The body of every person experiences severe stress every day, not only physically, but also psychologically. It is these factors, combined under the influence of other harmful conditions, that lead to the development of some serious diseases. Often these diseases are accompanied by a suffocating cough in adults, which disturbs not only the patient himself, but also his loved ones. In addition, over time it can provoke the development of other, more serious pathologies.
Brief Introduction
In fact, a suffocating cough in an adult is an extremely dangerous symptom, the origin of which should be clarified before starting treatment. Believe me, you shouldn’t engage in self-diagnosis, much less prescribe therapy. It’s better to go to a therapist as soon as possible, who will give you a referral for all the necessary tests and x-rays.
After all, there can be a huge number of reasons for a cough: a long history of smoking, allergies, the consequences of a lingering cold or infection with a virus. Remember: the first thing you should do is understand the nature of the provoking factors, and only then the treatment tactics.
Causes of suffocating cough in adults
If you believe doctors, there may be many potential prerequisites for the development of such an unpleasant symptom. For example, the presence of a cough may indicate the following diseases:
- bronchitis or bronchial asthma;
- heart failure;
- pneumonia;
- common cold;
- oncological tumors;
- tuberculosis;
- whooping cough;
- allergy;
- laryngitis;
- tracheitis.
What else causes the problem?
In addition, a suffocating cough in an adult can occur due to prolonged smoking. And some people experience this symptom due to the nature of their work, for example, in chemical production.
Among other things, medicine is aware of many situations where attacks of acute suffocation in an adult were triggered by the entry of a foreign object into the respiratory system. It impedes the access of oxygen, as a result of which a person simply begins to choke and cough heavily. But in this case, it is simply impossible to do without outside help.
To effectively remove a foreign body without any consequences, some skills are required. So it’s best not to attempt rescue on your own, but simply call a team of doctors.
As you can see, there are many possible causes of a suffocating cough in an adult. And that is precisely why the first thing you should do is determine an accurate diagnosis, and only then begin treatment.
Signs of a problem
It is equally important to monitor the signs that accompany a choking cough. It is these nuances that significantly help in determining the diagnosis and, accordingly, prescribing adequate therapy. Be sure to consider these factors. After all, even seemingly insignificant details can significantly help in diagnosing the disease.
- The production of a small volume of sputum, which is accompanied by an increase in temperature, is characteristic of laryngitis. In addition, with this pathology, hoarseness and severe pain in the throat are often encountered.
- The same symptoms are characteristic of bronchial asthma. In addition to them, the patient may also complain of acute pain in the heart area and minimal sputum production.
- A dry, suffocating cough without fever in an adult may be a consequence of prolonged smoking, and not at all the development of any disease. In this case, the person does not produce sputum. The same applies to situations when a foreign object gets into a person’s throat.
Other Features
It is equally important to pay attention to what time of day the attacks begin to torment you.
- If a suffocating cough appears in the morning and greatly increases with physical activity, this is a signal from the body about the need to switch to a healthy lifestyle and give up tobacco.
- Also, a cough in the morning may indicate a chronic form of bronchitis.
- If attacks occur at night and are accompanied by shortness of breath or pain in the abdominal area, the doctor may suspect that you have bronchial asthma.
- A suffocating cough in an adult at night can appear against the background of many different defects: tuberculosis, whooping cough and even oncology. As for tumors, they are accompanied by severe chest pain.
- If a cough with suffocation follows you throughout the day, this may indicate the occurrence of acute infectious processes, including bronchitis, tracheitis and laryngitis.
In addition, among pregnant women there are often those who are regularly tormented by a suffocating cough. Typically, this phenomenon is explained by acute respiratory pathologies, which can occur in a latent form.
First aid
If we are talking about a paroxysmal suffocating cough in an adult, then be that as it may, with or without the presence of additional signs, it is extremely important to consult a doctor in time.
After all, self-medication in such a situation can lead to various consequences.
So, a cough can become chronic, and if a foreign object gets into a person’s throat, then the situation can completely get out of control, and the patient simply begins to choke.
How to alleviate your condition before the doctors arrive? You might be surprised, but the solution is quite simple - place your hands in hot water. Oddly enough, but in fact such a simple manipulation will expand the bronchi, which will facilitate oxygen access.
If we are talking about a foreign object getting into the throat, it is better not to do anything at all. Only specialists can carefully remove the object without causing complications.
If the situation has become critical and the patient is simply unable to breathe normally, approach him from behind and sharply, but very carefully, squeeze his ribs with both hands.
A reflexive strong exhalation will allow a person to push the foreign body out of the throat along with the flow of air.
An adult's cough does not go away - what to do?
First of all, you should visit a doctor. After examining you, the specialist will give you a referral for appropriate examinations. Only after determining an accurate diagnosis will the doctor prescribe you a specific treatment, depending on the symptoms and characteristics of the problem.
In general, therapy involves performing standard manipulations.
- Elimination of provocateurs - this includes tobacco smoke, dust, animal hair, chemicals, toxic fumes, pollen.
- Softening and moisturizing the nasopharynx and respiratory tract. To do this, you can use lozenges, lozenges, steam inhalations, and rinses. Don't forget to also humidify the air in the room.
- If the cough appears due to infectious pathologies or allergies, try to ventilate the room more often.
