Dry cough does not clear your throat: causes, treatment and complications. Dry cough in an adult. Treatment with drugs and folk remedies Dry cough high

Cough is a complex defense mechanism of the body in cleansing the respiratory tract from dangerous and foreign substances. The pathogenic agent that causes mucosal damage is expelled along with the sputum. Respiratory muscles are forced to exhale air from the bronchi, and the bronchial epithelium pushes phlegm out with cilia. But when there is no phlegm, the cough is called dry. There is either no mucus, or it is much less. This causes the person to constantly try to cough.

A dry cough lasting no more than 3 weeks is an acute cough, from 3 weeks to 3 months - a lingering cough. Persistent cough for more than 3 months is a sign of a chronic process.

Causes of dry cough

The causes of the disease can be different. The most common of these are various types of inflammation in the area:

• trachea;
• larynx;
• bronchi.

Pneumonia and bronchial asthma can also cause dry coughs. Sometimes the reasons lie in the presence of malignant neoplasms in the trachea, bronchi or lungs. Whooping cough in children also contributes to this cough. A dry cough manifests itself almost immediately and when inhaling corrosive vapors, in this case, you need to leave the danger zone as soon as possible. This is not yet a symptom of the disease, but a warning of danger.

All reasons can be conditionally divided into two main groups:

• Diseases of the bronchopulmonary system and ENT organs.
• Conditions not associated with primary pathology of the respiratory system.

Diseases of the bronchopulmonary system and ENT organs

Irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory system and the onset of coughing can provoke various factors. These include:

1. Infections.

In the first place in the structure of these causes are acute respiratory infections. The cause of acute respiratory infections is a virus or bacteria. Usually rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis develop, less often tracheitis or bronchitis. With these diseases, an acute cough is observed, which can turn into a wet one. It occurs due to an increase in the sensitivity of cough receptors and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, which are irritated by postnasal secretion. It worries more often at night, since during the day the postnasal secret flows down and is swallowed reflexively. This cough can go away on its own. Good help

• plentiful warm drink;
• antiallergic drugs of the first generation;
• local antiseptics;
• antiviral agents according to indications.

With laryngitis and tracheitis, the cough is exhausting, hacking, at night it intensifies. In such cases, antitussives are additionally prescribed.

After ARI, a cold cough can last for one week, three or even a month. This is how the body tries to get rid of the remaining mucus. Usually this is a rare cough that quickly passes after the appointment of bronchodilators, since the cold in such patients is prolonged due to increased bronchial reactivity.

The danger of diseases of the respiratory system is that patients love to treat them with folk remedies. As a result, doctors treat a chronic process or its consequences. The periodic inflammatory process will cause cell atrophy, the mucous membrane will be dry, the throat will be sore, and even a short conversation will cause coughing.

Pneumonia is somewhat less likely to occur with dry cough, which usually happens when infected with atypical flora (mycoplasma, chlamydia).

Severe pain syndrome, aggravated by breathing, can occur against a background of pleurisy. It is important that pleurisy occurs not only with infection, but is also possible with oncology, cirrhosis of the liver, heart failure. Therefore, it is so necessary to find out the causes of dry cough in time.

A terrible barking cough in children is primarily suggestive of whooping cough. The disease is characterized by reprisals (repeated episodes) of unproductive cough with vomiting. A complication of the disease is a false croup. If a child experiences a feeling of shortness of breath, an urgent need to seek medical help.

Tuberculosis is a socially significant disease, some of its forms can begin with coughing, accompanied by weakness and mild subfebrile condition in the evening. Currently, tuberculosis has acquired the character of an epidemic. Not only asocial strata of the population are sick, but also socially prosperous ones. This is due to an increase in factors contributing to chronic stress.

2. Allergies. Atopy is a distorted response of the body's immune system to certain environmental factors or the condition of the body itself. Allergens get on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract when breathing, it can be pollen, dust, particles of washing powder and others. Such diseases include allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma.

Allergic rhinitis has a chronic seasonal course, and the patient's quality of life suffers. At the moment, the pharmaceutical market offers a large selection of antihistamines that can reduce the manifestations of the disease.

Bronchial asthma is a chronic disease, accompanied mainly by shortness of breath and lack of air. Occasionally, a cough form of the manifestation of the disease is characteristic. The cough can be either debilitating, dry or wet. To clarify the diagnosis, tests with bronchodilators allow. Modern means provide good control of the disease, but it is important to get qualified help in a timely manner.

3. Oncological pathology of the respiratory and mediastinal organs. A long, painful cough should be examined for the possibility of oncopathology. The cause of cough in cancer of the lungs, bronchi, larynx, and mediastinal organs is a decrease in the lumen of the airways by a growing tumor and inflammatory secretions, followed by reflex irritation of cough receptors. Early detection of cancer offers a huge chance of a cure.

4. Bronchitis of a smoker. Recurrent coughing worries both active and passive smokers.

5. Occupational lung diseases. The reason is the particles of industrial dust, which cause chronic inflammation and prolonged coughing. Gradually, the sites of inflammation are limited to cords of connective tissue (pneumoconiosis). The lungs lose elasticity and the drainage function of the airways is reduced.

6. Foreign body in the respiratory tract. The cough in these cases is sudden, hacking without relief, accompanied by severe shortness of breath and respiratory failure. As a rule, if the foreign body was not coughed up, then it can be removed by bronchoscopy.

