Asthmatic cough: causes in adults and children

In ordinary life, coughing is a physiological reaction that protects the body from pathogenic microflora and foreign substances. However, it is the asthmatic cough that does not perform such a function; it is a symptom of a very serious disease.

Many patients, not knowing how to treat this pathology, try to approach the problem as if they had a common cold. However, treating cough due to asthma requires different treatment regimens.

Cough as a symptom of asthma

Asthmatic cough is an alarming signal of the development of a severe form of pathology. Most often it manifests itself in bronchial asthma, allergic reactions or bronchitis (obstructive or asthmatic).

Also, a similar symptom appears with various pathologies of the cardiovascular system. That is why a cough alone is not enough for a doctor to diagnose “bronchial asthma” and begin appropriate treatment.

Requires the presence of other symptoms, such as suffocation or shortness of breath.

What is the cause of asthmatic type cough?

Many patients with bronchial asthma do not understand which cough is caused by their underlying disease and which is associated with infectious processes in the bronchi. It is important to understand what mechanisms cause this particular pathology.

Cough develops in asthma due to damage to the mucous membrane and muscle tissue of the respiratory tract. Most often, this process is triggered by some kind of allergic reaction.

As a result of exposure to an irritant (allergen), a corresponding reaction of the body develops. First of all, there is an active release of histamine. And it already triggers a whole complex of pathological reactions that cause a sharp deterioration in the condition.

When histamine is released, the following reactions occur:

1. Vascular permeability increases and, as a result, fluid accumulation and tissue swelling. In bronchial asthma, all these processes can be observed in the bronchi.
2. The lumen of the airways decreases due to an increase in the thickness of the bronchial tissues. The patient's breathing becomes difficult, and the flow of air into the lungs deteriorates.
3. Muscle spasm. This causes additional narrowing of the lumen in the bronchi.

In addition, an inflammatory process begins to develop in the bronchi, which causes irritation of the receptors. And since the problem with the supply of oxygen has not been resolved, the situation is getting worse.

Another factor that worsens the condition is the production of thick sputum, which clogs the bronchi. The stronger the allergic reaction, the worse the patient’s general health.

Cough variant of bronchial asthma

In the case of an atypical course of bronchial asthma, a cough form may develop. In this case, the patient does not have any other symptoms other than cough.

This is the rarest type of pathology. It most often occurs in childhood, but there are documented cases in adult patients. The main danger of this form is the difficulty of diagnosis.

Signs of pathology differ depending on the severity of asthma. Most often, the patient complains of prolonged unproductive coughing attacks.

After this, pain may be felt in the bronchi. Sputum discharge is absent or insignificant. This condition may last for several months.

Children experience such attacks especially hard. Attacks occur at night; there are no symptoms during the day. The most striking symptoms are observed in children attending preschool educational institutions.

Characteristics of cough in asthma

It is important to clearly understand which cough that develops with bronchial asthma is allergic, and which appears as a result of any infection entering the body. Depending on its origin, treatment is prescribed.

In bronchial asthma, under the influence of an irritant, a pathological narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi occurs. Coughing is an unconditioned reflex associated with difficulty breathing.

Muscle contraction causes an intense flow of air through the airways, thus clearing them. Provoking factors can be: dust, pollen, pet hair, mold and much more.

It is useless to treat such a pathology in asthma with conventional medications.

When analyzing what type of cough is typical for asthma, it is important to note that coughing is almost always absent and there is no sputum. There is no increase in body temperature.

In addition to the main symptom, which is a dry cough, asthma is characterized by a number of accompanying periodically manifested symptoms:

• feeling of heaviness in the chest;
• in the lying position, the main symptoms increase significantly;
• shortness of breath without attacks of suffocation;
• in the evening, symptoms increase;
• soreness and discomfort in the throat;
• nasal congestion;
• arrhythmia is possible.

Most often, the problem in most cases occurs several times a year, during the appearance of the allergen.

The difference between asthma and other diseases by the nature of the cough

Even an experienced pulmonologist is not always able to distinguish a cough due to asthma from ordinary bronchitis. A whole range of signs of asthmatic cough is assessed, on the basis of which a diagnosis is made and treatment is prescribed.

