Dry cough in an adult: what can cause it and how to treat it

A nonproductive, or dry, cough is a cough without mucus production. It is preceded by strong tension in the respiratory muscles. If the cough is dry and does not clear the throat in an adult, it is necessary to find out the cause of this condition.

Superficial coughing in 8 out of 10 cases is associated with inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, and coughing attacks indicate pneumonia and tracheitis. The symptom is not always caused by respiratory diseases.

A nonproductive cough is a periodic or constant cough that is not accompanied by mucus. Occurs due to irritation and inflammation:

• upper respiratory tract - nasal and oral cavities, nasopharynx and oropharynx;
• lower respiratory tract - larynx, lungs, bronchi, trachea.

20% of patients have diseases not related to the respiratory system. Therefore, the causes and treatment of dry cough are determined by an otolaryngologist.

Depending on the accompanying symptoms, the following are prescribed:

• physical and instrumental examination of ENT organs;
• allergy tests;
• bronchoscopy;
• Ultrasound of the thyroid gland;
• ECG;
• fluorography;
• tuberculosis tests, etc.

If an obsessive cough does not go away within 5-7 days, be sure to consult an ENT doctor.

ENT infections

A severe cough without sputum production is caused by irritation of the cough receptors, which are located in the ciliated epithelium. In most cases, it is caused by infectious respiratory diseases:

• Influenza is a viral infection of the upper respiratory system, complicated by inflammation of the trachea. At the initial stage, a non-productive barking cough is tormented, which is accompanied by rawness and pain in the throat.
• Parainfluenza (parainfluenza) is a viral disease primarily affecting the larynx, which is caused by a pathogen from the paramyxovirus family. Lasts no more than 7 days, more often detected in preschool children.
• Pharyngitis is a viral or bacterial inflammation of the back wall of the pharynx. It manifests itself as an unproductive cough, dryness and burning in the laryngopharynx, pain when swallowing saliva.
• Laryngitis is a disease predominantly of viral origin, in which the laryngeal mucosa becomes inflamed. Without proper treatment, the deep parts of the respiratory system suffer. It manifests itself as a barking cough, fever and scratching in the throat.
• Tracheitis is an infectious lesion of the tracheal mucosa, manifested by coughing attacks. At the initial stage, sputum is not separated, but after 2-3 days the cough becomes productive.
• Bronchitis is an acute or indolent inflammation of the bronchi, which is most often provoked by a bacterial infection. It is characterized by the accumulation of difficult-to-clear sputum in the lungs, which is why the cough is accompanied by wheezing.
• Tonsillitis is a bacterial, fungal or viral infection of the tonsils. It manifests itself as sharp pain when swallowing, coughing attacks, and enlarged regional lymph nodes.
• Pneumonia is an acute respiratory disease characterized by inflammation of the lungs. At the initial stage, sputum is not coughed up, but after a few days the cough becomes wet.
• Whooping cough is an inflammation of the respiratory tract caused by the whooping cough bacillus. It manifests itself as a suffocating cough, which intensifies in the evening.
• Pulmonary tuberculosis (consumption) is a lesion of the lung tissue by the mycobacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, accompanied by the formation of granulomas. At the initial stage, mucus does not come out when coughing. Over time, sputum streaked with blood appears.

Unproductive cough is also provoked by combined ENT diseases - nasopharyngitis, tracheobronchitis, laryngotracheitis.

Other reasons

A persistent cough is not always associated with an infection of the ENT organs. Often the cause of the symptom is:

• diseases of the esophagus - hernia of the middle part of the esophagus, gastric reflux;
• damage to the pleura - benign and malignant tumors, pneumothorax;
• heart pathologies – pericarditis, congestive cardiomyopathy, post-infarction syndrome, pericardial cysts;
• thyroid neoplasms – nodular goiter, adenoma, cancer, diffuse toxic goiter;
• non-infectious diseases of the ENT organs - Williams-Campbell syndrome, tracheal stenosis, bronchial foreign body, pneumosclerosis, pulmonary cystic fibrosis;
• allergic diseases - asthmatic bronchitis, allergic alveolitis, bronchial asthma, schistosomatid dermatitis.

Dry obsessive cough is provoked by:

• parasites in the intestines;
• work in production (silicosis, berylliosis);
• smoking;
• dry indoor air;
• pharynx neurosis.

Morning nonproductive cough occurs in people who abuse certain medications:

• antiarrhythmic;
• beta blockers;
• PPF inhibitors.

There are many causes of nonproductive cough, so before you stop the symptom, you need to find out its cause.

What to do if you want to clear your throat, but you can’t

Treatment tactics depend on the underlying disease, duration and intensity of cough. In case of infection of the ENT organs, measures are taken aimed at:

• dilution and removal of mucus from the respiratory tract;
• reducing inflammation of the mucous membranes;
• relief of associated symptoms.

In the case of a cold, the upper respiratory system is affected. Therefore, treatment is limited to inhalations, rinsing the nasal cavity, gargling, and rubbing the chest. For bacterial inflammation, antimicrobial therapy is used.

Tablets and syrups

To suppress the cough reflex, antitussive drugs are used - Terpinkod, Codelac, Butamirate, etc.

If phlegm does not clear up due to pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis or flu, take mucolytic drugs. They reduce the viscosity of sputum, so it is easier to separate from the walls of the mucous membrane, and the cough becomes moist.

Mucolytic drugs for dry cough

Name of medicine	Release form	Compound
Ambroxol	pills	ambroxol hydrochloride
Bromhexine	syrup and tablets	Bromhexine hydrochloride
Doctor Mom	syrup	extract of basil, licorice, turmeric, elecampane, terminalia, ginger
Acetylcysteine	pills	acetylcysteine
Mukaltin	pills	mucaltin
Dr. Theiss with ivy extract	syrup	ivy extract, ethanol
Lazolvan	pills	ambroxol hydrochloride
Gerbion	syrup	plantain extract
Ascoril	pills	guaifenesin, bromhexine, salbutamol

When the cough becomes productive, they switch to expectorant medications based on thermopsis, marshmallow, licorice, and essential oils:

• Broncathar;
• Sinupret;
• Dr. Theiss with plantain;
• Pertussin;
• overslept;
• Tussin;
• Vero-bromhexine;
• Bronchipret;
• Mukodin.