Conditions not associated with primary pathology of the respiratory system

These conditions include:

1. Pathology of the cardiovascular system. A cough is a sign of stagnation of blood in the vessels of the lungs. Treatment in this case is aimed at improving blood circulation. A serious life-threatening condition is pulmonary embolism (PE), when a patient suddenly has severe shortness of breath, chest pain, dry cough, and hemoptysis. PE can be fatal.
2. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This disease is characterized by a weak pulp between the stomach and esophagus. The acidic contents of the stomach are thrown into the esophagus and respiratory tract, causing irritation. The cough is worse at night when the person takes a horizontal position. Overeating, increased weight, and the use of certain foods (coffee, citrus fruits, carbonated drinks) contribute to increased reflux. A cough in this case will not respond well to treatment if reflux is not eliminated. Patients are recommended drugs that reduce acidity, improve the tone of the gastroesophageal sphincter, diet and sleep with an elevated position of the head and chest.
3. Helminthic infection. Ascaris larvae undergo pulmonary migration in the human body. When they enter the lungs and bronchi with the bloodstream, they irritate the mucous membranes and cause an unproductive cough.
4. Nervous and hysterical cough. Prolonged stress can trigger a coughing fit in people.
5. Taking certain medications. So a common side effect of taking ACE inhibitors is a mild dry cough. These drugs are used to lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients, so replacing the drug with another drug will help solve the problem.

Important! A lingering cough may indicate a serious illness, therefore it is imperative to contact a specialist for diagnosis and the appointment of the correct treatment.

Always see your doctor if your cough is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

• a feeling of suffocation and inability to take a deep breath;
• shortness of breath prevents you from speaking;
• cough is accompanied by fever (body temperature above 38C);
• harsh cough accompanied by hemoptysis, vomiting, severe pain in the chest or throat;
• dry cough is accompanied by weight loss, general weakness, sweating.

Diagnostic search for dry cough symptom

If the cough does not go away for a long time, you should consult a general practitioner or general practitioner. Based on the results of a survey and a thorough examination, they prescribe a complete blood count and chest x-ray. If necessary, the doctor will send for additional examinations or consultations:

• spirography and test with a bronchodilator;
• allergy tests;
• CT or MRI;
• EFGDS;
• consultations of specialists (allergist, otorhinolaryngologist, pulmonologist, occupational pathologist, gastroenterologist, cardiologist or oncologist).

Timely treatment and treatment started on time is the key to a favorable outcome of any disease.

A prolonged cough is a residual phenomenon of the disease. Most often, it does not go away due to the fact that the course of therapy was not done on time. To get rid of an annoying cough, you need to carry out a comprehensive treatment, with the help of which the accumulated sputum will come out, and you will finally take a deep breath.

You will need

• - cough tablets;
• - herbs;
• - salt or mustard plasters;
• - mustard powder;
• - pine essential oil.

Instructions

Take a course of expectorants. If you don't have a stomach, then ACC. With the help of this drug, you will get rid of in literally one week, but take it strictly according to the box. If you have increased acidity of the stomach, then it is better to take "Libeksin", "Ambrobene", "Mukaltin", "Bromgesin" and other similar drugs. Carry out the treatment until it disappears completely.

Make compresses on your chest, for this purpose, salt is suitable, heated in a pan and wrapped in a thick cloth, or ordinary mustard plasters. Salt should be kept on the chest for about 40 minutes, but mustard plasters for no more than 15 and at least 5 minutes. Warming up plays a large role in the treatment of prolonged coughs.

Warm up your feet in hot water. Add a little mustard powder or sea salt to it. Perform the procedure for 25 minutes, then put on warm socks and go to bed.

Inhalation will help moisturize the airways, making it easier to cough up. Dilute a drop of pine essential oil in hot water and breathe over the steam. Perform the procedure several times a day.

If all else fails, go to the hospital. The therapist will listen to the lungs and order blood and urine tests. He will also advise and treatment, it is possible that you need to take antibiotics. In some cases, inpatient treatment may also be prescribed. Don't try to heal cough longer than 15 days on their own, especially if there is no positive effect. Sometimes, under the guise of a lingering cough, there is pneumonia, which is treated in a completely different way.

A cough that does not go away for a long time brings a lot of suffering to a person. It is good if such a cough is a residual cold. And if it is chronic bronchitis, or, even worse, bronchial asthma? A doctor can make a diagnosis. If you are sure that your cough is just an unpleasant concomitant symptom of a cold, then you can try to get rid of it yourself.

You will need

• - black radish and honey;
• - soda;
• - essential cedar oil;
• - mustard powder and mustard plasters;
• - expectorant drugs.

Instructions

Take a black radish and make a depression in it. Put a spoonful of honey in it and wait for the radish to give juice, which will mix with the honey. It is necessary to insist for about a day, in a cool place. The resulting liquid should be taken 1 tablespoon three times a day. This effective method is only suitable for those who do not have honey.

Take inhalation. It's very simple - you need to boil the potatoes, bend over the pan and cover your head with a thick towel. Inhale gently. Alternate between nose and mouth breaths. You can just breathe over hot water by adding baking soda or cedar oil to it. Such procedures have a beneficial effect on the respiratory tract and help phlegm.

Warm your feet in hot water. To enhance the effect, you can add a little mustard powder to it, if you are not allergic to mustard. Better such procedures at night. After warming up, put on woolen socks and wrap yourself in a blanket. It is convenient to warm your feet in the bathroom using a special seat. If you warm your feet in the room and use a basin, don't sit in a draft.

