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Overview:
Coughing is a natural protective mechanism designed to clear
bacteria, viruses, dust and pollen out of the body. Coughing
clears the lungs and throat of irritants and fluids. A productive
cough forces sputum from the breathing tract, thereby clearing
the air passages and allowing oxygen to reach the lungs.
A cough is a common symptom of diseases of the ear, nose,
and throat. Coughing may be related to a bacterial or viral infection
of the respiratory tract, such as bronchitis. Inhaling irritating
substances, such as dust or cigarette smoke can also cause a
cough. Food sensitivities and environmental allergies can cause
a cough, as can inhaling very cold or very hot air. Some people
develop a chronic cough due to acid reflux.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Depending on the cause, a cough may be loud and gasping,
harsh and high-pitched, or barking. It may be dry and rasping,
or moist with mucus. If asthma is involved there may be wheezing
with every inhalation or exhalation.
- If a cough comes on rapidly and is accompanied by wheezing,
a feeling of tightness in the chest, and difficulty breathing,
you may be suffering from asthma, and should be seen by a doctor
at once.
- A persistent, lingering cough can be caused by bronchitis;
a harsh cough that comes on after a cold and is accompanied by
fever, fatigue, and difficulty breathing can be a sign of developing
pneumonia. Blood in the sputum can be a symptom of an infection
such as bronchitis or tuberculosis, or a more serious problem.
All of these cases, or in any cough that persists more than a
week should be evaluated by a physician.
Diagnosis:
- The cough is one of the most common reasons people seek medical
attention. It can indicate a minor airway irritation or a serious
underlying disorder. Coughs are generally diagnosed into one
of two categories:
- Acute cough (less than three weeks duration)-usually from
viral/bacterial upper respiratory tract infections (URIs)
- Chronic cough (more than three weeks duration)-attributable
to underlying factors.
One-fourth of patients have multiple contributing disorders,
making systematic evaluation essential.
- Your doctor will likely ask for a careful and detailed medical
history and inquire into any possible occupational or household
exposure to airway irritants including cigarette smoke.
He or she also may examine your cough reflex receptor sites (nose,
nasopharynx, lungs). Your doctor may also want a sputum analysis
or chest x-ray done.
Treatment Options:
The ideal treatment would be to treat the underlying problem
but if a cause can't be determined and the cough appears to be
performing no useful function then symptomatic therapy
becomes necessary.
Traditional Treatments:
- Codeine is a narcotic cough suppressant that may be prescribed
for a cough in severe cases. It works by "turning off"
the part of the brain that controls the coughing response. Codeine
is a powerful drug and can have side effects. It can also be
highly addictive.
- Dextromethorphan is a common cough suppressant found in many
popular over-the-counter medications, usually signified by the
initials DM on the label. It is almost as effective as codeine,
but is nonnarcotic and reportedly has few side effects.
- Benzonatate (Tessalon) is a prescription cough suppressant
that works by anesthetizing the respiratory tract. It is considered
a safer alternative to codeine.
- Expectorants increase the production of fluids in the respiratory
tract, helping to thin and loosen mucus so it is easier to cough
out.
- Guaifenesin is an expectorant found in many over-the-counter
cough formulas.
- Throat lozenges, such as Chloraseptic lozenges, coat and
soothe a soar, irritated throat, and may give temporary relief.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies:
While coughs due to severe underlying conditions require professional
medical treatment, alternative therapies can be useful in treating
minor coughs that are unproductive or coughs that are caused
by allergens/irritants. Alternative therapies can also be used
concurrently with medical treatment to optimize recovery.
Nutritional Supplementation:
- Low-functioning adrenal glands can make a person more susceptible
than most to developing a chronic cough. Take 250 mg of pantothenic
acid three times daily for up to ten days.
- Take sugar-free lozenges boosted with vitamin C.
- Take zinc-based lozenges to improve immune response and help
reduce infection and inflammation.
Alternative Therapies:
- Licorice has antibacterial properties, soothes the throat
and respiratory tract, and tastes sweet. For a cough, licorice
works best when taken in warm tea form. Take one cup three times
daily for up to five days. Warning: Do not take licorice
on a daily basis for more than five days, as it can elevate blood
pressure. Do not take licorice at all if you have high blood
pressure.
- Marshmallow root and slippery elm are soothing to the throat
and respiratory tract. These are the herbs to use with a dry
cough.
- Make a combination tea and take one cup three times daily
for up to five days. Or take 500 mg of each in capsule form three
times daily for up to five days.
- Menthol lozenges contain purified and refined form of peppermint
oil. Take one each hour or two, as needed, up to a total of four
lozenges a day for up to five days.
- When you first begin to cough, take mullein tea. This is
a very effective herb known to be highly beneficial to the throat
and lungs. It is particularly good in the early stages of a cough,
before an expectorant is needed. Take one cup two to three times
daily for two to three days. (Add honey or lemon as desired).
- Osha root is highly aromatic and helps to clear the lungs.
It is especially good for a dry cough. Take one cup of osha-root
tea three times a day for three to four days. Also available
in capsule form, follow label directions.
- A tea made from sage and thyme helps to clear mucus out of
the lungs. Take one cup three times daily for two days.
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), sweet violet (Viola odorata),
ginger (Zingiber officinale), and balm of Gilead (Populus candicans)
are all good natural expectorants.
- Thyme, eucalyptus, and pine oils can be applied to the chest
to ease bronchial spasms and help thin mucus.
- Chest rubs with 2 to 4 drops of essential oil (thyme, eucalyptus,
or pine oils) in 1 tbsp. of food grade oil (e.g.,olive, flaxseed,
sesame, almond oils).
- Castor oil pack with 4 to 6 drops of essential oil (thyme,
eucalyptus, or pine oils)
- Chest poultice-flaxseed oil with baume de Canada, frankincense,
mustard, oregano, or thyme oils.
General Recommendations:
- Avoid exposure to cold winds and changes in temperature,
which can aggravate a cough.
- Use a cool mist humidifier.
- Avoid respiratory irritants.
- Do not smoke and avoid second-hand smoke.
Warnings:
- If you have a stubborn cough and are taking blood pressure
medication, see your doctor.
- In general, any cough that persists for more than a week
needs professional, medical attention.
- If you experience any of the following symptoms see your
health care provider immediately: wheezing, tightness around
the chest, difficulty breathing, fever, fatigue, or blood in
the sputum.
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