Coughing is the natural reflux which assists in clearing the airway from mucus and irritants. In case, you are not ill and still experiencing coughing then it causes disruption and frustration to your daily activities.
Moreover, excessive coughing will make it tough for you to breathe, talk and sleep with comfort. Here in this blog, we will keep insight into the potential causes and home remedies to reduce your cough and manage its symptoms.
Some potential causes of cough
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Allergies
If you are allergic to irritants such as mould, pet dander and pollen, these will trigger cough. Mainly, you will get persistent and dry cough which will worsen down at night and after exposing to allergens.
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Acid reflux
If stomach acid turns back to esophagus then acid reflux will take place that leads to cough and irritation. This dry and persistent cough will worsen when you lie down.
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Asthma
This chronic condition invades the airway leading to narrowing and inflammation. Often it accompanies by breathing shortness, wheezing and coughing.
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Postnasal drip
It takes place when mucus from nose and sinuses start dripping down back of throat resulting in irritation and finally coughing. It can happen because of several respiratory conditions like sinus infections, allergies and lots more.
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Environmental factors
You can get cough because of several environmental irritants like air pollution and smoke. It will lead to persistent dry cough and will worsen down with consistent exposure to irritant.
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Medications
Certain medications like ACE inhibitors are helpful for treating high blood pressure. Sometimes it can result in dry cough as the side effect too. In case you suspect that the medication is leading to cough then consult with the doctor immediately.
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COPD
Also known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, it refers to group of lung diseases which make breathing difficult. Often it accompanies by wheezing and coughing.
Moreover, certain other factors will lead to coughing too including secondhand smoke and smoking. These irritate the airways leading to persistent cough. You can get coughing too because of air pollution exposure such as industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust.
Right time to see a doctor
Most of the time cough is not severe and subsides down on its own in a couple of weeks. However, you need to see the doctor in case it persists for about 3 weeks or you have the following symptoms:
- Night sweats
- Unexplainable weight loss
- Coughing with blood
- Wheezing
- Breathing shortness
- Chest pain
These are indicating serious condition which deems medical care.
What to do for managing the symptoms
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Remain hydrated
Have lots of fluids mainly tea or water which will thin out the mucus and lessen your coughing.
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Use humidifier
Including humidifier in the air will soothe out the irritated throat and finally lessen your coughing. Always a cool mist humidifier is better both for pets and kids.
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Avoid your triggers
In case you have asthma or allergies then avoid the potential triggers like pet dander or pollen as it will reduce coughing.
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OTC medications
Several OTC cough suppressants like dextromethorphan will alleviate coughing. But, take a note that you cannot use this for long time without doctor consultation.
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Go for a check up
If it prolongs for a week or you experience several other symptoms along like breathing shortness and fever then visit a doctor. Only an experienced healthcare professional can figure out its underlying causes and suggest better treatment.
Additional steps such as practising good hygiene, having healthy weight, quitting smoking and regular exercising can promote the airways alleviating the chance of respiratory issues.
Conclusion
Although considered as a condition yet it is a symptom that indicates several health conditions. Remember, not every cough denotes a sickness! However, in case you experience persistent cough without sickness it can happen because of several problems like the ones mentioned above.
But, above all, you should consult with the private GP to seek treatment if it’s bothering you. Only they can diagnose the underlying condition of your coughing and provide the most effective treatment on time. Otherwise, the steps above can assist to reduce your cough and enhance the quality of life.
Remember to see the doctor on time if you experience persistent cough for over a long period of time.
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