There are a number of main differences between cough in asthma and its other varieties:

1. Presence of shortness of breath. This is one of the main symptoms of asthma. With bronchitis, shortness of breath occurs only if complications develop.
2. Type of cough. With bronchial asthma, a dry cough is observed. With bronchitis, it is possible to alternate between a dry cough and a cough with sputum.
3. Bronchitis is characterized by a periodic increase in body temperature, but this symptom is not typical of asthma.
4. Sputum in bronchitis is purulent-mucous, yellow-green in color. In asthma, slight discharge of clear exudate can be observed.
5. With bronchitis, the disease progresses in a predictably stable manner. Asthma is characterized by the presence of attacks.
6. Cough in asthma is most often associated with allergies. It occurs when an allergen enters the body. The root cause of bronchitis is most often hypothermia or infection.

Despite the significant number of characteristic signs, the correct diagnosis can only be made by a doctor after an appropriate examination.

Cough due to asthma in a child

Most often, asthma manifests itself in childhood. At the same time, it is much more difficult to correctly diagnose cough in bronchial asthma in children than in adults.

Naturally, every mother, having heard her child cough, begins to worry, wondering what the nature of the emerging pathology is: allergic or infectious.

Most often, bronchial asthma occurs in children after three years of age. But there are cases of the disease in early, infant age.

This occurs due to the small volume of the lungs, as well as the childishly narrow lumens of the bronchi. Due to the resulting swelling and accumulation of sputum, their patency worsens.

The main signs of asthma in a child include:

• at the age of up to 6 months, problems with the gastrointestinal tract may occur;
• irritability, poor appetite and sleep;
• worsening of the condition at night;
• dyspnea.

If a child is often tormented by a cough, this is an alarming sign. You should contact a specialist for further examination.

Diagnostics

There are a number of characteristic signs that allow you to diagnose the disease.

The most striking feature is the patient's breathing - short inhalation and difficult exhalation. In this case, exhalation is accompanied by a rise in the chest.

When coughing, there is a slight release of clear sputum. To exclude infection and identify asthma, you need to:

• submit sputum for examination;
• undergo allergy tests;
• examine the function of external respiration.

For effective treatment of the disease, making a correct diagnosis is extremely important.

Treatment methods

Treatment of coughing attacks in bronchial asthma follows the same algorithm as the underlying disease.

There are several methods:

1. Symptomatic. Includes taking bronchodilators and antitussives. It is aimed primarily at suppressing the symptoms of the disease. It is often used to relieve attacks to relieve bronchospasm. The prescription of medications in this case depends on the individual characteristics of the body and the nature of the cough in asthma. It is used only in the acute stage. If the drug does not cause the expected relief, it means that addiction has developed and a replacement is necessary.
2. Basic therapy. The goal of this treatment is to eliminate the cause of the pathology. So, if it is caused by an allergic reaction, antihistamines are recommended. If the cause is the development of an infection, then antibiotics are used.
3. Ethnoscience. The use of folk cough remedies for asthma is not recommended. Specialist consultation is required. However, there are certain herbal tinctures and decoctions that alleviate the condition and also facilitate easier discharge of sputum. Using traditional methods you can also strengthen your immune system.
4. Breathing exercises. With its help you can relieve bronchospasm and make breathing easier. However, as the disease progresses, this method may be ineffective.
5. Prevention. An important stage aimed at preventing rather than treating the disease. Following a number of rules also helps reduce the frequency of symptoms.

It is important to remember that taking medications for cough caused by bronchial asthma is allowed only after consultation with your doctor. Self-prescription of drugs, changing dosages and discontinuing treatment are unacceptable.

Prevention

• Like any other pathology, cough with bronchial asthma should not be treated, but prevented.
• Therefore, it is important to carry out a number of activities related to the prevention of this disease.
• Doctors recommend:

• daily walks in the fresh air;
• avoiding contact with allergens;
• hardening;
• dieting.