If a cough persists for a couple of weeks, this indicates the need to see a doctor. However, it happens that the rhythm of life does not allow you to visit a doctor, then it is worth treating a cough at home.

Treatment of cough before going to the doctor

In order to relieve a cough, it is necessary to take drugs that help thin the phlegm, this will help to separate and remove it from the lungs. The simplest option, which will allow phlegm to come out more easily, is a plentiful warm drink.

Gargling is also great for coughing, especially saline solutions. To prepare the product, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of water. You can supplement home treatment with taking bronchodilators, which help expand the airways. These medicines will clear the lungs, which will stop the chronic cough.

Long-term cough is aggravated by dry air. In order to alleviate the symptom at least a little, devices that increase the humidity should be installed in the apartment. This effect of high humidity can be explained by the fact that dry air can irritate the lungs, which leads to increased coughing.

Folk remedies

It should be remembered about the wisdom that came to us from antiquity. Essential oils are available and have been used for a long time to treat coughs. They should be used as steam inhalation. This approach will soften the mucous membrane and will resist infection. Among the oils recommended for coughing are benzoin gum and lavender oil. They will perfectly cope with the task, having an antiseptic effect, eucalyptus and thyme oils. If you are taking expectorants along the way, you can supplement them with marjoram oil.

Honey can also help relieve dry coughs. Its effect can be enhanced by mixing with chopped raw onions, which can be replaced with garlic. Catarrhal phenomena can be neutralized by excluding dairy products from the diet. You should also pay attention to the color of the sputum, which may indicate the development of an infection. Yellow or light green colors just indicate the presence of an infectious development of the disease, and if an admixture of blood in the sputum was still noticed, then this requires an immediate visit to the doctor.

A dry cough is a persistent form of cough that does not produce phlegm. Let's look at the pathological and non-pathological causes of dry cough. We will also study pharmacological and natural remedies for solving the problem of dry cough.

What is a dry cough

A dry cough is a sign of a disease or condition that leads to inflammation or irritation of the mucous membranes respiratory tract, which, however, is not accompanied by coughing up sputum.

Dry cough is relatively common and, in most cases, is not associated with disease. Often the result of banal irritation caused by inhalation of dust, smoke or other substances, or even the accidental ingestion of foreign bodies - solid or liquid - into the respiratory tract when food is swallowed.

From pathological causes of dry cough the most common is the acute phase of a viral upper respiratory tract infection, such as SARS or seasonal flu.

However, dry cough should not be underestimated, especially if it persists for a relatively long time. It may indicate a serious pathology that threatens the patient's life, for example, tuberculosis.

When and how a dry cough appears

Depending on how it happens, how long it lasts and what are its causes, it is possible to distinguish several types of dry cough, but in practice it is very difficult to separate them, since these types overlap.

But let's try, however, to highlight these types:

• Night: as its name suggests, it is a cough that appears at night! When our body needs to rest. The cough, on the other hand, does not allow sleep and further exacerbates the patient's condition. This cough often accompanies a state of nervousness.
• Persistent: This is a type of cough, usually not related to the time of day or even in position, but very persistent, it can persist for days, weeks or even months, for no apparent reason. In this case, it is useful to delve deeper into the search for causes in order to identify the true cause. The cough is called persistent if it lasts at least 2 weeks and is called chronic if lasts more than 4 weeks.
• Allergic: This is a type of cough that occurs in certain cases or places where the allergy factor is present.

Symptoms accompanying a dry cough

Given the large number of conditions that include dry cough as symptoms, there are so many accompanying cough disorders.

We present those that occur most often:

• Wheezing.
• Fatigue and general malaise.
• Muscle pain.
• Headache.
• Nasal congestion and runny nose.
• Sore throat.
• Hoarseness.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
• Gastroenterological disorders (nausea, vomiting, sometimes diarrhea).
• Fever in the evening.

The symptoms described are the most common and coincide with the typical symptoms of flu-like illness... As a rule, in such cases, a dry cough is noted only in the acute stage of the disease, and over time it becomes "productive", with the release of copious sputum.

Less often other accompanying symptoms may appear:

• Bad breath.
• Constriction and chest pain.
• Difficulty breathing and feeling short of breath.
• Fatigue and tiredness, even at rest or after minimal effort.
• Diarrhea.
• Skin rash.
• Losing weight for no apparent reason.
• Anorexia.

With an even lower frequency, it is noted serious symptoms which requires immediate medical attention:

• Fever with a high temperature consistently exceeding 38 ° C.
• Great difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath.
• Dry, metallic and painful cough with pain on breathing.
• Difficulty swallowing with severe pain.
• Speech problems.
• Continuous urge to urinate.
• Swelling of the legs and lower extremities.
• Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) and a feeling of heart in the throat.

Causes of cough depending on the symptomatology

Possible causes of dry cough are all those diseases that have it as one of the symptoms. As already mentioned, there are a lot of such diseases, below we list those that are the most common, and indicate their main symptoms.