When treating with mucolytics, you should not take antitussives - Libexin, Sinekod, Glauvent, etc. They suppress the cough reflex, causing mucus to settle in the bronchi. Due to the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in it, the risk of pneumonia increases.

Drugs for dry cough are divided into three groups - secretolytic (mucolytics), secretomotor (expectorant) and antitussive. The first reduce the viscosity of mucus, the second stimulate its excretion, and the third suppress the cough reflex.

Inhalations

If the cough does not clear the throat, inhalations are effective. For carrying out the following are used:

• steam inhalers;
• nebulizers (ultrasonic or compression).

Otolaryngologists advise using nebulizers, as they convert solution drugs into steam at room temperature, so there is no risk of burning the mucous membrane. Unlike steam inhalers, they can be used for fever and high temperature.

In cases where sputum is not expectorated, mucolytic and expectorant agents are used for inhalation:

• Ambrohexal;
• Fluimucil;
• Sinupret;
• Mukaltin.

Depending on the frequency of cough attacks, inhalations are done up to 3-4 times a day for 5-7 days.

For colds, alkaline mineral waters - Borjomi, Narzan - are used to thin mucus. To relieve swelling and inflammation, the following are suitable:

• Rotokan;
• Chlorhexidine;
• Miramistin;
• Dekasan;
• Chlorophyllipt;
• Sodium chloride (isotonic solution).

It is undesirable to pour oily solutions and suspensions into nebulizers, which is associated with the risk of filter clogging and compressor failure.

Rubs and compresses

In the case of complex treatment of ENT diseases, the recovery period is reduced by 2 times. For a dry cough, it is recommended to use warming rubs with camphor, menthol, fir oil, mustard:

• Eucabal balm;
• Roztiran;
• Doctor Mom;
• Vicks Active.

To stimulate blood circulation and increase the tone of the respiratory muscles, rub not only the chest, but also the back. Perform the procedure in the morning and evening.

If mucus does not cough up, place hot compresses on the back using:

• Dimexide;
• goose fat;
• warm cottage cheese;
• boiled potatoes;
• mustard;
• honey and eucalyptus oil.

Warming with compresses is allowed only for viral (in no case bacterial) ENT diseases that are not accompanied by fever.

Decoctions of medicinal herbs

To thin sputum, reduce inflammation of the mucous membranes and strengthen local immunity, you need to drink decoctions of medicinal plants. For non-productive cough, herbs with different medicinal properties are recommended:

• analgesics - calamus, pine buds, St. John's wort, cumin;
• soothing – chamomile, sage, valerian, fireweed;
• mucolytic – elecampane root, peppermint, black elderberry, licorice root, plantain leaves;
• secretomotor - viburnum leaves, St. John's wort, fennel fruits, cinquefoil;
• immunostimulating – Rhodiola rosea, ginseng, ginger root, rose hips.

Features of preparing the decoction:

• 5 tbsp. l. raw materials are poured into a thermos;
• steam 2 liters of water;
• insist for 3-5 hours;
• strain through a fine sieve.

To eliminate an unproductive cough, take the decoction warm, 150 ml up to 4-5 times a day. To soften the throat, add 1-2 tsp. melted honey. The course of treatment takes from 7 to 14 days.

Air humidification

To reduce the severity of signs of acute respiratory infections, the air humidity in the room should be maintained at 60-70%. For this use:

• ultrasonic and steam humidifiers;
• hanging wet towels and sheets;
• water containers on heating radiators.

With increased air humidity, the liquefaction of mucus in the lungs accelerates, as a result of which the cough becomes productive.

To prevent complications, avoid drafts; in the first days after illness, maintain bed or semi-bed rest.

Other techniques

Before coughing, it is necessary to determine the cause of the symptoms. If the activation of cough receptors is caused by respiratory diseases, then it is recommended:

• do cupping massage;
• rinse the nasal cavity with salted water;
• maintain bed rest;
• do foot baths;
• gargle with Chlorophyllipt, saline solution with iodine;
• drink more alkaline drinks (warm milk, soda).

If the sputum does not begin to cough up, contact an ENT doctor. A prolonged non-productive cough is one of the signs of diseases not related to the respiratory system.

When is it necessary to see a doctor?

A dry, obsessive cough often becomes a manifestation of serious illnesses. You should consult a doctor if it is accompanied by:

• high temperature;
• chest pain;
• shortness of breath;
• swelling of the limbs and face;
• muscle weakness;
• loss of body weight.

If a coughing attack is accompanied by pain that literally tears your throat, do not put off visiting a doctor.

A nonproductive cough is a nonspecific symptom that accompanies diseases of the ENT organs, heart, gastrointestinal tract, and thyroid gland. Untimely identification and elimination of the causes is fraught with complications - hemoptysis, suffocation. To avoid trouble, contact an ENT doctor.

Source: https://tden.ru/health/kashel-suhoy-ne-otkashlivetsya-u-vzroslogo

Causes of dry cough in adults and methods of treatment

All materials on the site are published under the authorship or editorship of medical professionals, but are not a prescription for treatment. Contact the specialists!

An inflammatory process in the lower respiratory tract often causes a dry cough in an adult. All patients suffering from endless spasms want to know what helps in this case. A long attack disrupts night sleep and forces a person to be distracted from daytime activities.