To exclude factors provoking the disease, you should:

• carry out daily wet cleaning of the house;
• remove all flowers and pets;
• replace pillows, blankets and other things made from natural materials with hypoallergenic ones;
• carefully choose household chemicals;
• exclude from the diet foods that can cause allergies;
• During the flowering period, minimize your stay on the street.

Compliance with these measures will significantly reduce the risk of exacerbation of the disease.

Source: https://bronhialnaya-astma.com/diagnostika/harakternye-osobennosti-astmaticheskogo-kashlya-prichiny-i-metody-lecheniya

Cough in asthma - causes, symptoms and treatment

Asthmatic cough is the main symptom of bronchial asthma, the development of which occurs as a result of an inflammatory process accompanied by narrowing of the bronchi and muscle spasm.

As a rule, it is formed against the background of an allergic effect or a specific irritant, which is why asthmatic cough is often called allergic. This sign indicates the development of a bronchial disease that requires immediate treatment.

A similar symptom also appears when diagnosed with asthmatic bronchitis.

Cough in asthma can occur at any time of the day, but most often, a paroxysmal symptom is observed at night. It is often accompanied by a specific whistling or snoring of the sleeping person.

It is unacceptable to ignore a cough with asthma! Effective treatment as prescribed by a specialist allows you to get rid of an unpleasant symptom that provokes a lot of adverse consequences.

Causes of asthmatic cough

The main cause of cough in asthma is contact with an allergen. This could be dust, pet hair, plant blooms, fungal allergens, etc. Once in the respiratory organs, a natural irritation reaction occurs, which causes a coughing attack. In the chronic form of the disease, long-term symptoms are observed during the period of exacerbation. When the remission stage occurs, this symptom disappears on its own, but not for long. As a rule, another attack can be triggered not only by contact with an allergen, but also by other factors:

• excess weight;
• viral infection, which is especially important in the autumn-winter period;
• smoking and inhalation of tobacco smoke;
• pungent odors of perfume, household chemicals;
• food products containing unsafe components that cause an allergic reaction;
• smell of mold, dampness;
• use of certain medications.

Cough in bronchial asthma has specific features.
This symptom is characterized by intermittent inhalations, prolonged exhalations, and weakening of respiratory sounds. In some cases, it is accompanied by wheezing hoarseness. If a severe cough occurs that is paroxysmal in nature, the patient must urgently seek medical help.

Only a qualified specialist, based on the results of the patient’s examination, will be able to determine an accurate diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment that will allow the patient to get rid of cough. It should also be taken into account that this sign may indicate the development of other diseases of the respiratory system (tuberculosis, lung cancer, pneumonia, asthmatic bronchitis, etc.).

Symptoms and characteristics of cough in asthma

Signs of bronchial asthma

Most asthmatics have a seasonal cough, occurring 1-2 times a year, at the same time. In most cases, this symptom occurs in the spring, during the flowering period of various plants. An allergic asthmatic cough may be accompanied by additional symptoms. The most common symptoms are conjunctivitis and runny nose. These signs are also allergic in nature.

With a strong cough, the release of a small amount of viscous sputum of a specific structure is often observed. If an asthmatic symptom is accompanied by another viral or respiratory disease, sputum is produced in larger quantities and may have certain characteristics in color or structure. Identical signs are detected in the non-atopic form of the disease.

Some patients are diagnosed with cholinergic asthma, which is characterized by a cough with large production of light-colored sputum. The paroxysmal symptom sometimes causes suffocation. Many patients complain of an excessive, wet cough.

The main symptoms of asthmatic cough:

• a painful symptom often occurs at night, closer to the morning hours;
• breathing becomes difficult, shortness of breath appears;
• A cough can manifest itself upon contact with allergens, upon inhalation of cold air, and also on an emotional level (laughter, crying, screaming, etc.).

When coughing in bronchial asthma, there is congestion in the nasal sinuses, there is some discomfort in the throat area, and the skin becomes pale. This symptom is also characterized by increased sweating, increased heart rate, palpitations, anxiety and panic.

It is possible to distinguish asthmatic cough symptoms from the symptoms of chronic bronchitis only through differential diagnosis. Three-week remissions are more typical for bronchitis, after which exacerbation occurs again.