Cold: infections in the nasopharynx (nose and upper respiratory tract) are usually the result of infection with viruses from the genus rhinovirus	Dry cough in the acute stage Cough with phlegm a few days after the onset of dry Nasal congestion and rhinitis Painful and difficult swallowing Fatigue Muscle aches and pains in the head Fever in infants and children.
Flu: upper respiratory tract infection caused by a virus from the family Orthomyxoviridae	Fever is not always present Dry cough in the acute stage Cough with phlegm a few days after dry Painful and difficult swallowing with inflammation of the tonsils Fatigue Musculoskeletal pain and headaches Chest pain while breathing
Whooping cough: respiratory tract infection caused by bacteria Bordetella pertussis	Flu-like symptoms in the first 2-3 weeks. Dry cough, initially mild and at night, and then, starting in the second or third week, very tiring Vomiting after completing cough
Croup: acute viral infection, sometimes bacterial, of the respiratory tract (larynx, trachea, bronchi), typical of children	Dry cough that produces a characteristic noise similar to the cry of seals Fever Nasal congestion and rhinitis Creaking and wheezing when breathing. Get stronger at night Difficulty breathing Hoarse voice
Tuberculosis: lung infection caused by the bacterium Micobacterium tubercolosis	Dry, persistent cough. Sometimes a blood clot comes out at the end of a cough (hemoptysis). Temperature rise in the evening Stabbing chest pain Constant fatigue Weight loss
Legionellosis: infection of the lungs and lower respiratory tract caused by the bacterium Legionella pneunophila	High fever Dry cough. Sometimes a coughing fit can end in a frothy blood clot. Headache Muscle aches Gastrointestinal symptoms: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea
Empyema of the pleura: inflammation of the space of the pleural cavity with accumulation of pus. As a rule, it is a complication of pneumonia caused by the bacteria Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherechia coli, Staphylococcus aureus	Dry cough Severe fever General malaise Chest pain Difficulty breathing Shortness of breath and increased breathing rate Tachycardia (increased heart rate) Weight loss and lack of appetite
Asthma: inflammation and obstruction (almost always reversible) of the airways	Dry and excruciating cough Breathing discomfort is perceived as a lack of air. As a result of bronchospasm and airway obstruction
COPD: blockage of the bronchial tree due to chronic inflammation of the bronchi and lungs	Chronic cough, dry at first Dyspnea Recurrent colds
Pleurisy: Inflammation of the pleura due to various reasons	Dry cough Difficulty breathing Stitching and intense chest pain Fever
Larynx or lung cancer: development of malignant neoplasms of various categories from cells of tissues of the lungs or larynx	Dry cough Breathing difficulties Difficulty swallowing Chest pain
Pneumothorax: accumulation of air in the pleural cavity and, as a result, collapse of the lungs	Dry cough Chest pain Minor wheezing Decreased oxygen levels in the blood Cyanosis
Congestive heart failure: inability of the heart to provide a range of blood flow through the vessels	Dry cough Difficulty breathing Difficulty breathing while lying down Fatigue Dizziness Feeling of a strong heartbeat Arrhythmia
Aortic aneurysm: massive expansion of the thoracic aorta	Dry cough. Sometimes it can end with the release of a blood clot (hemoptysis) Chest and back pain Dyspnea Difficulty swallowing Pain when swallowing Lack of voice

Moreover, a dry cough may not be associated with pathological conditions. For example, you will have a dry cough if:

• Smoke cigarettes... Smoking irritates the airways and induces a cough reflex. Sometimes even secondhand smoke can cause a dry cough.
• Accidentally inhale the irritant... They also stimulate cough receptors.
• Taking medication... Certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors used to combat high blood pressure, can cause dry coughs as a side effect.
• Have problems with anxiety and nervousness... Very often a cough, the cause of a cough should be looked for in the emotional sphere, since it can develop in the form of a psychosomatic disorder; anxiety or nervousness can even cause violent coughing fits.

Diagnostics - history and examination

To correctly diagnose the cause of a dry cough, the doctor will use the following remedies:

• Anamnestic analysis(direct conversation with the patient).
• Analysis of symptoms and signs that accompany a dry cough.
• Inspection and thorough medical checkup.
• Throat swab... Getting cells from the pharynx, which are then examined for the presence of any infections and their pathogens.
• X-ray or computed tomography chest.
• Bronchoscopy... Introduction of an endoscope into the airways, which allows them to be examined and material for research is obtained.
• Spirometry... Allows you to assess the functionality of the respiratory system and diagnose problems such as asthma.

Dry cough remedies

The best dry cough treatment provides curing the underlying disease... As soon as the cause is healed, the cough should disappear immediately.

However, if a dry cough is very annoying, significantly shortening sleep, then symptomatic treatment may be required to suppress coughing fits.

Cough medicine

Medicines used to treat cough symptomatically act on the cough control center in the brain and spinal cord, or on the cough receptors located in the respiratory tree.

One of the active ingredients most commonly used for this purpose is codeine in the form of syrup or drops.

Cough aerosol

This form of therapy is especially effective for some types of dry cough (asthma, bronchitis, etc.). Aerosols have proven to be very effective in treating airway inflammation and therefore many types of dry coughs because they can spray in very small droplets(with a diameter of one millionth or even a billionth of a meter). Then - with inhalation - aerosol preparation reaches every point of the respiratory tract and thus, inflammation can be eradicated by taking the minimum dose of the drug.

Medicines that are most often administered in aerosol form are antihistamines (for treating dry cough in asthma or allergies), cortisone (for treating bronchitis and general inflammation), salbutamol (for treating bronchospasm).

Natural remedies

There are many herbs known in folk medicine that can effectively soothe dry coughs. These products are usually used in the form of herbal teas or syrups.

