general practitioner, pediatrician).

Treatment is in most cases outpatient. Inpatient treatment is carried out in severe cases.

Most often, symptoms of bronchitis go away within 14 days. But with poor treatment, bronchitis can become chronic.

The duration of chronic disease can be several months. In the future, regular relapses (exacerbations) of the disease may occur.

And it will take a long period to restore the body’s defenses.

Treatment of sputum depending on the causes

It is necessary to carry out sputum therapy without coughing only after diagnosis. Treatment of mucus hypersecretion caused by external factors begins with their exclusion. If the problem lies in the development of a bacterial infection, then the causes of its occurrence are eliminated.

Drug therapy

The accumulation of phlegm in the throat due to a runny nose and its derivatives (rhinitis, nasopharyngitis, sinusitis, sinusitis) is caused by the flow of nasal mucus into the throat. This condition is treated with antiseptics. You can rinse your nasal sinuses with preparations based on sea water (Aqualor, Dolphin, Rinosto). Swelling will be relieved by vasoconstrictor drops Nazivin and Otrivin. Having established the cause of the runny nose, the doctor may prescribe the following medications:

Isofr, Dioxidin or Protargol for bacterial infection,
Grippferon, IRS-19, Genferon, if the cause is viruses,
Pinosol, Pinovit, Vicks-Active for inflammatory processes.

All medications are taken for no more than 5 days. If there is no improvement during this period, they look for other ways to get rid of the disease.

Diseases of the larynx and oral cavity, which increase the likelihood of phlegm forming in the throat without coughing, are treated with anti-inflammatory or antiseptic drugs. Strepsils lozenges and Doctor Mom help a lot. Sore throat will be relieved by Miramistin, Orosept, Ingalipt sprays and Chlorophyllipt or Stomatofit rinsing solutions.

To stimulate coughing, when mucus rises from the bronchi into the larynx, special herbal or synthetic based drugs are prescribed: ACC, Stoptusin, Coldrex, etc.

Detection of bacteria in sputum requires treatment with antibiotics from the group of penicillins, tetracyclines, macrolides or cephalosporins. They are taken strictly as prescribed by the doctor according to an individually developed regimen.

Excessive mucus due to allergic reactions is treated with antihistamines: Suprastin, Cynarizin, Tavegil. The source of the allergy is also removed. As a rule, relief occurs within a couple of days.

Treatment with folk remedies

There are many remedies in your home medicine cabinet that will relieve inflammation, reduce mucus production and help clear sputum without coughing. Rinsing with solutions of oak bark, sage, chamomile, soda and salt helps. They will relieve irritation in the throat and larynx and stop the spread of infection. You need to rinse 3-4 times a day after meals.

Beekeeping products are quite effective in this situation. The following medicines can be prepared from them:

honey with radish. To prepare, you will need one black radish, with the center cut out to form a kind of bowl. Liquid honey is poured into it and left for a couple of hours. The resulting medicine can be mixed with onion juice or taken independently, a tablespoon per day,
carrot juice and honey. Juice is squeezed out of four carrots and diluted with water 1:1. Add 2-3 tsp. honey, stir and drink during the day in 3 doses,
alcohol tincture of propolis. You can buy it ready-made at the pharmacy or infuse it yourself. A teaspoon of the medicine is added to warm water or milk and drunk daily before bed.

Before using any folk remedy, you should consult your doctor to rule out allergies.

Causes of cough and its role for the body

Cough is a reflex protective reaction of the respiratory organs to the action of mechanical, chemical irritants or the penetration of infection into the body.

To protect the tissues of the respiratory tract from damage, the mucous membrane lining them from the inside begins to actively produce its secretion - mucus. Most foreign agents are retained in it and do not penetrate deeper into the tissue: dust particles, toxins produced by pathogenic microorganisms, cell decay products. During the inflammatory process that accompanies bronchitis, mucus is produced in significant quantities and begins to accumulate in the bronchi, irritating their receptors. A cough appears in response to this irritation; it is an attempt to get rid of the irritant, cough it out, and remove it from the body.

Positive meaning of cough:

protects the body from irritants and infections, delays their penetration deep into tissues and spread down the respiratory tract;
cleanses the bronchi and other respiratory organs from accumulating mucus that interferes with normal breathing;
like any symptom, it signals problems in the body, makes you alert and take action.

The positive role of cough in the body is confirmed by the fact that a person usually experiences relief after clearing his throat. The exception is a dry cough, which is unproductive and painful; there is irritation, but the mucus is not coughed up because the body has not yet begun to produce it in sufficient quantities or it is very thick. To alleviate this condition, antitussive drugs are used that suppress the activity of the cough center; they are best taken at night so that the cough does not interfere with proper sleep.

If the symptoms of a developing disease do not include a cough, then a person may not suspect that he has bronchitis, and treatment will be inadequate.

Throughout the day, medications that help make the cough productive are preferable. As soon as a dry cough gives way to a wet one, antitussives should be abandoned and replaced with expectorants and mucolytics, which facilitate the discharge of sputum.

Possible complications

The short-term appearance of secretion, which is not accompanied by a cough, is not dangerous. Usually after a couple of hours the condition improves and the person does not feel discomfort.

Sputum production without coughing in the morning is a common companion for smokers, people living in rooms with dry air, or people with allergies. Lack of expectoration prevents mucus from being cleared from the bronchi.

It accumulates, bacteria multiply, which leads to inflammatory processes and the appearance of serious ailments. Complications due to bronchitis include narrowing and blocking of bronchioles, and the development of various pulmonary pathologies. Lack of treatment causes the development of bronchial asthma or respiratory failure.