If the cough does not go away for a long time, you need to visit a therapist. The specialist will diagnose and prescribe therapy. Treatment depends on the causes of bronchospasm. Dry spasms in an adult often occur due to bad habits or an allergic reaction. Therefore, it is important to study the symptoms in detail so that the therapy gives a positive result.

Causes of dry cough

Nonproductive spasms can occur in both men and women. Viruses and bacteria are not the only factors that can cause bronchospasm. If a dry cough does not go away for more than 14 days, then you need the help of an experienced doctor. At the appointment, the doctor will pay attention to the following points:

• spasm intensity;
• frequency of attacks;
• sore throat - happens or not;
• analysis of pain in the sternum or throat.

A severe dry cough in an adult brings a lot of discomfort. A timely visit to the clinic will relieve complications. You cannot prescribe treatment yourself, as tablets or sprays can aggravate the course of the disease. Therefore, it is important to establish the causes of bronchospasm, of which there are many.

Smoking

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a diagnosis often found in an adult patient who has been abusing tobacco products for a long time. Tobacco smoke contains more than 10,000 harmful components that regularly deposit on the mucous membranes of the respiratory system.

A person complains that a dry cough does not go away for a long time. Smokers also experience the following symptoms:

1. The body temperature does not increase - the patient notes that he does not feel the weakness characteristic of a viral or bacterial disease.
2. Bronchial spasm is accompanied by chest pain. Heavy breathing is felt during significant physical activity.
3. Morning attacks - in this case, a dry cough in an adult appears immediately after waking up or as soon as the first cigarette is smoked.
4. Sputum is rarely discharged and has the unpleasant appearance of a thick lump of mucus with an unpleasant odor.

In this case, there is only one effective treatment for dry cough - giving up the bad habit. Otherwise, you can provoke lung cancer. You can also drink decoctions of medicinal herbs and mucolytic drugs. Medicines are selected by the doctor.

Exposure to household chemicals

Volatile chemicals are highly irritating to the mucous surface of the respiratory system. If a dry cough does not go away for a long time in an adult working in a hazardous enterprise, then one conclusion arises - the patient needs to change his place of work. The treatment drug is selected individually. Most often these are healing medications.

Treatment of dry cough in an adult at home

An allergy to household chemicals can also be accompanied by severe bronchospasm. With such a cough, adults may experience tears and discomfort in the nose. Allergies can be acute and chronic. The attending physician takes this into account when prescribing therapy.

Tracheitis

During inflammation of the mucous surface of the trachea, a dry cough often appears in adults. All patients who hear the diagnosis are interested in what will help in this case. The attacks intensify if you take a strong breath or laugh. After the spasm, severe pain is felt in the sternum and throat. Because of this, a person tries to limit the force of inhalation.

Medications are prescribed taking into account the fact that the disease is caused by typical infections that provoke rhinitis and pharyngitis. Often the diagnosis is made to people who have started treatment for a cold or sore throat. With tracheitis, patients can be sent to a hospital for therapy.

Laryngitis

Inflammatory processes in the larynx can be accompanied by a very strong dry cough. A respiratory tract infection is always accompanied by pain when swallowing and fever. The causative agent can be viruses and bacteria. The doctor carefully studies the symptoms to prescribe effective therapy.

In this case, adults are prescribed a complex of medications for dry cough. Local and internal medications give a positive result after 10-14 days, it all depends on the severity of the disease.

Pneumonia

In this case, assistance is provided in a hospital setting. Pneumonia is a severe inflammation of the lungs that can be fatal. For adults, this disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

• chest pain;
• heat;
• the presence of blood veins and pus in poorly discharged clots.

If a dry cough does not clear the throat in an adult for more than 3-4 weeks, then you should immediately go to the doctor

Pneumonia ranks fourth among common causes of death. Today, 10% of patients who neglected their own health die from this disease. Antibiotics must be taken in this case.

Tuberculosis

Koch's bacillus is the main causative agent of the disease. The microorganism is activated due to a decrease in the body’s immune defense and poor ecology. In this case, the dry cough does not go away for more than a month. The patient complains of weakness, high temperature and droplets of blood during bronchospasm.

Another person suffers from night attacks and intense sweating. Every week the symptoms only get worse. Fluorography will immediately show the presence of a focus of inflammation. Therefore, all people over 18 years of age are forced to undergo this procedure every year.

Stress

A severe dry cough can be caused by typical stress. Excessive emotionality can lead to bronchospasms. If you do not pay attention to this condition, you may even experience attacks of suffocation.

Why does a headache start to hurt when you cough and how to deal with it

During treatment, patients drink herbal decoctions, which are sedative. When attacks intensify, you need to calm down and change activities. Timely rest or vacation in nature, away from the bustle of the city, will relieve stress.

Signs of a dry cough

What to do if a dry cough does not go away for a long period of time? You need to go to the clinic urgently. For the mucous membrane, daily attacks are considered real stress. Therefore, it is important to understand how to transform a dry cough into a wet one and alleviate the patient’s condition.

In order not to make a mistake with the diagnosis, you should understand what signs are characteristic of bronchospasm without sputum production:

1. Duration – it lasts more than 14 days. Chronic spasm lasts for more than a month. In this case, it is dangerous to delay visiting a specialist.
2. Intensity at a certain period of the day. Dry cramps at night in an adult take away strength and cause depression. Often the spasm intensifies in a certain position of the body. This sign is also taken into account during diagnosis. Coughing while lying down is a sign of severe inflammation or the presence of a tumor in the lungs.
3. Type of spasm - it can be “barking” or ringing.

Having thoroughly studied the symptoms, the doctor will accurately determine the diagnosis and prescribe effective therapy. The specialist will tell you how to quickly cure a dry cough in an adult and what contraindications certain medications have.

How to treat a dry cough in an adult

What medications should I take for a dry cough? The question is relevant for many, and a mistake can end in disaster. Therapists prefer to prescribe complex therapy, which consists of the following type of medications:

• antitussive medications;
• expectorant tablets and syrups;
• combination drugs;
• decoctions and homemade tinctures;
• use of a nebulizer and compresses.