Among the most commonly used:

Linden... Infusions are prepared from its dried flowers. They contain thialicin, which has mild sedative properties, antispasmodic (counteracts spasm of the respiratory muscles) and softening effect.

Mallow... Infusions are prepared from its leaves. These infusions contain many active ingredients that act like penicillins on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.

Thyme... Used in the form of an infusion. Contains thymol which has antibacterial properties. It also has expectorant properties, that is, it helps to remove the resulting phlegm.

For most people, such an unconditioned physiological reflex of the body as cough is a symptom of a beginning colds .

However, this is not always the case. At its core, a cough is triggered by irritation of the receptors larynx, nose and his sinuses, pleura,trachea, bronchi exhalation through the oral cavity, which occurs when the muscles of the human respiratory system contract.

Not everyone knows that the main function of a cough is to cleanse it from foreign substances ( pus, sputum, foreign objects, mucus ) the respiratory tract. In addition, this reflex helps to avoid mechanical obstacles that can interfere with the air passage of the respiratory system of the human body.

In fairness, it is worth agreeing that a cough is not just a defensive unconditional reflex , but often the first symptom of many serious diseases.

In medical terminology, there are many descriptions for cough that help the doctor diagnose correctly:

• dry;
• spicy;
• suffocating;
• protracted;
• paroxysmal;
• wet;
• allergic;
• debilitating;
• throat;
• chest, etc.

You could say that coughing is the answer immune system organism for the spread of one or another pathogen of the disease. Therefore, according to its main characteristics (strength, duration, timbre, character, time of appearance), one can understand the more the patient is and how to treat him.

Paroxysmal dry cough

First of all, it is worth understanding the mechanisms of such a reflex as coughing. So, everything starts with a deep breath, which lasts about two seconds, then the larynx contracts, as a result of which the vocal fold closes (part of the laryngeal mucosa, consists of the vocal muscle and ligament).

Simultaneously with this, there is an increase in the tone of the muscles of the bronchi. The abdominal muscles contract, and thus a forced exhalation is obtained, i.e. cough. It is incredible that when coughing, the pressure in the respiratory system is so high (100 mm Hg) that, in conjunction with the narrowing of the trachea, the resulting air flow can reach the speed of sound.

In order to understand how to cure a cough, you must first establish the cause that caused it. It is not always worth rushing to all the bad and starting to take a lot of medications to defeat this ailment. Of course, it is best to answer the question of how to treat a cough by a doctor who will correctly diagnose, and, therefore, select an effective method of combating the disease.

Education: Graduated from Vitebsk State Medical University with a degree in Surgery. At the university, he headed the Council of the Student Scientific Society. Further training in 2010 - in the specialty "Oncology" and in 2011 - in the specialty "Mammology, visual forms of oncology".

Work experience: Work in the general medical network for 3 years as a surgeon (Vitebsk emergency hospital, Liozno CRH) and part-time as a regional oncologist and traumatologist. Work as a pharmaceutical representative throughout the year at the Rubicon company.

He presented 3 rationalization proposals on the topic "Optimization of antibiotic therapy depending on the species composition of microflora", 2 works won prizes in the republican competition-review of student scientific works (1 and 3 categories).

Comments (1)

When the cough is dry, i.e. unproductive - there is nothing to cough up, then in fact it loses its function - to rid the body of phlegm and infection and, on the contrary, becomes an irritating factor to the mucous membrane and from this continuous harm. And then it is drugs of systemic action that are needed to suppress the cough reflex. I usually use Omnitus for these purposes, this is just what I need.

It occurs against the background of an acutely developing inflammatory process and promotes the rapid elimination of microorganisms from the upper respiratory tract. The protective function of cough in this case is a more productive and faster healing process.

A dry cough, on the other hand, does not bring relief and does not help speed up the healing process. It only increases the irritation of the upper respiratory tract, gradually turning into debilitating attacks, accompanied by spasms of the larynx and suffocation, and often end in vomiting.

Dry cough classification

• spicy- when the ailment lasts no more than 2 weeks;
• protracted course- if the cough lasts more than a month;
• chronic dry cough will become when its duration crosses the 2-month line.

Causes of dry cough

The appearance of a dry cough is usually associated with the fact of an acute respiratory illness suffered the day before. It can be commonplace acute respiratory infections, as well as tracheitis, or flu. The mechanism of dry cough is associated with a reflex-protective mechanism aimed at eliminating any irritating factors in the respiratory tract. Scientists have reliably established over 50 such reasons.

There are also reasons provoking a dry cough, namely, an ailment may be the result of the presence of pleurisy, bronchial asthma, the presence of foreign bodies in the respiratory tract, the presence of bad habits, as well as excessive dryness of the air in the room.

The main symptoms of dry cough

• spastic cough is accompanied by periodic urge to vomit, and with a prolonged and unproductive cough, vomiting is possible in the outcome;
• the disease is accompanied nasal congestion, nasal and hoarse voice;
• if the disease is a complication of an acute inflammatory process, then local swelling and tenderness of the lymph nodes;
• with acute development of the disease, it may be low-grade fever, sweating, fatigue and lethargy.

Dry cough treatment options

There are traditional medical treatments for dry cough and traditional medicine. All of them are aimed at reducing the intensity of cough attacks, and if the cough accompanies an acute inflammatory disease, then the treatment is aimed at the appearance of sputum, i.e. dry cough is translated into productive wet.