- After the diagnosis is made, the patient is prescribed medications, most often expectorants. Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory topical medications can also help treat coughs in adults. In addition, if necessary, cough suppressants, antibiotics, and bronchodilators can be used. Mucolytic cough remedies are considered no less effective.
Just keep in mind that the final decision always rests with the doctor.
Drug therapy and its features
Most often, the following drugs are used to treat suffocating cough in adults:
- mild and potent antibiotics and antivirals that are used to combat infectious pathogens;
- expectorants, antitussives and mucolytic cough medications are designed to combat unbearable attacks, their selection is carried out taking into account the nature of the problem;
- if the patient also suffers from a sore throat, he may be prescribed special lozenges, tablets and lozenges that will alleviate the unpleasant symptom;
- antihistamines will eliminate swelling of the respiratory tract and organs, as well as stop inflammatory processes, especially relevant for allergies;
- a runny nose is eliminated with the help of appropriate sprays;
- If desired, the patient can also use homeopathic medicines.
Effective drugs
The range of modern medicines can probably drive any person into a stupor. But doctors advise always choosing drugs that have been tested over the years and have proven effectiveness. To treat a suffocating cough in an adult, doctors most often recommend several popular remedies.
- "Libexin." Used for the treatment of cough in bronchial asthma, bronchitis, ARVI, laryngitis, pharyngitis. Adults are recommended to take one tablet three times a day.
- "Stoptussin." It is taken to treat coughs accompanying colds.
- "Herbion". An excellent cough expectorant for adults. This drug has a delicate enveloping effect on the mucous membrane of the respiratory organs. Thanks to this effect, sputum is separated, and the therapy itself is more effective. Adults should take the syrup three times a day, 4-5 teaspoons.
- "Doctor Mom" It is often recommended for pathologies of the respiratory system - laryngitis, bronchitis, tracheitis, pharyngitis. The daily dosage is 1-2 teaspoons three times a day.
- "Lazolvan." A mucolytic drug that accelerates the removal of sputum. It is noteworthy that the product does not contain sugar or alcohol, which allows it to be prescribed to people suffering from diabetes and allergies.
Alternative medicine
Taking prescribed medications can be combined with traditional recipes to achieve the best result.
- Inhalation is one of the most effective ways to combat choking cough in adults. It is best to carry them out using mineral water, for example, “Essentuki”, “Borjomi” or “Narzan”. Just keep in mind that such therapy is acceptable provided there is no elevated temperature.
- It is advisable to gargle with soda as often as possible.
- A decoction based on wild rosemary, plantain, coltsfoot, elecampane, and thyme has an anti-inflammatory and expectorant effect.
A few final words
Warm compresses, heating, and massages help achieve good results. All these procedures are effective in their own way and help get rid of acute coughing attacks.
Now you know how to deal with a choking cough. Traditional methods and taking certain medications can effectively help you with this. Only one thing is important - before starting treatment, it is necessary to find out the causes of the disease and study the clinical picture as a whole.
Source: https://labuda.blog/203440
How to help yourself with attacks of dry suffocating cough?
With a spasm of the larynx or bronchi, which causes a dry, suffocating cough, a person can neither inhale nor exhale. This is a very dangerous condition. Therefore, it is urgent to take measures to stop an attack that can be fatal.
Causes of the pathological condition
This symptom indicates the presence of serious health problems. Their elimination is possible subject to a thorough examination to identify the main cause of a suffocating dry cough.
Physiological factors
Not only respiratory diseases, but also other conditions and situations can provoke negative symptoms. These include:
- The presence of a foreign object, provoking a spasm of the bronchial or pharyngeal structures as a defensive reaction.
- The influence of toxic substances - smoke, gas, chemical vapors and odors. External irritants of this type, getting on the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs, provoke the development of edema. As a result, a coughing attack occurs.
- Addiction to smoking. The content of nicotine, tar and other chemical compounds in tobacco smoke negatively affects the condition of the mucous membrane of the throat, trachea, lungs and bronchi. Damage to the mucous membranes causes a dry cough that can lead to suffocation.
The occurrence of a painful cough attack blocks the passage of air to the lungs. This creates a situation dangerous to health and life.
Pathological causes
The cause of suffocating coughing attacks can be colds and infectious diseases of the respiratory system, as well as a tendency to allergies to medications and external irritants.
In this case, the occurrence of a cough attack is due to the need to cleanse the respiratory tract from the presence of viscous mucous secretion, the removal of which is difficult due to the presence of swelling of the nasopharynx and the thick consistency of sputum.
A dry, suffocating cough is a sign of various diseases:
- chronic bronchitis;
- tonsillitis, laryngitis, tracheitis;
- bronchial asthma;
- pneumonia, whooping cough, tuberculosis;
- rhinitis with the likelihood of snot flowing into the nasopharynx;
- the presence of tumor neoplasms in the organs of the respiratory system;
- dysfunction of the nervous system due to stress, hysteria, neurological disorders;
- gastrointestinal pathologies.
The occurrence of intense cough attacks against the background of the mentioned diseases becomes an indication for immediate examination. This approach to the problem is the only way to eliminate not only negative symptoms, but also the pathology that provokes it.
Features of clinical manifestations
The symptoms accompanying a suffocating dry cough are quite varied. The clinical picture directly depends on the main cause that provoked the coughing attacks.