Cough with asthma in children

Asthma in children under one year of age is manifested by periodic wheezing and coughing. These symptoms occur due to infection in the respiratory tract. Most often, cough occurs at night and in the morning, as well as with direct contact with irritating allergens. During an attack, the child may experience severe shortness of breath with characteristic whistling, rapid breathing and wheezing.

An older child may complain of a feeling of heaviness in the chest. Due to the narrowing of the bronchioles, the exhalation of air is delayed.

It becomes difficult for children to breathe, so treatment of asthmatic cough should be carried out exclusively under the supervision of specialists. Children, unlike adult patients, cannot control their condition and emotions during an attack.

In some cases, emergency medical attention is required. It is necessary to call an ambulance if:

• strong wheezing is heard when exhaling air, and when inhaling, a strong retraction of the chest wall is noticed;
• the baby’s condition is lethargic, lethargic, sleepy;
• the skin becomes noticeably pale, a characteristic blue discoloration is visible on the lips and fingertips;
• difficulty breathing, which may also be accompanied by nausea or vomiting;
• the child complains of severe pain in the chest, neck or throat.

If a child has a high body temperature for a long time, and a painful cough is not eliminated with effective medications, it is necessary to call a local pediatrician at home.

Asthmatic cough in children can be hereditary or occur due to certain environmental factors.

As a rule, this disease affects children living in unfavorable living conditions, as well as those who have an innate tendency to allergic reactions.

Diagnosis and treatment of cough in asthma

Cough with bronchial asthma is identical to the signs of other respiratory diseases, so it will not be possible to establish an accurate diagnosis based on the symptoms shown. To identify a disease that provokes a severe cough, a competent diagnosis is necessary, in the direction of the treating pulmonologist.

Differential diagnostics, radiography, and laboratory blood and urine tests help determine the correct diagnosis.

If asthma is suspected, the patient may also be prescribed allergy tests and special inhalation tests.

It should also be noted that the X-ray procedure is not prescribed to confirm asthma, but to exclude other diseases of the respiratory organs. This diagnosis does not show significant abnormalities in the lungs with asthma.

After determining an accurate diagnosis, the patient is prescribed a course of effective drug treatment aimed at eliminating the main symptom of asthma. Dry asthmatic cough with moist wheezing, treated with drugs that help thin and remove mucus. The patient is advised to drink as much fluid as possible.

Also, the mandatory course of treatment includes prophylactic agents aimed at reducing the risk of developing an attack-like symptom.

The lack of adequate treatment for such a disease entails irreversible consequences, and the disease itself becomes chronic.

It is unacceptable to self-medicate! If a patient wishes to undergo a health course using folk remedies, before starting treatment, it is necessary to consult with the treating pulmonologist.

Effective drugs for treating asthma

In the treatment of bronchial asthma, medications of different spectrums of action are used, which depends on the symptoms and severity of the disease. The mandatory course of prescriptions includes basic medications and must be taken daily. The action of these medications is aimed at stopping and preventing attacks. Regular use significantly relieves asthmatic symptoms.

Some drugs in the basic category simultaneously neutralize inflammatory processes in the respiratory system, reduce swelling and allergic susceptibility. This group includes antihistamines, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, inhalers and antileukotriene drugs. In some cases, patients are prescribed cromones and theophyllines.

In the treatment of asthma, hormonal and non-hormonal drugs, systemic glucocorticoids, beta-2 adrenergic agonists and anticholinergics are also used.

To eliminate cough during exacerbations, expectorants based on acetylcysteine, ambroxol, bromhexine, alkaline mixtures and potassium iodide are used.

To reduce swelling in the mucous membranes of the respiratory organ, inhalers with glucocorticosteroids are effectively used. The most popular drugs in this category: Becotide, Ingacort, Fluticasone, Flixotide, Benacort, etc.

To provide emergency assistance during a severe attack, medications are used that promote rapid expansion of the airways. Effective drugs in this category: Levalbuterol, Salbutamol, Terbutaline, etc.

Asthma and the symptoms of this disease must be treated responsibly, making sure to follow all the recommendations of your doctor.

Only this approach to treatment guarantees good recovery results, with the exception of life-threatening relapses. Particular care should be taken when treating asthma in children.