The success of treatment is 100% in the accurate diagnosis, which allows you to eliminate the cause of the disease. The doctor selects medications for symptomatic treatment, it is necessary to suppress the cough reflex. Such drugs are not therapeutic, but they help to avoid pneumothorax and other unpleasant complications.

In order to make the patient's condition as easy as possible at home, it is necessary:

• regularly hold wet cleaning without the use of aggressive detergents;
• watch to the temperature in the room did not rise above 25C;
• provide the patient plentiful warm drink;
• regularly hold steam inhalation, ideally buy a nebulizer.

Drug therapy for dry cough

Medicines can be divided into two large groups, the first will include centrally acting chemicals, and the second - drugs that have an effective effect on the periphery.

For liquefaction and active excretion of sputum, use mucolytics, the most common are: acetylcysteine, bromhexine, ambroxol, mucaltin, marshmallow syrup.

Effectively suppress the activity of the cough center located in the central nervous system. Use of drugs on a narcotic basis... For example, oxeladine, codeine, glycine and others.

Never use antitussive medicines with expectorants... They suppress each other's action, which leads to blockage of small bronchi with sputum and can be fatal.

Folk remedies to help fight dry cough

• Any heating agents if the period is not acute. For example, you can take mustard plasters, put honey. jars or rub the chest with warming ointments.
• An effective way to quickly get rid of a dry cough is considered decoction of onions, garlic and milk... To prepare it, you need a medium-sized onion and a small head of garlic. They should be boiled in milk; it is enough to take a quarter liter of milk. Then add a spoonful of honey and a few drops of mint juice to the finished broth. Drink the ready-made composition a tablespoon every hour during the day. Prepare a fresh broth the next morning.
• Simple and highly effective recipes will help to cure a dry cough quickly in an adult at home, the main thing is not to wait for an instant result and not to use them as a panacea. Perfectly combine traditional medicine methods with doctor's prescriptions, then the treatment will be as productive as possible.
• The easiest way is as follows. Take a small towel and moisten it liberally in a heated one. Then cover the top with polyethylene and a linen cloth, in addition, you can cover it with a warm scarf. In the morning, you will feel relief, the cough will be softer.
• You can draw on your chest at night mesh from, this will warm up the airways.
• Recipes containing ethyl alcohol also have excellent results in the fight against dry cough. You can make a mixture of vodka or alcohol diluted up to 40 degrees and mix them with honey. It is fashionable to add the yolk of one chicken egg to the composition. A ready-made homogeneous composition should be consumed in a teaspoon three to four times a day.
• Warm milk with honey is an old and time-tested way to convert a dry cough into a wet one.
• Suitable for softening phlegm night applique... To do this, take a little fat (ideally use badger) mixed with mustard and alcohol, you can add a little flower honey. The mixture must be evenly distributed over the top. Then rinse off as soon as the composition is dry.
• Dry cough helps inhalation... The most effective are garlic and eucalyptus. To prepare garlic, you need a glass of water, a couple of garlic cloves and a teaspoon of baking soda. Chop the garlic, add a glass of water and boil. Then add soda and you can breathe, covered with a sheet for 15-20 minutes. Instead of garlic, you can use eucalyptus, thyme, or coltsfoot leaves.
• Inhalation can be done with aromatherapy oils For this purpose, mint, eucalyptus or cedar oil is ideal. A few drops of oil should be placed in 0.5 liters of hot water and breathed in pairs for 10-15 minutes.

Dry cough treatment from Elena Malysheva (video)

A dry cough can significantly impair the quality of life, so timely treatment will quickly get you back on track. By strictly observing the recommendations of the attending physician, you can quickly cure dry cough at home how in an adult and the child.

A dry cough in an adult is a reaction of the body to irritation of the throat mucosa. Not being able to clear his throat, a person not only does not feel well, but also experiences difficulties in daily affairs, communicating with people, etc. Such a cough does not bring a feeling of relief, because the phlegm does not go away. And so the brain sends the signal to cough over and over again. By ignoring the cough, you close your eyes to requests for help from your body. As with any other symptom, you cannot delay with a cough - over time, the situation will only get worse. How to get rid of an unproductive cough and regain the comfort of life?

Causes and diagnosis of dry cough

Cough is not a disease per se. To determine the cause that causes it, you need to see a therapist. Having listened to you and carried out the necessary research, the doctor, if necessary, will refer you to a narrow specialist. Otolaryngologists, pulmonologists, psychotherapists, allergists, etc. are involved in the treatment of dry cough. To determine the disease, blood and urine tests, X-ray diagnostics, ultrasound and other procedures may be required.

You cannot start a dry cough - it can be a symptom of many diseases. So, a dry, prolonged cough is associated with:

• respiratory infections;
• chronic diseases of the throat and nose (rhinitis, sinusitis, laryngitis, etc.);
• allergies;
• diseases of the thyroid gland;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• a tumor;
• tuberculosis;
• diabetes mellitus;
• problems with the esophagus (for example, fistula formation);
• helminthiasis.

Enlargement of lymph nodes, damage to the airways, fibrotic process in the lungs, enlargement of the aorta - all these can also cause a cough. Thus, it can be associated with pathologies of various systems in the body, and this deserves the closest attention.

In addition to diseases, coughing without the ability to clear your throat makes:

• smoking (and passive too);
• the presence of substances in the air that irritate the mucous membrane;
• physical pressure on the neck;
• stress.