- Laryngitis, tracheitis, tonsillitis are often accompanied by constant sore or itchy throat and painful sensations. Sometimes there is elevated body temperature, chills, and weakness.
- Bronchial asthma is characterized by the appearance of coughing attacks at night. They are accompanied by shortness of breath and suffocation.
- Cough caused by problems with the heart and blood vessels is characterized by wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty clearing the throat. The patient experiences a feeling of shortness of breath and slight dizziness.
- An allergic cough is accompanied by profuse lacrimation, runny nose and continuous sneezing. Allergic cough attacks are especially dangerous for adults and children. With swelling of the mucous membranes, there is a danger of narrowing the lumen of the respiratory tube, which completely blocks the access of oxygen to organs and systems. The development of an allergic reaction is fraught with the development of Quincke's edema and a real threat of mortality.
- With pneumonia, in addition to endless coughing, there is body hyperthermia, chilliness, general weakness and pain during deep inspiration.
- Chronic bronchitis is characterized by the appearance of a cough when inhaling air. The cough is especially intense when performing physical activity.
- Tuberculosis is characterized by constant low temperature, suffocating cough, weakness, and increased sweating.
- Heavy smokers experience a constant sore throat, hoarseness or hoarseness. An incessant barking cough occurs in the morning.
The formation of a tumor in the respiratory organs makes itself known only in the later stages of the development of the pathology. Coughing attacks appear as the tumor grows and metastases spread into nearby tissues. Timely consultation with a doctor and annual preventive examination can identify dangerous diseases at an early stage, which guarantees a complete recovery.
Dry suffocating cough in children
A child's cough requires an immediate visit to the doctor
The child’s body does not yet have a strong enough immune system to resist various diseases. In addition to the likelihood of getting sick with all the mentioned pathologies, children are faced with diseases characteristic of their age. This includes whooping cough, frequent colds with a runny nose and a high risk of ingesting foreign objects. In this case, the following symptoms are observed:
- With whooping cough, a child's dry, suffocating cough can last for several hours. It often provokes a gag reflex. Coughing at night accompanied by vomiting can be fatal.
- If the cough is caused by copious flow of mucous secretion from the nasal passages into the larynx with further penetration into the lower respiratory organs, then associated manifestations are present against the background of a runny nose. These are chills, aching joints, abnormal temperature readings and an incessant suffocating cough. The last symptom occurs mainly at night.
- A cough that appears against the background of the presence of foreign objects in the respiratory organs serves as a natural attempt to remove the foreign body from them. Young children who inadvertently swallow small parts of toys are more susceptible to traumatic situations than adults. The presence of foreign objects in the respiratory passage provokes spasm due to lack of air access. Complications such as asphyxia can be avoided if the foreign body is urgently removed.
All situations accompanied by a choking cough require an immediate visit to the doctor. This will avoid serious complications that threaten the life of a small patient.
Diagnostics
After examining the patient, auscultation and percussion, the doctor prescribes laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods. Among them:
- general clinical blood test,
- sputum testing,
- radiography,
- bronchoscopy,
- Ultrasound of the mediastinum,
- electrocardiogram,
- CT and MRI.
If necessary, the patient is recommended to consult a cardiologist, gastroenterologist or allergist. The results of diagnostic procedures are a guideline for choosing the most effective therapeutic methods.
First aid measures
First of all, it is necessary to ensure a flow of fresh air
Timely relief of a suffocating cough is an opportunity to prevent the irreversible consequences of an attack. Therefore, it is so important to know what to do before the doctor arrives if a dry cough threatens a person’s life. The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- to alleviate the condition, it is recommended to free the neck from restrictive clothing;
- provide access to fresh air;
- give warm water, tea or milk;
- you can calm the attack with Stoptusin or Broncholitin;
- for an allergic cough, suggest taking Fenkarol, Tavegil or Suprastin;
- among antispasmodics - take No-Shpa or Papaverine.
If suffocation is caused by swallowing a foreign object, you must call an ambulance. Attempting to independently rid the patient of a fish bone or small objects stuck in the throat will only worsen the condition.
Treatment methods
Relief from cough attacks is possible only after clarifying the cause of their occurrence. The doctor decides how to treat a cough. At the same time, treatment in an adult patient and a small child differs significantly in the dosage of drugs, frequency and duration of the course.
Medication
A suffocating dry cough involves the use of the following groups of medications depending on the cause that caused it:
- antibiotics with a wide spectrum of effects - Macropen, Augmentin, Azithromycin;
- antiviral drugs - Arbidol, Cycloferon, Tamiflu;
- mucolytics – Ambrobene, Ambroxol, Mucopront;
- antitussives - Novartis, Sinekod;
- from bronchodilators - Eufillin, Ipradol, Berodual;
- from antihistamines - Suprastin, Tavegil, Diphenhydramine;
- from glucocorticosteroid drugs - Dexamethasone, Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone.
If it is necessary to quickly stop a cough attack, methods such as oxygen therapy, tracheal intubation, and intravenous administration of special solutions that correct metabolic disorders are used.
Traditional medicine
Warm milk
As a complement to the main therapeutic methods of treatment, you can resort to the use of traditional recipes. Effective in treating cough attacks:
- Decoctions or infusions from the leaves of plantain, coltsfoot, thyme, chamomile or St. John's wort. Beneficial effects are observed when these medicinal plants are used individually or in any combination.
