Author: Amoo Abimbola

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

1. 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…