Almost always, a coughing fit is not the only symptom. With ARVI, it is accompanied by increased body temperature, bone aches, and a general weak condition. A cough indicative of diabetes mellitus occurs against a background of persistent dry mouth. If a tumor is present, the cough may be accompanied by coughing up blood. The development of tuberculosis manifests itself as decreased appetite, chills, sweating at night, slightly increased body temperature, and so on. If you start coughing dry, pay attention to other signals your body is sending you.

Signs of the disease

The main distinguishing feature of a dry cough is the inability to clear your throat. Either there is no phlegm at all, or its exit is difficult, and you are literally shaken by uncontrolled coughing fits. It can hurt your head and abdominal muscles, especially if you cough for a long time. Depending on the duration, the unproductive cough is divided into:

• chronic (more than 2 months);
• recurrent: arising again after a while;
• protracted (more than 2 weeks);
• acute (occurs during a cold or SARS).

If you cough in the morning, it could be a sign of chronic bronchitis. An evening cough can be a reaction to nervous tension during the working day. People with cardiovascular diseases, diseases of the nasopharynx, asthmatics, etc. usually cough at night.

For some, a cough appears after eating - in these cases, we are talking about problems with the gastrointestinal tract, esophagus, larynx.

What else you need to pay attention to:

• bronchial asthma is accompanied by a severe cough with signs of suffocation;
• a persistent dry cough is caused by the presence of a tumor;
• "Barking" cough - a symptom of respiratory infections or problems with the larynx;
• the lower the sound of the cough, the more muffled it is, the higher the likelihood that there are problems with the lungs;
• a spasmodic cough indicates whooping cough;
• frequent superficial cough indicates inflammation of the pleura - the membrane that covers the lungs and the wall of the chest cavity;
• if the cough does not occur during breathing, but as if it is not associated with it at all, it is necessary to examine the lymph nodes.

How to treat a dry cough

For the treatment of dry cough in adults, various drugs and methods are used to remove phlegm and reduce the number of coughing fits:

• medicines: expectorant drugs ACTS, Mukaltin, Bromhexin, etc., as well as antitussive drugs: Ascoril, Sinekod, Codelac Neo, etc .;
• homeopathic remedies: Briony, Stodal, Herbion, etc .;
• antibiotics;
• lollipops to relieve the condition of the throat (with herbs or other ingredients to relieve inflammation): Alex Plus, Strepsils, Doctor Mom, etc.;
• folk remedies: compresses, rubbing, rinsing, etc.;
• vitamin complexes and immunostimulants: Imudon, Viferon, etc.

The treatment plan is drawn up by the doctor after a thorough diagnosis. Depending on the reasons provoking a dry cough (laryngitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis, etc.), he selects the appropriate therapy. When a cough is associated with an allergy, antihistamines are prescribed to get rid of it. If you have asthma, your doctor will advise you to fight your cough with inhaled glucocorticoids.

Medications

Antitussives

They are used in the absence of sputum in the lungs and bronchi. If the body does not need to remove mucus outside, the main goal is to get rid of coughing fits. To do this, use a medicine that affects the cough center of the brain. It transmits the appropriate signals, and the cough stops. Among such drugs are Stoptussin, Bronholitin, Sinekod, etc. There are drugs that act on peripheral nerve endings in the bronchi: Ajisept, Stopangin 2A, etc. They are also effective ways to get rid of coughs.

Expectorants

With ODS or pharyngitis, a lot of phlegm accumulates in the bronchi, and a drug with an expectorant effect will help to remove it. If you can't clear your throat on your own, medications such as Bronchicum, Thermopsis, marshmallow syrup, Mukaltin tablets, Fluimucil, etc. help. They thin mucus, facilitating its easy excretion. You will feel better, and the dry coughing bouts will stop.

Combined medicines

In addition to expectorant components, the composition of the combined funds may also include antipyretic, antihistamines, analgesics and other substances. Cough medicines often contain vitamin C to support immunity during periods of illness. Combined drugs include Solpadein, Coldrex, Codefemol, etc.

If a cough occurs on a nerve basis, antipsychotics, antidepressants and other medications may be prescribed for a course of treatment. Their action is aimed at normalizing the functioning of the nervous system.

Antibiotics for dry cough in adults

If, in addition to dry cough, you are worried about other symptoms, if the clinical picture is complex, and the disease is protracted and severe, the doctor prescribes antibiotics. The main purpose of the funds prescribed in this case is to combat the pathogenic flora of the oral mucosa. Hexapnemin, Cephalexin, Azithromycin, Sumamed - antibiotics prescribed to combat dry cough. On average, they need to be taken within 3-4 days. Among the listed funds, Hexapnevin has an additional property - in addition to suppressing pathogenic microflora, it stimulates coughing, which allows you to quickly eliminate phlegm from the bronchi.

When taking antibiotics for coughs, remember to maintain a healthy gut - it suffers from such therapy. To normalize the digestive process, take bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.

Homeopathy

There are many types of homeopathy for dry cough. Specialists prescribe this or that remedy, depending on the causes of the disease and other circumstances. So, for a cold, Gepar sulfur is taken, when a cough bothers before going to bed - Rumex, Drosera, etc. When coughing at night, they drink Kokkus kakti, Lauroquerarus and other remedies. If the cough is accompanied by nausea, use Ipecacuana. A specialist will help you find the right homeopathy.

As for the well-known homeopathic medicines sold in the pharmacy, you can easily get syrups:

• Stodal;
• Bronchipret;
• Herbion.