An effective cough medicine is one that can transform a spasm into a productive one. The release of sputum is an indicator that the infection does not accumulate in the lower respiratory tract.

Antitussives for adults

Exhaustion of a sick person’s body is not the best indicator for effective therapy. If you can’t clear your throat, you need to use special medications. They are often present in the prescription of a patient who has whooping cough or laryngitis.

Drug treatment of dry cough

Here are the most effective remedies for dry cough of this type:

1. Paxeladine - duration of administration does not exceed five days. The therapy will be effective on the second day of treatment.
2. Glauvent - the drug is taken only after meals, 2 times a day, one capsule.
3. Sinekod - available in the form of tablets or syrup.

This remedy for dry bronchospasm in adults gives immediate results. But such medications should not be abused. The course of treatment for most pharmaceutical antitussive drugs does not exceed 4-5 days.

Why does allergic cough occur and how to treat it?

Expectorants

Why does a dry cough turn into a wet cough? This process in the body is not entirely clear to ordinary patients. Due to certain components in the medicine, the activity of the ciliated epithelium is enhanced, and the increased activity of the bronchioles creates wave-like effects. Due to this, mucus from the lower respiratory organs passes into the upper ones and is eliminated from the body.

Expectorants are prescribed when a night cough is tormented in adults. When lying down, the spasms intensify and interfere with rest. Often the doctor's prescription contains the following drugs:

1. Marshmallow root – ideal for treating dry cough in adults. The duration of therapy is 14 days. If no positive dynamics have occurred during this time, then another medication is selected.
2. Doctor MOM - pharmaceutical companies offer syrups and tablets.
3. Pectolvan phyto is effective due to its complex composition.
4. Stoptussin phyto - extracts of thyme and plantain are used as a basis.

Your doctor will tell you in detail how to treat a dry, severe cough in an adult with these medications. The dosage and frequency of administration are determined according to the instructions.

Combination drugs

How to make a cough moist is a pressing question during the cold season, when bacteria and viruses become active. Most doctors prefer to use combination drugs. Such tablets relieve bronchospasms and remove mucus accumulations. The drugs should not be taken for more than a week.

A cough that does not go away with a fever is a reason to call an ambulance. It is possible that pneumonia or tuberculosis is developing.

Treatment at home

An unbearable dry cough at night has its own causes, so treatment should be prescribed only after diagnosis. Some people prefer to self-prescribe pharmaceutical drugs. But it is difficult to say exactly how to properly treat cough in adults and children. This symptom can occur against the background of many diseases.

Home therapy is appropriate only in the initial stages of a cold. In this case, you need to drink a lot of liquids - decoctions and compotes. If the spasm does not become productive, then you need to go to the hospital.

Treatment of dry cough with folk remedies

How to cure severe bronchospasm in an adult patient using folk remedies? It is better not to ignore any such symptom without fever. Timely contact with a specialist will eliminate complications. For colds, bronchospasm, you can use the following folk recipes:

• chamomile solutions for gargling and herbal teas;
• milk with honey as a drink;
• inhalation using decoctions or saline;
• compresses made from honey, cottage cheese or potatoes.

If sputum does not clear up 2-3 days after using folk remedies, then you should go to the doctor. Some respiratory tract infections require hospitalization and treatment with antibiotics.

Source: https://sukhoikashel.ru/kashel-u-vzroslogo/prichiny-suhogo-kashlya-u-vzroslogo-lecheniya

Constant cough: causes of continuous coughing, how to get rid of it at home, treatment with folk remedies

Coughing is a reflex contraction of the muscles of the respiratory tract. Its role is to cleanse and protect the airways from foreign agents. This reflex act is not a disease and may be physiological in nature. But a persistent cough is a symptom of a serious pathology.

A persistent cough is repeated frequently and does not go away throughout the day, lasting for several weeks or months. It can be dry or wet, accompanied by temperature or occur without it. The cough reflex does not always occur due to a cold, but still the most common cause remains acute respiratory infection (ARVI) and respiratory diseases.

Constant coughing in the absence of fever or runny nose is a signal of exposure to allergic agents: dust, pollen, pet hair, household chemicals. The problem can even lie in dry air. Another factor that cannot be ignored is alcohol abuse, which results in a decrease in lung volume and swelling.

In addition to the above reasons, the following pathologies can cause the symptom:

1. Inflammatory processes (especially chronic) in the throat, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs.
2. Pathologies in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses: drip syndrome (draining of an increased amount of mucus along the wall of the nasopharynx), chronic sinusitis, deviated nasal septum.
3. Heart failure.
4. Bronchial asthma.
5. Some gastrointestinal diseases.
6. Oncology of the respiratory system.
7. Autoimmune diseases: tuberculosis, lupus, sarcoidosis.
8. Helminthiases: infection with roundworms, lamblia, pulmonary fluke.
9. Tobacco smoking.
10. Mental disorders, stress. In these cases, the cause of the persistent cough is not in the respiratory tract, but in the brain.

• What causes a persistent cough can almost always be determined, with the exception of 2% of cases.
• 
• This pathology is called idiopathic cough.