- Beetroot juice with honey. Easy to prepare. Grate the beets, mix with honey in a ratio of 1: 1. Take the released juice one teaspoon at a time. as cough occurs.
- Warm milk (200 ml) with the addition of a teaspoon of honey, 3 g of butter and a pinch of baking soda.
Treatment with home recipes should be agreed with your doctor. Their use can veil negative manifestations, thereby provoking a hidden course of the underlying disease.
Possible complications
The lack of adequate measures to eliminate attacks of suffocating cough becomes a prerequisite for the likelihood of:
- transition of a cold cough to pneumonia;
- transformation of acute bronchitis into a chronic form;
- spontaneous miscarriage when carrying a child due to excessive muscle tension in the abdominal area.
The most serious complication is asphyxia and, as a consequence, the death of the patient. It is possible to prevent such sad consequences of a suffocating cough if you follow all the doctor’s recommendations.
Prevention measures
There are no special preventive measures. However, following advice on the need to lead a healthy lifestyle ensures the prevention of diseases that cause a dry, suffocating cough in adults and children. These include the usual rules, which include:
- proper nutrition;
- daily walks;
- regular ventilation of premises;
- carrying out wet cleaning;
- physical activity and breathing exercises;
- eating foods rich in vitamins.
Simple actions will minimize the likelihood of colds and infectious respiratory diseases. But even a slight cough should be a signal to visit a doctor. This will be the key to a quick and successful recovery.
Source: https://zdorovie-legkie.ru/suhoj-udushayushhij-kashel-01/
Choking cough in an adult at night without fever
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.
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.
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.
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.
Causes and treatment of dry night cough in adults
The causes of nighttime dry cough in adults are varied. Firstly, these symptoms are always an external manifestation of internal problems.
Being in a horizontal state, the body has difficulty removing the phlegm accumulated during the day. Why does a person suddenly have a large amount of mucus? This is a basic question that requires a correct answer.
External conditions can provoke breathing difficulties:
- Air pollution: smoke, chemical particles with a strong odor (frequent use of air freshener, incense sticks).
- Excessive dust on furniture surfaces.
- Inappropriate room temperature: too cold or too hot.
If the above factors are present, the “errors” should be corrected. There is a high probability that the cough problem will disappear. If, after decisive action, the unpleasant syndrome remains, other measures are necessary.
A dry cough differs from a wet cough not only in external signs, but also in etymology. Painful attacks of sore throat, sore throat, constant desire to cough, lack of sputum production are typical characteristics of a dry cough.
The “wet” stage is distinguished by a significant amount of mucus, which accumulates in the middle and lower respiratory organs: trachea, bronchi and lungs. It is a consequence of the development of the disease, ignoring the cause of a dry cough.
Source: https://onsmeta.ru/udushayushchiy-kashel-vzroslogo-nochyu-temperatury/
Choking cough - causes and treatment of choking cough
In fact, a suffocating cough in an adult is an extremely dangerous symptom, the origin of which should be clarified before starting treatment. Believe me, you shouldn’t engage in self-diagnosis, much less prescribe therapy. It’s better to go to a therapist as soon as possible, who will give you a referral for all the necessary tests and x-rays.
After all, there can be a huge number of reasons for a cough: a long history of smoking, allergies, the consequences of a lingering cold or infection with a virus. Remember: the first thing you should do is understand the nature of the provoking factors, and only then the treatment tactics.
What is the cause of the disease
If you believe doctors, there may be many potential prerequisites for the development of such an unpleasant symptom. For example, the presence of a cough may indicate the following diseases:
- bronchitis or bronchial asthma;
- heart failure;
- pneumonia;
- common cold;
- oncological tumors;
- tuberculosis;
- whooping cough;
- allergy;
- laryngitis;
- tracheitis.
A severe cough is caused by pathologies such as tuberculosis, whooping cough, asthma, cancer, disorders of the cardiovascular system, stomach problems, etc. It may be an allergic reaction or a consequence of taking certain medications. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate if your cough is suffocating, but you should definitely consult a doctor.
Cough with suffocation in adults and children is both acute and chronic. It may seem that in the first case we are talking only about influenza or ARVI, but this is not so.
A choking cough may be a symptom of the following diseases:
- Bronchitis. Most often it is a complication of ARVI. The cough with it can be described as low, chesty, often with suffocation and copious sputum production. It gets worse at night, especially if a person sleeps on their back. The temperature rises sharply to 39°C. Bronchitis can also be obstructive, accompanied by difficulty breathing. Wheezing and paroxysmal cough occur.
- Bronchial asthma. The disease occurs in children and adults. Most often there is asthma with dullness of suffocation. But sometimes a form develops in which there are practically no attacks, but there is a cough. Wheezing appears. Asthma often strikes at night, although attacks can occur during the day.
- Heart failure. It is characterized by shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat. Cough occurs due to lack of oxygen. This is also indicated by the blueness of the nasolabial triangle.
- Tuberculosis.
- Pneumonia. A severe cough does not always develop. Chest pain is much more common, and breathing becomes difficult. But it also happens that there is a strong cough, and during its attacks the pain intensifies. A characteristic symptom is sputum. Its nature depends on the type of disease. For example, with lobar pneumonia, the discharge resembles rust in color; with streptococcal pneumonia, it is classic purulent greenish sputum.