They improve sputum discharge, reduce the number of urge to cough and have practically no contraindications. They are prescribed for children and adults, including pregnant women. Nevertheless, it is better to discuss everything with your doctor before buying.

Folk remedies for the treatment of dry cough in adults

At home, you can get rid of a dry cough in an adult - for these purposes there are many recipes for traditional medicine. However, remember that these tips are not universal, and you may find contraindications to one or another method of dealing with a cough. Be sure to check with your doctor. And folk advice is much more effective in combination with cough treatment with drugs.

Decoctions

The following medicinal plants are great for getting rid of a cough:

• coltsfoot / plantain / licorice / sage: pour dried chopped leaves (about 1 tablespoon) with a glass of boiling water (250 ml) and let it brew for an hour; drink up to 3 times a day;
• chamomile: 1.5 tablespoons Pour the crushed raw materials with a glass of boiling water (250 ml) and let it brew for 30 minutes; rinse 2-3 times a day, if the cough is very strong, reduce the interval between rinsing to 1-2 hours.

Inhalation

For inhalation at home use:

• eucalyptus leaves or eucalyptus oil;
• thyme;
• coltsfoot;
• soda + essential oil (mint, lavender, cedar, etc.)

If you pour boiling water over dried herbs, you need 2 tablespoons of raw materials for 500 ml of water. Using oil, drip it into water at the rate of 2-3 drops per 500 ml of water. The duration of the procedure is up to 30 minutes. Inhalation can be done from several times a day to once every two days, depending on the intensity of the cough. As a rule, this method quickly coughs up phlegm.

Warm drink

With a dry cough, it is recommended to increase the amount of fluid consumed - up to 3 liters per day. Give preference to herbal infusions: a decoction of plantain, sage, etc., as well as milk (you can with Borjomi) and plain water. For the treatment of a strong dry cough, black radish juice with the addition of honey is excellent - this method was used by our ancestors for hundreds of years. Try to avoid overly hot and cold drinks. Please note that herbal infusions can only be used if you do not have a tendency to allergic reactions to the herbs that make up the composition.

Warm water can be used to prevent dry, paroxysmal coughs in adults. When you feel that you are about to start coughing, drink half a cup of warmed up water. This method is effective, including for asthma patients.

Compresses, cans and rubbing

The following are usually used as the basis for a warming compress:

• boiled potatoes in uniforms;
• dry mustard powder;
• flour + honey + vegetable oil (the compress looks like a cake).

All components of your compress should be neatly placed on your chest, bypassing the heart area. From above, the compress is covered with cling film (a plastic bag is also suitable), and then the patient is covered with a woolen cloth. Ideally, secure the woolen band around your chest. Apply a compress until it cools.

Another type of compress is a cotton cloth soaked in sunflower oil. It is placed on the patient's chest, covered with a film on top, and covered with a warm cloth - for example, a woolen scarf. In this form, you need to sleep until morning. It is believed that after a night with such a compress, it will be easier for you to breathe, and the phlegm will begin to leave.

If you suspect that a severe cough may be a complication after an infection, or if the patient has a fever, the warming compress should be discarded.

Medical banks and special ointments for rubbing show high efficiency in the fight against dry cough. Both methods provide increased blood flow to the patient's back or chest. As a result, local immunity increases. The same effect has the application of an iodine mesh on the chest.

Bath

If you have the opportunity to visit a bath, it will help you breathe properly and will have a beneficial effect on the condition of your throat. When coughing, it is recommended to visit a warm and humid Russian bath - too high temperatures or dry air only irritate the mucous membranes.

To increase the effectiveness of the procedure, it is useful to water the stones with a decoction of shoots or buds of pine, birch leaves, black currant, thyme and more. To prepare such a broth, you need to mix the ingredients that you like in equal proportions and use at the rate of 2 tablespoons. dry raw materials for 2 liters of water. The mixture must be boiled for 10 minutes. Let the broth brew and use when going to the bathhouse. If you have diseases of the cardiovascular system, it is better to refrain from this exercise.

Other popular ways to get rid of a dry cough:

• Bring 500 ml of water to a boil, toss the chopped garlic clove into the water and add 1 tsp. soda. Bend over the pot, cover your head with a towel and breathe until the water cools.
• Mix 1 tbsp of vodka with 1 tbsp. honey, add egg yolk, mix the resulting mixture; consume 1 teaspoon 3 times a day.
• Massage: kneading the back muscles has a beneficial effect on the patient's condition and enhances the excretion of sputum.
• Quitting smoking, using perfumes, air fresheners, etc.

Prevention

In order not to become a hostage of a dry cough, take good care of your health: try not to get wet in the rain, dress appropriately for the weather so that you are neither hot nor cold. Avoid crowds during the cold season, get flu vaccinations on time, and stay out of public places during epidemics.

More helpful tips:

• temper: practice a contrast shower, wash your face with cold water;
• keep the temperature at home cool, teach yourself to wear a minimum of home clothes;
• provide a comfortable level of humidity in the premises;
• using an air conditioner, try to keep the temperature difference outside and inside does not exceed 6 degrees;
• go in for sports or walk in the fresh air;
• quit smoking and drinking alcohol;
• ensure yourself a normal daily routine: eat right, do not overwork, sleep for the prescribed number of hours;
• create a comfortable environment at home from a psychological and emotional point of view.

Video on the treatment of dry cough in adults