Diseases

The cough reflex manifests itself in certain types of diseases as follows:

1. Pharyngitis. The cough is dry, barking, coming from the throat, and may sore the throat. More often appears at night.
2. Laryngitis. The reflex is dry, annoying. The voice changes, viscous mucus appears, which is difficult to separate.
3. Chronic frontal sinusitis. The persistent cough does not stop even after taking medication.
4. Tracheitis is characterized by a dull, dry cough, especially after waking up in the morning and when the patient is in cold air.
5. In chronic bronchitis and pneumonia at the initial stage, the reflex is dry, suffocating, barking, and whooping cough. As the disease progresses, sputum appears, which may contain blood.
6. Bronchial asthma. The cough is unproductive or wet, often occurring at night. It gets worse in summer, after hard physical work and stress.
7. Whooping cough. During the reflex, sounds similar to those of a rooster are made. The cough is paroxysmal, consisting of a series of continuous shocks (from 5 to 15). At first it is unproductive, but then becomes wet, with copious mucous secretions.
8. Cystic fibrosis of the lungs. A reflex act with the release of thick mucus cannot be treated and lasts for years. It is so strong that it often causes vomiting.
9. Stomach reflux. If the gastrointestinal tract does not function properly, bile enters the stomach from the duodenum. Its acids irritate the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. This leads to a persistent form of pharyngitis or laryngitis and causes a dry, persistent cough.
10. Cardiological pathologies. The cough reflex is dry and worsens after exercise. The patient begins to cough when lying down because excess fluid fills the lungs. In a standing position, the reflex act weakens.
11. Long-term use of medications. Patients taking tablets to normalize blood pressure (Ramipril, Enalapril) experience frequent coughing and sore throat.
12. Tuberculosis begins with a slight cough, which gradually intensifies and becomes paroxysmal, sometimes convulsive. Cough can be both dry and wet. Most often it bothers you in the morning, as with bronchitis, when the patient gets out of bed. In a closed form and in the initial stages, tuberculosis can proceed without it. In some forms of the disease, the patient coughs up blood.

Men are more likely to have a persistent cough, as they are more likely to smoke. In addition, they perform heavy physical work and, to a greater extent than women, are employed in hazardous industries.

Treatment methods

They treat not the symptom, but the root cause. To establish it, contact a general practitioner, who, if necessary, will refer you to specialized specialists: a pulmonologist, gastroenterologist, allergist, otorhinolaryngologist or oncologist. Only the doctor will choose the correct treatment method.

For bacterial infections, antibiotics are prescribed. Pharmacies now have a large selection of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs. Other medications are also used, which are prescribed depending on the type of illness.

It is useful to do inhalations. They dilate the bronchi, reducing spasms, speed up the liquefaction of sputum, and facilitate coughing. Drugs to strengthen the immune system must be prescribed.

Massage and physical therapy are an important component of treatment.

Get rid of cough caused by allergies with the help of antihistamines (Loratadine, Suprastin, Erius). It goes away quickly if you eliminate contact with the allergen. In severe cases, hormonal drugs (Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone) are used.

The cough reflex associated with nasal problems (rhinitis, sinusitis, frontal sinusitis) must be treated with antibiotics and vasoconstrictors. Sometimes they resort to surgical intervention - straightening the nasal septum, removing adenoids, puncturing the paranasal sinuses.

Cough, as a result of digestive disorders, is stopped with the help of a proper diet. Food is taken in small portions, at least 4-5 times. Excluded: fried, salty, spices, alcohol, sweets. Medicines that improve the functioning of the digestive system (Almagel, Omeprazole, Cerucal), decoctions of chamomile, plantain, and marshmallow are prescribed.

To cure a smoker's cough, it is not enough to give up the bad habit.

At first, after parting with a cigarette, the cough reflex intensifies, because the lung tissue must be cleared of the accumulation of nicotine toxins in order to recover. Therefore, drug treatment is used.

First, medications are prescribed to suppress the cough reflex. When sputum appears, mucolytics and expectorants are used.

To relieve a dry, debilitating cough caused by lung cancer, narcotic drugs are used that reduce phlegm production and suppress the cough reflex. Decoctions of celandine, marshmallow, licorice root, and yellow poppy are recommended. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used.

The only way to cure a frequent cough that occurs due to medication is to change the medication. If this cannot be done, then the intensity of the reflex is reduced by inhalation, gargling, and lubricating the throat with oil solutions of vitamins E and A.

Traditional medicine methods are used as an addition to drug therapy and only in consultation with a doctor. These include:

• hot foot baths;
• mustard plasters or jars;
• compresses;
• herbal decoctions and herbal teas.

There are many healthy recipes that are easy to prepare at home. They use honey, onions, garlic, milk, butter, animal fats and other products.

If the disease cannot be treated (cancer, lupus, cystic fibrosis), then it is impossible to relieve the patient of the unpleasant symptom, therefore all therapeutic measures are aimed at reducing its intensity.

Moist cough

Coughing with sputum production is a sign of inflammatory diseases of the lower respiratory tract. If the treatment is effective, the sputum will be clear.

It is important that the bronchial secretion leaves on time: along with it, cleansing of toxins and microbes occurs.

To facilitate this process, expectorant syrups and tablets, infusions and decoctions of plantain, coltsfoot, mint, and calamus root are used. Inhalations, steam or nebulizer help well.

Dry cough

A cough reflex without the release of bronchial secretions occurs during inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory tract. Several groups of drugs are used to get rid of unproductive cough.

If there is no temperature, medications are used that suppress the reflex act. For inflammatory processes, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.

To stop a severe attack, take lozenges (Travisil, Doctor Mom, Doctor Theiss), do inhalations with saline or soda solution, and essential oils.

Plenty of fluids, air humidification and regular wet cleaning of the house are required.

A persistent cough is a dangerous symptom that requires competent treatment, which can only be prescribed by a doctor, and improper use of medications can lead to serious consequences.

Source: https://pulmohealth.com/bolezni/kashel/postoyannyj-kashel/

Causes and treatment of dry cough in adults

When pollen and foreign small particles penetrate the respiratory tract, the cilia of the respiratory tract epithelium begin to actively displace them. This allows you to clean the trachea and bronchi.

Mucus plays an important role. It is characterized by an antimicrobial effect due to the high content of immunoglobulin and lysozyme. The development of cough begins due to irritation of sensitive receptors, which react negatively to any small particles that enter the respiratory tract. The signal enters the brain, where the cough is activated.