- Pleurisy. It also causes pain in the chest, only it is stabbing in nature. The cough is dry in adults and children, and this is how pleurisy differs from pneumonia.
- Laryngitis, pharyngitis or tracheitis. With illnesses, there is a feeling that there is a suffocation in the throat, that there is some kind of lump there. This is especially true for pharyngitis, which causes either severe sore throat or sore throat. The cough is dry, the voice becomes hoarse.
- Whooping cough. It is considered a childhood disease, but adults can also suffer from it, and it will be more severe. The most common symptom is a dry cough in a child. This produces a characteristic sound reminiscent of the crow of a rooster.
- Flu and ARVI. In such cases, a dry cough first occurs, which eventually turns into a wet one. If clear sputum appears, this indicates the presence of a virus. If it is cloudy and has a greenish tint, this is evidence of a secondary bacterial infection. Other symptoms are a runny nose, signs of general intoxication (weakness, joint pain, malaise), high fever.
- Allergic reaction (most often it affects children). The patient often coughs at night (this is a common symptom in children and adults), since in this case the allergens are down and feathers that fill the bedding.
In addition, a cough can be a sign of cancer. In many cases, it appears in smokers suffering from chronic lung disease.
If the cause lies in stomach problems, then additional symptoms arise - heartburn, dyspepsia, pain in the epigastric region.
There is also an idiopathic cough, the causes of which cannot be determined even after examination. Most often it occurs in women during menopause, and the impetus for its development is a history of acute respiratory viral infection. This is a dry, suffocating cough that cannot be completely cured, but can be suppressed with medication.
Most often, a suffocating cough occurs at night, but attacks are not uncommon during the day. The reasons may lie in the following:
- Chronic bronchitis provokes attacks of a cough that begins when inhaling. A particularly choking cough occurs during physical activity, for example in children who like to run and frolic. The cough becomes prolonged and causes pain.
- During asthma attacks. When inhaling, a characteristic whistle is heard. Asthmatic cough bothers a person most often at night.
- If a cough with suffocation begins in the morning, then most likely it is associated with smoking. This cough is dry, accompanied at first by short attacks of suffocation, which increase over time.
- A dry cough may be associated with heart failure. It occurs predominantly in a supine position. The attack can last several minutes, sometimes up to half an hour. Cough with heart failure bothers the patient at night.
- The cough may be associated with oncology; in such patients it is silent or without a loud sound. In this case, the person feels pain in the lungs. A suffocating cough often occurs at night.
- If a foreign body enters the respiratory tract, a suffocating cough may begin. In this case, timely medical assistance is very important, as the person begins to quickly suffocate. First aid is as follows: you need to tilt the person forward and slap him hard on the back, perhaps the foreign body will be pushed out.
- A suffocating cough is possible with allergies, in which case it will be accompanied by watery eyes, sneezing and a runny nose.
But symptoms can indicate various causes, so only a doctor can understand them. This is especially important with young children. Since a suffocating cough is dangerous for this age, and the smaller the child, the more the situation threatens his life.
A choking cough is a dangerous phenomenon that can be a sign of serious complications. To begin treatment, it is necessary to undergo an examination to determine the cause of the disease.
Symptoms
Regardless of the factor, symptoms of suffocation are accompanied by:
- spastic (spasmodic) attacks, when you can only exhale and have difficulty inhaling;
- a small amount of sputum or its complete absence - aggravates a dry cough and severely irritates the throat;
- a feeling of tightness in the chest;
- pale skin;
- shortness of breath, which develops into lack of air;
- wet cough with poor sputum discharge;
- panic attacks of suffocation associated with the inability to breathe.
Causes
The symptoms of various diseases may be similar, and before starting treatment you need to know the exact diagnosis, which is made by the doctor after a full examination.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_d3YL5ePvY
Pathologies that are most often accompanied by cough symptoms:
- Bronchial asthma is characterized by whistling, which can be heard even at a distance. During asthma, a person has a desire to take a sitting position (this makes it easier to breathe), resting his hands on a table or the edge of the bed. Choking occurs more often in the evening.
- Whooping cough is a manifestation of a dry, suffocating cough, sometimes lasting for several hours, and can provoke a gag reflex. Dangerous for children who have not been vaccinated against this disease.
- Nasal drip syndrome (draining of mucus from the nose along the wall of the larynx into the trachea and bronchi) - occurs against the background of a chronic runny nose or sinusitis, accompanied by high fever, body aches, and regular expectoration of sputum. The disease is complicated if the patient prefers to sleep lying on his back.
- Heart failure—difficulty coughing, wheezing, normal temperature. There may be shortness of breath, which gets worse when you try to lie down. Often bothers me at night. It seems that the patient does not have enough air, and dizziness may occur.
- Allergic reactions - a dry, suffocating cough occurs when new drugs are prescribed, as well as due to irritation of the bronchioles, when the allergen enters through the respiratory tract and affects not only the nasopharynx, but also the lungs (dangerous because it can lead to edema).
Bronchial asthma
- Foreign bodies entering the respiratory tract. For example, when a child swallows a small object, it blocks the airways and as a result, a spasm of the larynx occurs. After the cough stops, suffocation may occur - you must urgently call an ambulance.
- Pneumonia - paroxysmal cough, fever, severe chills, chest pain when taking a deep breath.
- Chronic bronchitis - coughing begins when inhaling, exacerbation occurs during physical exertion, especially in children.
