COUGH

One of the most prevalent illness during the dry season or harmattan is Cough.
Cough is a reflex action which occur when there is an obstruction in the throat pathway. It helps to clear the throat of mucus or foreign irritant.
The most common cause of a cough is a respiratory tract infection such as a cold or flu.
Respiratory tract infection are usually caused by virus or bacteria and may last from a few days to a week. Infections caused by flu may take a little longer to clear up and may require antibiotics.

Types of Cough

Dry cough: A cough in which you don’t cough out phlegm or mucus. It is also known as non-productive. A dry cough can be worsen by:

Breathing cold, dry air;such as from air conditioning.

Air pollution

Inhaling irritants such as dust or smoke

Exposure to tobacco smoke

Excessive use or straining of your voice

A change in temperature.

Home hacks for dry cough

Honey can help treat a dry cough by coating and soothing the back of the throat (pharynx), and relieving the irritation that triggers a dry cough. Try drinking warm water containing honey and lemon, or taking one to 2 teaspoons of honey 30 minutes before bedtime.

Gargling salt water may also help with a dry cough associated with a cold and sore throat.

Drinking plenty of liquids can help, and warm broths or teas may help soothe your throat.

Dry Cough medicine

Cough suppressants, sometimes known as antitussives, can sometimes be used for the short-term treatment of dry coughs.Cough suppressants work by suppressing the urge to cough, and include any of the active ingredients pholcodine, dextromethorphan e.t.c.

Some cough suppressants need a prescription, while others are available from pharmacies without a prescription. Possible side effects of cough suppressants include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

2. Wet cough: A wet cough, also known as a productive cough, is any cough that produces mucus (phlegm). It may feel like you have something stuck in your chest or the back of your throat. Sometimes a wet cough will bring mucus into your mouth.A wet cough indicates that your body is producing more mucus than normal.

Home hacks for wet cough

Be hydrated by taking a lot of liquids. It will help to loosen more mucus stucked in your throat.

Honey helps to relieve cough and makes you sleep better at night.

Peppermint contains a compound known as menthol. Menthol may help thin mucus and loosen phlegm.

Peppermint tea is widely available in stores and is considered safe. You can also simply add a few fresh peppermint leaves to hot water to make your own tea. It has no side effects and poses no danger unless you’re allergic.

Cough Medicines for Wet cough

Expectorant and mucolytic agents: medications that thin the mucus and make it less sticky. This makes it easier for people to cough it up.

Some cold and flu medicines available as tablets or liquid – may contain cough suppressants. Cold and flu combination medicines may also include: An antihistamine(antihistamines that have sedative effects may help if your dry cough is disrupting your sleep).
A decongestant (to relieve a blocked or stuffy nose); and paracetamol for relieving pain and fever.

So watch out for cough mixtures that contains: Bromhexin,Guaifenesin and Ammonium chloride,as these medications work best for people who have a wet cough but are having difficulty getting the phlegm up.

Stay Safe in good Health…