The body signals that harmful substances have entered it that it is not able to cope with. Sensitive receptors responsible for cleaning are located in the nasopharynx, esophagus, pericardium and diaphragm. Therefore, coughing is not always the cause of respiratory tract damage.

To cleanse the body, two main conditions must be met:

• uninterrupted operation of epithelial cilia;
• viscosity, elasticity and fluidity of mucus.

The development of inflammatory processes amends these conditions. As a result, the mucus loses its beneficial properties and becomes thicker.

This process leads to the development of a dry cough. With irritation of the mucous membranes and sensitive receptors, the attack intensifies.

This indicates the fact that the body is trying to cope with the problem on its own, therefore, to cleanse the respiratory tract, it is advisable to transform a dry cough into a productive one.

Developmental factors associated with airway involvement

The immune system removes pathogenic microorganisms from the respiratory system without the help of medications. If the protective functions are weakened, the entire body is damaged and a cold develops.

Factors that provoke dry cough:

• ARVI;
• cold;
• flu;
• atypical form of pneumonia;
• whooping cough;
• tuberculosis;
• laryngitis, pharyngitis, tracheitis;
• diseases of the ENT organs;
• malignant neoplasms in the respiratory tract.

Cough during colds, ARVI and flu is caused by weak protective functions of the body. Adverse habits, in particular alcoholic drinks and tobacco, can aggravate the situation.

Drinking a small amount of liquid contributes to the development of a severe dry cough in adults.

The addition of another infection or virus can complete the overall picture.

An atypical form of pneumonia. A prolonged cough is a consequence of the penetration of mycoplasma and chlamydia into the body. Pathogenic bacteria provoke the development of pneumonia. In this case, the cough can last for a long time.

Whooping cough

This disease is infectious. It is characterized by the appearance of a convulsive cough, and it is so strong that it can lead to vomiting.

Tuberculosis

The disease is severe and has serious effects on the respiratory system. It can develop due to constant stress, poor nutrition and nervous tension. People holding high positions are susceptible to the disease.

Laryngitis, tracheitis and pharyngitis

The most common causes of dry cough. Inflammatory processes cover the mucous membranes of the pharynx, causing a debilitating and barking symptom.

Diseases of the ENT organs. Inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx often provoke the development of cough. With rhinitis, sinusitis and sinusitis, excessive mucus secretion is observed. Getting on the mucous membranes of the pharynx, it causes irritation, causing the development of cough.

The symptom appears at any time of the day and does not go away under the influence of drug therapy. 

Factors not associated with damage to the respiratory system

Factors unrelated to the respiratory system can cause the development of a dry cough. These include:

• stressful situations;
• cancer diseases;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• damage to the thyroid gland;
• some diseases of the digestive system.

Stressful situations and nervous tension

They can become a provoking factor for the development of dry cough. Excessive excitement or embarrassment of a person causes him to constantly cough.

Cancers

Prolonged cough without additional clinical symptoms may indicate the presence of cancer. In this case, it is advisable to consult a therapist.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system

Cardiac cough occurs during the acute course of the disease. Along with it, the release of sputum with blood is recorded. This may indicate a disruption in the normal functionality of the left ventricle of the organ.

Damage to the thyroid gland

Cough is observed with nodular and diffuse enlargement. The change in size leads to pressure on the trachea, resulting in a cough.

Some diseases of the digestive system. A reflex cough develops in the presence of esophageal diverticulum and reflux esophagitis.

Drug therapy

Dry cough in adults can be treated both with medication and through traditional medicine. Experts recommend giving preference to drugs whose action is aimed at suppressing the cough reflex. You must take Codeine, Oxeladin or Glaucine.

Peripheral antitussives have a beneficial effect on the mucous membranes, thereby reducing the cough reflex. Means in this category include:

1. Codelac;
2. Bronchicum;
3. Panatus;
4. Neo-Kodion;
5. Fervex;
6. Terpincode.

Combination drugs have a good effect, in particular Sinekod, Omnitus, Gerbion and Stoptusin. The medication should be selected based on the general condition of the patient and the clinical picture.

Traditional methods of eliminating symptoms

A dry cough in an adult can also be treated with herbal decoctions. It is important to make sure that the symptom is not caused by serious abnormalities in the body and malignant neoplasms.

Decoctions and infusions based on medicinal herbs can help get rid of a painful cough. Herbal infusions are characterized by expectorant and mucolytic properties.

Coltsfoot, calendula and licorice have an antitussive effect. Honey is an effective remedy. It has a beneficial effect on the throat, enveloping it and reducing the symptoms.

Honey can be used both independently and as part of a drink. To do this, the main ingredient is melted in a glass of warm milk. Honey along with grape juice speeds up the expectoration process.

Potato steam inhalations can not only eliminate a cough, but also a runny nose. To improve the effect, add a few drops of fir oil to boiled potatoes.

Steam inhalations based on mineral water have a beneficial effect on the human respiratory system. The effect is enhanced by lavender, mint and cedar oil. A decoction of chamomile and sage has a good effect.

Traditional methods can be used after the approval of a doctor in the absence of serious pathologies. 

• Read more
• Symptoms and treatment of allergic cough.
• What actions to take if your throat starts to feel sore.
• Symptoms and treatment of cardiac cough.
• What harm do cigarettes cause to the body?

Source: https://pakpred.ru/proyavleniya/kashel/suhoj-u-vzroslyh.html

Dry cough in an adult - treatment and causes

Category: Unpleasant sensations

Today we will talk about cough, and not just a simple one, but a dry, prolonged, painful, suffocating, paroxysmal cough! Many have ever experienced this obsessive symptom, but did not know how to effectively deal with it. So the purpose of this article on Alter-zdrav.ru is to provide comprehensive information about the treatment of dry cough in adults at home.