- Smoker's bronchitis - sore throat, difficulty speaking, short attacks of choking, turning into a prolonged cough, mainly occurs in the morning (appears after more than one year of smoking).
- Tuberculosis - a suffocating cough, a period of rising temperature is possible, which persists constantly (symptoms can last more than three weeks).
When coughing attacks bother you all day long, this also indicates an acute infectious process: laryngitis, bronchitis or tracheitis.
You need to carefully monitor if signs of the disease appear in pregnant women - when coughing, the abdominal muscles tense, which can lead to spontaneous miscarriage. Taking any medications at this stage is undesirable, due to the risk of developing pathologies in the child. You also need to monitor infants, as a severe cough can quickly develop into pneumonia.
If a person begins to choke, call an ambulance immediately.
Diagnostics
Only a doctor can conduct an examination and make a clinical diagnosis.
X-rays of light
- taking tests;
- X-rays of light;
- detailed anamnesis (medical biography of the patient);
- clinical picture.
Therapy
After making a diagnosis, to eliminate the cause of the symptom, the doctor prescribes complex therapy. As an addition to basic drug treatment, the following recommendations will help cure cough:
- air humidification, inhalation, gargling;
- it is necessary to remove irritants (tobacco smoke, pollen, animal hair);
- ventilate rooms more often (especially in case of infectious diseases);
- drink plenty of fluids (preferably warm, not hot, as this can provoke a cough reflex);
- distraction therapy (mustard plasters or hot foot baths, excluded in the presence of high temperature).
Taking medications
Dry suffocating cough: what to do, treatment and causes of attacks
Cough is a muscle reflex contraction of the chest in response to an irritant. During the coughing process, the respiratory mucosa is cleansed of microorganisms, dust and mucus.
When a person suffers from a dry cough for a long time, it can become a symptom of a serious illness. This cough is called non-productive, i.e. When coughing, there is no sputum production.
The reasons for this condition may be:
- inflammation in the bronchi and trachea;
- pneumonia;
- bronchial asthma;
- inflammation of the larynx;
- tumors of the respiratory system;
- whooping cough;
- pleurisy
If it is not too intrusive, with short coughs, then it is called pharyngeal. In this case, the mucous membrane of the pharynx dries out or mucus accumulates at the entrance to the larynx.
Whooping cough is characterized by multiple coughing shocks, which are accompanied by a deep breath with a whistling sound.
Source: https://motiv-tarif.ru/kashel-udushem-vzroslykh-prichiny/
Why is a suffocating cough dangerous in an adult? Help for choking and choking coughs
A suffocating cough is a very dangerous symptom; you need to undergo an examination and identify the cause.
A suffocating cough in an adult is a rather dangerous phenomenon, which can be one of the symptoms of a number of serious diseases. Strengthening of such a reflex often indicates the progression of the disease to a more serious stage of development.
It is impossible to ignore a suffocating cough, attributing everything to adulthood and a strong body. The only correct decision when this symptom appears is to diagnose the cause of its appearance and organize treatment for the disease.
There are many reasons for the appearance of such a serious reflex reaction, however, the main ones can be identified:
- smoking-induced chronic bronchitis
- asthma
- mild ENT ailments (sore throat, flu, colds, etc.)
- the appearance of heart failure or a malignant tumor in the respiratory tract
- tuberculosis
- whooping cough
- pneumonia
- allergic reaction
- work-related illnesses
- entry of a foreign body into the respiratory tract
Most pathologies that cause a suffocating cough in an adult are not so dangerous, but when they appear, it is worth considering the potential for their development and the appearance of complications that will be dangerous to human life.
That is why it is important to begin treating this symptom immediately.
In addition to illnesses, a suffocating cough very often appears due to foreign particles entering the respiratory tract. In such situations, as a rule, the symptom is spastic in nature and does not require treatment. To get rid of a cough, it is enough to clear the airways of foreign bodies by all possible means (coughing, gargling, etc.).
It is worth noting that sometimes self-diagnosis does not give results. In this case, it is advisable to consult a doctor who will make the correct diagnosis and determine the correct course of treatment.
Danger signs and complications
- As noted earlier, a suffocating cough is very often a symptom of a developing disease, so it is extremely important to monitor the limits at which self-medication is dangerous to health and the need to visit a clinic becomes inevitable.
- To determine the degree of danger of a particular case, it is necessary to carefully analyze the etiological picture of the course of the disease.
- More precisely, it is necessary to identify whether the patient has some dangerous signs, for example:
- heat
- severe condition: increased drowsiness, fatigue, weakness, etc.
- pain in the sternum or back, with the next attack
- dizziness and migraine
- too frequent activation of the reflex (every 5-10 minutes)
- cough causes severe shortness of breath
- pain in the heart and gastrointestinal tract
All of the above symptoms indicate the presence of really serious diseases and an increase in the severity of their course.
If they appear, a visit to the hospital cannot be postponed, as they can be caused by such dangerous ailments as:
- severe pneumonia
- abscesses
- the appearance of a tumor in the respiratory tract that can cause asphyxia
- cancer development
Only professional doctors can help in such situations, because when it comes to such pathologies, it is worth considering their danger not only for the patient’s condition, but also for his life. It happens that in the absence of timely treatment, a serious complication can cause a person to suffocate.