Many drugs recommended for eliminating painful symptoms that occur during attacks are prohibited for use in minors.

Therapeutic measures for asthma should be carried out only as prescribed by a pulmonologist! Self-medication in this case is fraught with very dangerous consequences!

Source: https://neAstmatik.ru/dyhanie/astmaticheskij-kashel.html

Causes, symptoms and treatment of asthmatic cough

Asthmatic cough is a very dangerous and unpleasant symptom that should not be ignored. It is quite rare, and its appearance indicates the addition of colds and more serious diseases. That is why it is strongly recommended to understand the causes of the symptom, methods of diagnosis and treatment.

Causes and risk groups

Asthmatic cough is called due to its characteristics and manifestations, which will be discussed below. It can be provoked by:

1. Genetics - if at least one of the biological parents is asthmatic, the probability of developing the disease is 30%. If this is true for both parents, the figures increase to 70% or more.
2. Direct contact with dust, gases or impurities in production.
3. Environmental pollution. Asthmatic cough is provoked in 6% of cases by exhaust gases and fumes, which provoke an inflammatory process.
4. Unbalanced diet along with alcohol consumption or nicotine addiction.

Asthmatic syndrome can progress under the influence of obesity, excessive physical activity and prolonged exposure to cold temperatures on the body of a person who is not ready for this.

The feeling of suffocation is perhaps the most unpleasant harbinger of an asthmatic cough. It can be provoked by strong odors and poor ventilation in rooms.

Triggers can also be hypothermia, aggressive or constant exposure to allergens (wool, dust, pollen).

Cough symptoms

The clinical picture is expressed primarily by difficulty breathing and shortness of breath without any obvious reason. The sudden development of an attack is also one of the main symptoms of asthmatic cough.

In some situations, a severe cough attack can be identified after laughing or crying, or excessive physical exertion. Wherein:

• attacks usually worsen during the night or early in the morning;
• nasal congestion appears (for no reason);
• there is excessive paleness of the skin;
• severe attacks of asthmatic cough are accompanied by colorless sputum.

There may be soreness or dryness in the throat area and short-term pain. If asthmatic cough attacks last longer than three weeks, you should consult a specialist. He will prescribe examinations that will help determine the recovery course.

Condition in children

Symptoms of cough in childhood are characterized by greater severity compared to older patients. The child rapidly develops oxygen deficiency, causing motor restlessness. Excessive activity appears, the baby cannot find a place for himself and, at the same time, cannot explain in any way what exactly is happening to him.

Next, a dry asthmatic cough, manifested by attacks, is identified. The child may additionally experience complaints due to the inability to fully exhale.

This is also why asthmatic cough begins to be treated immediately after its appearance.

Diagnostic methods

A physical examination of the patient is carried out, during which the complaints, the person’s lifestyle and the history of his illness are clarified. Based on the available data, a comprehensive diagnostic program is formed.

The following standard course will help determine asthmatic cough:

• blood test - both general and biochemical;
• urine analysis;
• special allergy tests, necessary due to the fact that cough in asthma quite often turns out to be a consequence of allergies;
• analysis of secreted sputum.

You cannot do without a chest x-ray, as well as additional examinations: inhalation tests and immunological studies. A more accurate program depends solely on the clinical picture and medical history of the patient. Based on the data obtained, treatment tactics and duration are determined.

Cough treatment

You can cope with the appearance of cough in asthma only through a comprehensive approach. It involves the use of medications, additional therapy and the introduction of folk remedies into the course. The latter can only be used after consulting a specialist.

Medications

GCS (glucocorticosteroids) are prescribed in the form of inhalations - Benacort, Pulmicort. They help control the symptoms of the disease and its course. You should be careful about their long-term use due to the likelihood of allergic reactions.

Cough due to asthma can be cured if you use:

1. β2-adrenergic receptors. For example, Ventolin, produced in the form of a spray. It neutralizes the attack, providing a relaxing effect on the bronchial muscles. The product should be used occasionally, given its short-term effect.
2. Expectorants - in tablet form and as syrup (for example, Gerbion or Ambroxol). They are indispensable for thinning mucus, as well as for clearing mucus from the bronchi.
3. To relieve nasal congestion, I use drops or sprays - Naphthyzin, Nazol.