Cough is an integral part of the body’s physiological reactions, aimed at clearing the respiratory tract of foreign bodies, sputum, dust particles or dangerous microorganisms that irritate the bronchi, lungs or larynx.

In addition to the cleansing function, cough is a symptom of dangerous inflammatory processes in the respiratory system and many other systems. Cough is divided into two types - productive and dry , with and without discharge, respectively.

A dry cough is the most dangerous, since a person who coughs very often, without having a high temperature, does not perceive the cough as a symptom of a serious illness. Due to the absence of sputum, it causes severe irritation and damage to the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, often causing vomiting.

Symptoms, signs

Frequent accompanying symptoms of a dry cough are nasal congestion, runny nose, shortness of breath, suffocation, swollen lymph nodes, weakness, fever, fever, drowsiness, nausea.

Prolonged cough in a chronic form can cause a change in the shape of the walls of the bronchi, resulting in the formation of bronchial asthma, pneumonia and other pathological conditions.

Causes of dry cough in adults

♦Respiratory diseases

1. Pathological processes of the nasopharynx (rhinitis, sinusitis, sinusitis, frontal sinusitis). Symptoms of these diseases include heavy or difficult nasal discharge, difficulty breathing through the nose, and a decreased sense of smell. The cough mainly occurs at night.

   Since, due to the horizontal position of the patient, mucus flows down the back wall of the throat and has an irritating effect on the cough receptors. A cough may be accompanied by sputum, or more precisely nasopharyngeal discharge. Therefore, this cough is classified as dry type.

2. Inflammation of the pharynx and larynx (laryngitis, pharyngitis, tracheitis).

   A barking cough intensifies when inhaling polluted air, and occurs mainly at night.

3. Inflammatory processes of the pleura, lungs, bronchi (pleurisy, pneumonia, bronchitis, tracheitis, tracheobronchitis).

   Typically, such inflammation of the respiratory system begins with the symptom of a slight cough, and within a couple of hours or several days passes into the stage of a dry, debilitating cough.

   Diseases in this group are characterized by general weakness, decreased or loss of appetite, pain in the chest area of ​​a constant nature or only during coughing, increased body temperature (not for all diseases), and difficulty breathing.

4. Tuberculosis. Its occurrence is caused by the causative agent of tuberculosis - mycobacterium.

   In the first stages of the disease, mycobacterium affects only lung tissue; in later stages it spreads to other organs and tissues. The inflammatory process is characterized by general weakness, a slight increase in body temperature in the evenings, a constant desire to cough and a dry, unproductive cough.

5. Oncological diseases of the respiratory system. They are manifested by general weakness of the body, severe and rapid fatigue, weight loss, intense pain, shortness of breath and cough.

♦Causes of dry cough not related to respiratory diseases

1.  Bronchial asthma is a very common disease. Its occurrence is influenced by allergic reactions and disturbances in the functioning of the immune and nervous systems. Symptoms of bronchial asthma include a chronic hacking cough followed by an attack of uncontrollable suffocation.
2. Diseases of the digestive system.

   Increased production of gastric juice provokes its entry into the esophagus, which leads to heartburn and irritation of cough receptors. A dry cough of a debilitating nature manifests itself mainly after eating and is not accompanied by an increase in body temperature.

3. Parasites and bacteria.

   For example, roundworms entering the trachea, lungs or bronchi cause a dry cough. Chlamydia is the cause of SARS.

4. Diseases of the cardiovascular system (thromboembolism, heart defects, heart failure).

   Characteristic symptoms are increased blood pressure, shortness of breath and suffocation, aggravated by physical activity. The cough in this case is caused by congestion in the pulmonary circulation.

5. ARVI. This group includes acute respiratory diseases such as influenza, adenovirus and much more.

   In this case, a dry cough after a certain time turns into a wet cough.

6. Bad habits, passive smoking, inhalation of fumes from household chemicals and dirty city air, occupational hazards.
7. Stress, nervous overexcitation.

Treatment of dry cough sometimes not only does not bring relief, but also significantly worsens the patient’s general condition. Therefore, treatment of the underlying disease is important. To do this, the specialist needs to conduct a series of studies and diagnostic methods, based on the patient’s complaints and symptoms.

Diagnosis of dry cough in adults

• Diagnostics includes methods such as auscultation, palpation and percussion, X-ray examinations with and without the introduction of a contrast agent, bronchoscopy, thoracoscopy, tossography, tomography, fluorography of the chest organs and consultation with various specialists (allergist, immunologist, gastroenterologist, cardiologist and others) .
• In the process of diagnostic studies, the condition of the lung tissue and bronchial tree, the functioning of the nervous system, bacteriological culture of discharged sputum, and measurement of the volume of inhaled and exhaled air are assessed.
• Also important is the process of collecting anamnesis, which includes questions about the life of the patient himself and the health of his immediate family.

Treatment of dry cough in an adult

So, what to do when a person coughs severely and painfully?

Cough is one of the most difficult to tolerate symptoms, causing not only physical, but also moral inconvenience.

This condition can be alleviated by humidifying the dry air in the room, drinking large amounts of warm liquid, using inhalations with saline or herbal decoctions, as well as sucking medicinal or regular lozenges. They increase salivation and reduce irritation of cough receptors.

1. The use of aggressive household chemicals is strictly prohibited.
2. When diagnosing and identifying the root cause of cough, appropriate treatment is prescribed.
3. For example, for bronchial asthma it is necessary to use bronchodilators, bronchodilators and hormonal drugs in the form of inhalations.
4. And if streptococcus, staphylococcus, chlamydia or mycoplasma are detected, medications include taking antibiotics (Penicillins, Cephalosporins, Macrolides).
5. Medicines aimed at eliminating dry cough are divided into two types - peripheral and central action .

1. Peripheral-acting drugs affect the cough center in the cerebral cortex.
2. And drugs that affect the nerve endings of the bronchi are classified as centrally acting drugs.