Drug treatment
It is necessary to take any medication strictly according to the instructions or prescription of a doctor.
Mild forms of the disease, accompanied by a suffocating cough, may well be amenable to treatment at home. The basis of any treatment is taking medications.
However, before starting therapy, it is important to follow its basic principles:
- Clearly determine the cause of the suffocating cough, that is, identify the disease that struck the patient.
- Provide the sick person with a comfortable environment: normal humidity, acceptable temperature, frequent ventilation of the room, and so on.
- Reduce the patient's exposure to various irritants to zero: dust, allergens, tobacco smoke, etc.
- Organize therapy aimed at combating the disease in a person. It is advisable to first consult with a specialist or at least talk with a pharmacist from the pharmacy when purchasing medications.
- During treatment, it is worth isolating the patient from stress and physical activity. If your condition worsens, contact the hospital immediately.
As for specific medications, the situation here is quite complicated. The prescription of certain medications is carried out depending on the cause of the suffocating cough.
- More information about pneumonia can be found in the video:
- Read also: Milk with honey and butter is the best folk remedy for cough
- The list of drugs most often used in the treatment of such ailments is presented below:
- mild antibacterial, complete antibacterial and antiviral agents can be taken to fight the infection that caused the disease
- antitussive, expectorant and mucolytic medications are aimed at combating cough; their choice is based on the nature of the cough (dry or wet, paroxysmal or persistent, etc.)
- for sore throat, you can take special tablets, lozenges and lozenges that can alleviate the unpleasant symptom
- antihistamines will help relieve swelling of the respiratory organs and severe inflammation of the mucous membranes, most relevant for allergies
- A runny nose can be relieved with nasal drops
- if desired, you can resort to homeopathic remedies of a narrow focus
It is worth understanding that improperly organized therapy and taking certain medications can only make things worse for the patient. Therefore, if you are not confident enough in your abilities, it is better to go to the clinic.
Choking cough, what to do?
Often a suffocating cough goes away after the cause of its occurrence is eliminated.
During attacks of suffocation when coughing, you can put your hands in hot water, while the bronchi reflexively expand, and it becomes easier to breathe.
Self-medication is excluded. As a last resort, take antitussive drugs, do inhalations with herbs and specialized drugs.
The appearance of a dry suffocating cough can be associated with a number of diseases.
Muscoviscidosis, in this case a suffocating dry cough, alternates with expectoration of sputum.
In bronchial asthma, a dry, suffocating cough ends in shortness of breath. Sticky sputum may be discharged and chest pain may occur.
The presence of a foreign body in the larynx also causes suffocation and a dry, persistent cough.
Oncological diseases lead to a dry, tearing cough.
Choking cough in a child
The cause of a suffocating cough in a child is often an allergy, especially if there are problems with the lungs or obstructions. Any viral diseases can also be accompanied by choking when coughing. The most common of these are whooping cough and tuberculosis. Treatment is always carried out only by a doctor, since the presence of such a problem in itself indicates exacerbations and complications.
Choking cough in an adult
Most of the adult population smokes actively or passively. And it is this bad habit that often leads to diseases with a suffocating cough. An adult body is more resistant to allergies and is vaccinated against whooping cough and tuberculosis, so cough is rarely associated with these diseases.
Choking cough in adults is most often associated with asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, smoking and occupational diseases.
Choking cough at night
A nocturnal suffocating cough most often manifests itself in bronchial asthma. In 10% of asthma cases, the only symptom of the disease is a severe cough with shortness of breath. During asthma attacks, the lumen of the bronchi narrows, and breathing becomes difficult when exhaling, which leads to coughing, wheezing, and suffocation.
- Also, with whooping cough, emphysema and other pulmonary diseases, a suffocating cough occurs at night.
- In some cases, the cause of such a cough is too dry, dusty air in the room, or a long history of smoking.
- A healthy lifestyle and monitoring your health will ensure the prevention of any cough and most types of diseases.
A suffocating cough is an acute reaction of the body to various external irritants. Attacks of suffocation can occur suddenly and stop unexpectedly. However, in some cases they are not an adequate response of the body to an allergen or irritant, but a sign of a dangerous disease.
Symptoms
A suffocating cough in an adult often manifests itself with the development of pathologies of varying severity. In this case, the clinical picture will be full of additional signs that, during diagnosis, will help the doctor accurately determine the disease:
- in heavy smokers, the symptom manifests itself in a dry form without sputum;
- in the morning, a coughing attack can develop along with suffocation and indicate a chronic manifestation of bronchitis;
- Signs of laryngitis include a cough with little sputum, a hoarse voice and fever;
- bronchial asthma manifests itself in severe paroxysmal cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, small sticky discharge;
- Night coughing attacks affect those people who have developed heart failure, tuberculosis, cancer, emphysema, whooping cough;
- A persistent cough throughout the day occurs in people suffering from acute infectious inflammation in the respiratory tract, acute tracheitis, laryngitis and bronchitis.
What to do at home to get rid of a choking cough
What remedies can you take and what can you do at home to get rid of coughing attacks? A medicine made from plantain leaves, which you can prepare yourself, has an active effect on this cold manifestation:
- Grind fresh plantain leaves (you should get about 100 grams of gruel).
- Boil water (1 l), pour in the vegetable raw materials.
- Close the container tightly and wrap it up - this will allow you to get a richer decoction.
- Filter after an hour.