Therapy during pregnancy requires special care. This will prevent negative effects on the fetus.

If necessary, anti-inflammatory and antihistamine medications are additionally prescribed, for example, Suprastin, Tempalgin, Paracetamol. Taking antibiotics is allowed only against the background of rapid development of bacterial flora.

Non-drug therapy

Physiotherapeutic techniques will help cure asthmatic cough, the symptoms of which are severe.

For example, relaxation of the bronchial muscles and restoration of normal air passage can be achieved through special massage and physical exercise.

The main condition in this case is a preliminary consultation with a specialist who will help develop an individual exercise plan.

Excellent restorative results after achieving remission are demonstrated by speleo- and halotherapy. Their effectiveness is based on the patient’s stay in specific conditions. We are talking about the microclimate of karst and salt caves, respectively.

The air generated under the presented conditions has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system, eliminating the possibility of developing a pathological condition in the future. There is no doubt that halo- and speleotherapy prolong the period of remission.

Folk remedies

Preliminary consultation with a specialist is a prerequisite before starting to use such compositions. The following recipe may be effective for treating asthmatic cough:

1. On the first day of starting therapy, you will need to dilute one drop of hydrogen peroxide (3%) with 50 ml of purified water. The composition is consumed three times during the day.
2. The dosage must be increased every 24 hours - this applies to peroxide, which should increase by one drop. This does not apply to the water ratio.
3. After 10 days, it is recommended to rest, and after two days to resume therapy. At the time of the next cycle, the amount of peroxide and water should remain unchanged, namely 10 drops per 50 ml.

Vitamin Omega-3 is useful not only for diseases of the respiratory system, but also for strengthening the body. It helps expand the lung area as well as speed up physiological responses to stimuli. The component is contained not only in tablets, but also in some types of fish: salmon, cod, mackerel, tuna.

Periodic use of a decoction of several herbs (valerian, motherwort and St. John's wort) is acceptable; a composition of birch buds and chamomile flowers may be useful. In childhood, warm natural milk with the addition of honey and butter is beneficial. You should not refuse the tincture of plantain and coltsfoot leaves.

Preventive actions

Cough in bronchial asthma is much easier to eliminate initially than to carry out long-term and expensive treatment in the future. Experts recommend giving up the influence of bad habits and draw attention to the importance of facilitating physical activity. It is also necessary:

• exclude from the menu products containing semi-synthetic additives;
• maintain personal hygiene;
• undergo a medical examination every year;
• If possible, perform breathing exercises.

Useful preventive measures include staying in sanatoriums (once a year), daily walks in the fresh air, and water and sunbathing. All this will eliminate asthmatic cough or even conditions similar to it.

Source: https://stop-kashel.ru/prichiny-simptomy-i-lechenie-astmaticheskogo-kashlya/

Cough with asthma or what is asthmatic cough, its symptoms and treatment

Cough is a symptom that every person is familiar with. Traditionally, the sign is usually divided into dry and wet, depending on the presence of expectoration of sputum.

Asthmatic cough is a subtype of a dry variant of the symptom, which is less common, accompanying mainly bronchial asthma or other diseases with a similar development mechanism.

The corresponding problem must be treated after a final diagnosis is made to achieve maximum therapeutic results.

What is asthmatic cough?

What is a cough like with asthma? Are there any peculiarities of the pathological symptom when compared with other respiratory diseases?

Asthmatic cough symptoms are similar to those of typical bronchitis or other diseases of the respiratory system. However, there are a number of nuances that help doctors correctly determine the nature of the problem being described and select adequate treatment.

Characteristics of asthmatic cough:

• Unproductive;
• Paroxysmal. Nocturnal or morning episodes remain common;
• The appearance of dry, wheezing wheezing in the chest. For severe forms of bronchial asthma, “wheezing” breathing remains characteristic. When in the same room with a patient, the doctor hears wheezing at a distance, reminiscent of the sound of a whistle;
• Relationship with the influence of allergens.