Improper use of antitussives can lead to such sad consequences as the accumulation of secretions in different parts of the respiratory tract and, due to this, there is a risk of developing an infectious process.

These drugs can be prescribed for such pathologies as oncological diseases of the respiratory system, dry pleurisy and whooping cough. For prolonged debilitating cough, the use of narcotic antitussives such as Codeine and Ethylmorphine is acceptable.

In all other cases, the main principle of treatment is to transform a dry cough into a productive one.

1. Expectorants. These are various herbal infusions, syrups and herbal ointments.
2. Mucolytics increase the volume of pulmonary secretions and contribute to its dilution. This group includes Acetylcysteine, Bromhexine, Ambroxol. In addition to the main effect, some drugs from this group have an immunomodulatory effect.
3. Bronchodilators. These are tablets, syrups, solutions for injections and inhalations that affect the expansion of the bronchi.
4. Anti-inflammatory drugs also have antiexudative and bronchodilator effects. These include Sinekod, Erespal and others. Inhalations are best done using a nebulizer. Its action is based on the penetration of the medicine into the deepest parts of the lung or bronchi. With its help, you can use antibiotics, bronchodilators, herbal infusions and antiseptics.
5. Physiotherapeutic methods are among the most important in the treatment of dry cough in adults. Hardware or manual massage and electrophoresis relieve pain and inflammation, relax muscles and improve sputum discharge.
6. In the process of gargling with a warm solution of soda and salt, chlorophyllipt or furatsilin, more than half of the pathogenic microorganisms die and the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract damaged by coughing is restored.

Treatment of dry cough with folk remedies

♦Inhalations

Inhalations are especially effective for non-productive coughs.

1. Steam inhalations with clove essential oil (3 drops per half liter of water in a saucepan) are useful for dry coughs. Breathe over the steam for 10-15 minutes. Even inhalation over freshly boiled potatoes is suitable (don’t forget to drain the water to make the procedure more effective, mash the potatoes).
2. Inhalations with herbal mixtures (licorice, sage, pine buds) give good results. Take three tablespoons of a mixture of herbs in equal proportions, pour 300 ml of boiling water and inhale until it cools.
3. Another composition includes chamomile, sea salt, baking soda, sage, coltsfoot, essential oils of cedar, mint, and eucalyptus. Take a tablespoon of herbs per half liter of boiling water, a level tablespoon of soda and salt, 2 drops of oils.

♦Rinse

These procedures soothe irritated mucous membranes, thereby reducing the frequency of coughing attacks.

1. Rinse with soda, salt, taken in a teaspoon per glass of water, and a couple of drops of iodine.
2. Gargling with a little hot mineral water.

♦Compresses

Compresses on the chest provide a long-lasting warming effect (pain, the number of attacks are reduced, and viscous sputum is liquefied). We remember that in case of malignant processes, thermal procedures are prohibited.

1. The composition of their natural liquid honey, black radish juice and mustard is good. It is applied to gauze, lined with cling film, insulated and wrapped with a bandage or scarf. They keep it overnight. If during the day, then at least 4 hours.
2. The next composition is flour, vegetable oil and honey. Knead the cake and apply it to your chest. Can be combined in a compress - vodka, honey, oil. Or flour, honey, mustard.

How and How else to treat a dry cough with folk remedies at home in an adult?

♦Herbal infusions

Herbal medicine has long enjoyed success among the Slavic peoples; they knew medicinal herbs and knew how to use them. Many herbs eliminate dry coughs by soothing the throat, thinning thick mucus, and making an unproductive cough productive.

1. Sage, licorice, and plantain are effective for dry cough. We take herbs in equal proportions, pour half a liter of boiling water, let it brew for at least half an hour, drink half a glass 3-4 times a day.
2. Another collection for a debilitating cough is birch leaves, wild rosemary, oregano, birch buds, nettle. Take the first 2 ingredients 4 tablespoons each, the second 2 ingredients 2 tablespoons each, nettle - one spoon. Pour 2 tablespoons of the mixture into half a liter of boiling water, keep in a water bath for 10 minutes, then let it brew for 40 minutes, strain, drink a third of a glass 4 times a day.
3. 2 teaspoons of elecampane root per glass of boiling water, leave for an hour, drink a quarter glass 4 times a day.
4. A decoction of licorice roots is effective. Take a teaspoon of dried roots in a glass of boiling water, keep it in a water bath for a third of an hour, then let it brew until it cools completely. Drink the prepared decoction a day in approximately equal portions.
5. Remove the husks from 5 onions, pour half a liter of boiling water, keep in a water bath for half an hour, drink 3 times a day, a third of a glass.
6. Cut out the middle of a large black radish or black turnip, pour liquid bee honey into it, let it sit overnight, in the morning the radish will release juice, so drink a tablespoon up to 8 times a day.
7. A good result is obtained from onions and garlic boiled in milk (500 ml), taken one head at a time (keep on fire for 10 minutes), then mash the soft vegetables, let stand for 20 minutes, then strain the milk and drink half a glass 4 times a day. You can add honey for taste.
8. Lovers of sweets probably remember from childhood how they were treated with burnt sugar (keep the sugar in a frying pan, stirring constantly, until the caramel turns into a semi-liquid, slightly brownish state), let it cool, eat a small piece when you feel the urge to cough.
9. Warm milk with honey and half a teaspoon of butter.
10. Drink warm (40 degrees) mineral water such as Borjomi or Narzan.

More methods of treating dry cough can be found in the article Treatment of cough with folk remedies.

*****

Incorrect or insufficient treatment of dry cough at home can lead to serious consequences. These include bone pain, physiological incontinence, hypertension, cerebral hemorrhage, hernia formation and much more.

Source: https://alter-zdrav.ru/suhoj-kashel-u-vzroslogo-lechenie/