The cough It is a reaction of the body to irritation of the throat or respiratory tractwhich activates the nerves that stimulate the muscles of the chest and abdomen to expel air from the lungs. This mechanism is intended to dislodge elements that generate discomfort.
It is important to identify when to seek medical attention, as a persistent cough can last several days and be accompanied by other symptoms, such as mucus either phlegm.
Sometimes cough can be a result of consuming cigarettes, a habit that can dry the throat, cause inflammation and lead to respiratory diseases. He tobacco It is known for its negative effects on the respiratory tract. Smoking not only causes dry throat, but it can also cause inflammation and chronic diseases. If a cough occurs associated with cigarette smoking, it is advisable to consider quitting this habit to improve respiratory health.
The magazine Medical News Today has published a series of recommendations to help anyone relieve the irritation of cough. These tips focus on simple methods that can be implemented at home, from using humidifiers to reducing allergens, as well as consuming certain fluids and medications.
- Humidifier use: Using it to add moisture to the air can soothe your throat and reduce the discomfort of cough caused by dry air.
- Reduce exposure to allergens: Minimizing contact with common allergens such as dust, pet dander, and mold can help control cough. Using vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters, washing bedding in hot water weekly, and taking a shower before bed are effective measures.
- Drinking hot tea with honey: Drinking hot tea with honey can soothe your throat, reduce irritation, and loosen mucus. It is important to avoid giving honey to children under one year old due to the risk of botulism.
- Over-the-counter medications: Antitussives block the cough reflex and expectorants thin the mucus in the lungs.
- Elevate head when sleeping: Sleeping with your head elevated can reduce postnasal drip and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can help reduce nighttime coughs.
- Gargling with salt water: Gargling with a mixture of warm water and salt can relieve pain and irritation in the throat, thereby reducing coughing.
- quit smoking: Quitting smoking can significantly reduce prolonged coughing. Resources such as nicotine patches and gum can be discussed and planned with a doctor to facilitate the process of quitting smoking.
The discomfort caused by cough, especially dry cough, can be relieved with various natural remedies that offer safe and effective alternatives. According to the medical journal Healthlinethese remedies can help both adults and children from one year of age.
One of the most traditional and effective remedies is honey.. This natural ingredient not only has antibacterial propertiesbut also acts as a coating for the throat, reducing irritation.
To benefit from honey, it is recommended to take a teaspoon several times a day or add it to tea or warm water. In addition, honey could be complemented with other natural ingredients such as gingerwhich also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. “Adding honey to ginger tea may increase its benefits in reducing dry coughs,”points out Healthline.
He gingerIt also stimulates the immune system and relieves pain and discomfort. Can be found in many commercial teas or prepare by soaking peeled or cut ginger root in warm water.
Another useful element is the mintwhich contains menthol, a compound that helps numb the nerve endings in the throat, relieving pain and reducing the urge to cough. The mint It is also effective in reducing congestion, in addition to having antibacterial and antiviral properties.
For those who prefer pharmaceutical solutions, there are the antitussive syrups. These medications work by decreasing the cough reflex, making them especially useful for treating dry coughs.
Healthline also suggests the cough dropswhose main function is to lubricate and soothe the irritated tissues of the throat. These lozenges may contain a variety of ingredients, including menthol, which acts as a numbing agent to reduce the urge to cough, or natural elements such as ginger or eucalyptus.
Likewise, Dr. Daniel López Rosetti explained to Infobae that a cough could be indicating a specific infection, whether bacterial, viral or another medical condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment. “If there is a specific infection, whether bacterial or viral, or some other more important issue, it will require adequate diagnosis and medical treatment,” he explained.
Furthermore, the cough It may be a common symptom, but it should not be underestimated. According to the experts of Mayo Clinica severe and persistent cough can lead to significant complications. “A prolonged and vigorous cough can irritate the lungs and cause even more coughing,” specialists say. This situation, beyond the discomfort, can lead to additional problems such as extreme fatigue, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, faintingheadaches and other serious symptoms.
The team of the Mayo Clinic highlights the need to seek medical attention in certain particular cases. “A cough that persists for several weeks or is accompanied by expectoration of discolored or bloody mucus may indicate an illness that requires medical attention.”have stood out. This warning is crucial, since the presence of these symptoms could be signaling underlying pathologies that need immediate medical intervention.