It is not recommended to add any additional ingredients (sugar, honey) - this may affect the effectiveness of the composition. Take the product throughout the day every two hours. Take about 30 ml of liquid at a time. You can alternate taking plantain decoction with other herbal formulations.
If your cough is suffocating at night, what should you do if attacks begin suddenly? Be sure to keep plantain remedy on hand - just drink a small amount of liquid so that the most suffocating cough loses its intensity.
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Relieving a cough attack
Of course, in the case when a severe coughing attack makes breathing difficult, first of all it is necessary to stop it. Moreover, this must be done in any of the available ways:
- taking antihistamines helps not only in case of allergic cough, but also in case of any choking;
- plenty of warm drinks, preferably herbal tea or milk with honey, but clean water is also suitable, which must be given carefully so that the patient does not choke;
- pharmaceutical cough syrup or just a spoonful of honey, placed under the tongue or dissolved in a small amount of warm water;
- antitussive tablets that suppress cough reflexes.
If the patient is in a supine position, it is imperative to elevate his upper body. It is necessary to provide the patient with a flow of fresh air: open a window or vent, take him outside. If clothing tightens the neck or chest area, unfasten or loosen it.
Under no circumstances should you panic. If the attack of suffocating cough intensifies, the patient begins to choke, you notice blue lips and severe pallor of the skin - call an ambulance. Sometimes swelling occurs so severe that minutes count, and only a doctor can provide qualified assistance.
How to treat (stop) cough in adults
Every person has encountered such a common symptom as cough. This reflex act is very multifaceted, and it is quite difficult to treat it correctly.
In some cases, an experienced physician can make an accurate diagnosis during the first visit to a patient, only based on an examination of the person and his story about the onset and course of the disease.
However, not all ailments are so easily identified.
Pneumonia is a particular difficulty in diagnosing and treating cough in adults. The thing is that pneumonia can be caused by a large number of different pathogens.
Therefore, to establish an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to carry out a complete biochemical examination of sputum, in addition, you need to do a sputum analysis and x-ray.
The danger of making an inaccurate diagnosis is that if an antibiotic of the wrong group is prescribed, inflammation of the pleura may begin or the disease may become chronic.
Determining the nature of cough in an adult
The first thing that needs to be determined is whether the reflex act is caused by colds, bronchitis, laryngitis, pneumonia, or whether it has a completely different origin. The following symptoms are typical for ailments caused by viruses and bacteria:
- Redness of the throat.
- Wheezing in the bronchi or lungs, which are clearly audible when listening with a phonendoscope.
- Significant increase in temperature. It should be noted that in some cases with a viral infection the opposite process is observed. The temperature drops below 36 degrees.
- Increased sweating.
- An adult coughs throughout the day and night, and not just after sleep in the morning or when the body is in a horizontal position.
- In the first days of the disease, a dry, hoarse or barking cough may be observed, which, as a rule, becomes productive on the third day after treatment. The sputum is greenish or yellowish in color. Its consistency has a medium viscosity.
How to stop an adult's cough
The choice of medications that can relieve cough in an adult directly depends on the nature of its occurrence. When it comes to a bacterial infection, the prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics is a necessity that should never be avoided.
If the disease is viral in nature, medications such as interferon, amizon, etc. are taken. Antibiotics are prescribed only in cases where the disease becomes severe and complications appear, such as pneumonia or obstructive bronchitis.
To cure a reflex act, you will need not only tablets, but also special procedures.
How to calm a cough in adults
The following activities will help adults with cough:
- Paraffin applications.
- Mustard plasters.
- Inhalations. To calm an adult's cough, you can use special nebulizers.
However, these procedures should be used in combination with drug therapy, as well as folk remedies.
How to treat wet cough in adults
To treat wet cough in adults, you can use drugs that help reduce the viscosity of sputum. At the same time, it will increase in volume, but it will come off much easier. For adults, drinking plenty of warm drinks helps relieve coughs. It will help remove mucus from the respiratory system, in addition, the coughing process will be much easier.
Mucoregulating drugs such as bromhexine and ambroxol can restore the viscosity of mucus. This will ensure its rapid removal. Mucolytic agents normalize secretion. They are prescribed by doctors if there is pathology of the bronchi or lungs.
Dry cough in an adult
Cough is a muscle reflex contraction of the chest in response to an irritant. During the coughing process, the respiratory mucosa is cleansed of microorganisms, dust and mucus.
When a person suffers from a dry cough for a long time, it can become a symptom of a serious illness. This cough is called non-productive, i.e. When coughing, there is no sputum production.
Causes of dry cough in adults
The reasons for this condition may be:
- inflammation in the bronchi and trachea;
- pneumonia;
- bronchial asthma;
- inflammation of the larynx;
- tumors of the respiratory system;
- whooping cough;
- pleurisy
Types of cough in adults
If you listen to a cough, you can hear its different shades and varieties. There are several types:
If it is not too intrusive, with short coughs, then it is called pharyngeal. In this case, the mucous membrane of the pharynx dries out or mucus accumulates at the entrance to the larynx.
Whooping cough is characterized by multiple coughing shocks, which are accompanied by a deep breath with a whistling sound.
Source: https://GolovaNeBoli.ru/prostuda/udushayushhij-kashel-u-vzroslogo-prichiny-opasnye-priznaki-i-lechenie-2.html