Fact! A characteristic sign of an asthmatic cough is the occurrence of frequent small breaths, followed by a long and difficult exhalation. Patients develop a fear of suffocation, provoking panic, which is accompanied by motor restlessness. This point is more noticeable in children.

The cough that progresses in asthmatics is sudden. The symptom develops after exposure to a provoking factor. A feature of the described symptom remains the possibility of quickly stopping an attack using bronchodilators in the form of aerosols for inhalation use.

What is the cause of asthmatic type cough?

Cough in asthma develops as a result of a complex of pathological changes affecting the mucous and muscular lining of the respiratory tract. The key trigger factor for the development of the corresponding disease in 90% of cases remains an allergic reaction to a specific antigen.

Due to the penetration of the irritant into the patient’s body, a sharp release of histamine occurs. This bioactive substance triggers a cascade of pathological reactions that cause a deterioration in the patient’s condition.

Effects of histamine:

• Increased vascular permeability. The result is the penetration of fluid into the intercellular space with the formation of local edema. In the case of asthma, the target organ is the bronchi;
• Narrowing of the lumen of the respiratory tract. As the diameter of the bronchi decreases, it becomes more difficult for the patient to breathe, and the amount of oxygen that enters the lungs decreases;
• Spasm of the muscle fibers that are located around the bronchi. An even greater narrowing of the lumen occurs.

In parallel, local inflammation of the bronchial mucosa develops, which provokes irritation of the receptors with the progression of cough. With decreased oxygen supply to the lungs and swelling of the inner lining of the airways, the problem increases.

Additionally, the secretion of thick and viscous mucus is stimulated, which the patient cannot cough up on his own. Sputum blocks the movement of air masses through the respiratory system, which further aggravates the clinical picture.

The more severe the allergic reaction, the worse the person feels.

Development of asthmatic cough in childhood

Bronchial asthma is a disease that in 70-75% of cases is diagnosed in childhood.

If a child experiences episodes of nonproductive cough due to exposure to allergens, doctors suspect the described disease.

Infants and newborns practically do not suffer from the corresponding problem. The reason is the immature immune system, which is gradually getting acquainted with new antigens.

Symptoms of cough in asthma in children are more severe when compared to adult patients. The lack of oxygen progresses rapidly, which provokes motor restlessness. The child becomes too active, does not find a place for himself and often cannot explain what is happening to him.

Then a dry paroxysmal cough occurs. The baby may complain about the inability to fully exhale, which increases his panic. The intensity of the cough increases. In severe cases, if it is impossible to administer the drug in a timely manner, the small asthmatic loses consciousness.

The patient requires hospitalization.

Types of asthmatic cough

The cough that occurs with bronchial asthma looks the same in 90% of cases. The differences lie in the severity of clinical symptoms, which vary depending on the degree of narrowing of the airways. There is no separate classification of the corresponding characteristic. However, in practice, a gradation of cough into mild, moderate and severe is sometimes used.

Depending on the severity of the pathology and the accompanying clinical picture, specialized medications are prescribed. The worse the patient feels, the higher the starting doses of drugs.

Diagnostic methods and research methods

Diagnosis of bronchial asthma involves a comprehensive examination of the patient with an assessment of the function of his respiratory system. When visiting a doctor, the process begins with analyzing the patient’s complaints and collecting an anamnesis. An important role is played by the presence of a connection between pathology and exposure to a specific antigen.

A physical examination is performed. The doctor listens to the patient's breathing using a phonendoscope. In asthma, dry wheezing is typical, which is rarely constant. This phenomenon occurs when thick mucus forms in the bronchi.

Instrumental and laboratory diagnostic methods:

• General blood analysis. An increase in the level of eosinophils remains characteristic;
• Peak flowmetry. This technique allows you to assess airway obstruction;
• Allergy tests to identify the antigen that provokes the onset of the disease.

If necessary, the doctor prescribes additional diagnostic procedures to exclude other pathologies (x-ray examination, CT scan, lung scintigraphy, etc.).

How and with what to treat dry cough with asthma?

Important! If characteristic symptoms occur, it is important for the patient to begin treatment in a timely manner.

There are situations when, with early exclusion of contact with the allergen, it is possible to prevent the progression of local inflammation in the bronchi, which will allow long-term remission of the disease to be achieved.

The informal term “asthma without cough” is sometimes used to refer to the situation described. Hypersensitivity of the mucous membrane remains, but due to the absence of a constant trigger, the patient does not feel discomfort or other signs of pathology.

Therapy of the disease is based on the use of specialized medications that affect key points in the pathogenesis of the disease. To enhance the effect of drugs, non-drug methods are used.

Drug treatment - effective drugs for treating asthma and cough

The selection of a cough remedy for asthma is carried out exclusively by a doctor. The doctor assesses the severity of the patient's condition and prescribes appropriate medications.

List of used groups of medications for asthma:

• Inhaled glucocorticosteroids (GCS). These remedies allow you to get rid of the symptoms of the disease and control its course. However, inhalation drugs used for a long time cause a number of side effects. Examples of medications are Pulmicort, Benacort, Becotide;
• β2-adrenergic agonists. Salbutamol (Ventolin) in the form of a spray relieves an attack of asthmatic cough by relaxing the muscles of the bronchi. You need to inhale drugs from this group occasionally. They have a short-term effect;
• Expectorant syrups and tablets (Gerbion syrup, Ambroxol, Gedelix). Drugs are used to thin sputum in order to clear mucus from the bronchi.

If necessary, anti-inflammatory and antihistamine medications are additionally prescribed. Taking antibiotics is justified only when bacterial flora is present. Therapy for women during pregnancy requires special care to prevent negative effects on the fetus.

Inhaled corticosteroids are introduced into the body using a nebulizer. This device provides a local effect on the patient’s respiratory tract, preventing systemic effects on the body. Special inhalers can be purchased at pharmacies.

Non-drug treatment

Non-drug treatment of bronchial asthma is aimed at prolonging the period of remission. Appropriate procedures are used after relative stabilization of the patient's condition, when there is no risk of sudden progression of the disease.

Options for therapeutic breathing demonstrate good effectiveness. To eliminate cough and other symptoms of asthma, methods according to Buteyko and Papworth are used. Both methods work on a similar principle. The essence of treatment is to control your own breathing. The patient is asked to deliberately reduce the depth of inspiration using certain exercises.

Due to this, a decrease in hyperventilation of the alveolar tissue is achieved with an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood. The result is a reduction in swelling of the bronchial mucosa, relaxation of muscle fibers, and expansion of the airway lumen.

Fact! Conducted clinical studies have proven the effectiveness of the described methods, but only in combination with drug treatment. You need to practice exercises in the early stages under the supervision of a specialist.

In addition to breathing techniques, relaxation of the bronchial muscles with the restoration of normal air passage is achieved through therapeutic massage and physical exercise. The main thing is a preliminary consultation with a doctor to develop an individual exercise plan.

Speleo- and halotherapy demonstrates good therapeutic results during the period of remission.

The air that is formed under the described conditions has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system, preventing the progression of pathology. It has been proven that speleo- and halotherapy prolong the period of remission.

Prevention of disease occurrence

There is no specific prevention of bronchial asthma and cough that occurs against its background. All preventive measures are aimed at improving the functioning of the respiratory tract and preventing the development of local inflammation.

The following will help prevent the disease from occurring:

• regular stay in the fresh air (up to 2 hours a day);
• avoiding contact with the allergen;
• timely treatment of any respiratory pathology;
• hypoallergenic diet;
• avoiding smoking;
• dosed physical activity.

Sometimes, to avoid contact with an allergen, you may need to change your place of residence and work. Otherwise, the patient will face a virtually lifelong need to take specialized medications. At the moment, it is impossible to completely cure bronchial asthma.

Conclusion

Asthmatic cough is a symptom of a serious disease of the respiratory system. With the right approach to therapy and eliminating contact with the provoking agent, long-term remission and elimination of symptoms can be achieved for months and years. The main thing is that if characteristic symptoms occur, do not self-medicate, but seek help from specialists.

Source: https://MyKashel.ru/vidy/kashel-pri-astme.html