Some ways to get rid of a cough include staying hydrated, gargling with salt water, using a humidifier, use of ginger and garlic.
A cough is a sudden reflexive action that clears the throat and airways of mucus, irritants, or foreign particles.
Coughing is the body’s defense mechanism to expel foreign or irritating substances from the bronchial tubes This helps to protect the lungs and airways from infection and irritation. When something irritates the throat or airways, the brain sends a signal to the muscles in the chest and abdomen to contract and expel air, causing a cough.
Coughing can be a symptom of many different conditions, such as allergies, colds, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, or even acid reflux.
Types of cough
There are several types of coughs, which are classified based on their characteristics and underlying causes. Here are some common types:
1. Dry cough: This type produces no mucus or phlegm. This is usually caused by an irritation in the throat, such as allergies or a viral infection.
2. Wet cough: This type produces phlegm or mucus. It is usually caused by an infection or inflammation in the respiratory tract.
3. Chronic cough: A cough that lasts for more than eight weeks is considered chronic. It may be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as asthma or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
4. Barking cough: This type is common in children and is characterized by a harsh, barking sound. It is usually caused by croup, a viral infection that affects the airways.
5. Whooping cough: This is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes severe coughing fits, followed by a whooping sound when the person inhales. It is more common in children and can be prevented by vaccination.
6. Smoker’s cough: This is a chronic cough that affects people who smoke. It is caused by the irritation of the lungs from smoking.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider if a cough persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or fever.
How to Get Rid of a Cough
The treatment of a cough depends on its underlying cause. Here are some general tips to help alleviate a cough:
1. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, tea, or soup, can help to soothe the throat and thin out mucus, making it easier to cough up.
2. Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help to loosen mucus and relieve coughing. A humidifier can help to maintain the humidity level in a room.
3. Gargle with salt water: Salt water can help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gargle several times a day.
4. Take cough suppressants or expectorants: Over-the-counter cough medicines can help to relieve coughing. Cough suppressants can help to suppress a dry, hacking cough, while expectorants can help to loosen mucus and make it easier to cough up.
5. Avoid irritants: Avoiding irritants such as smoke, dust, or fumes can help to reduce coughing.
6. Rest and sleep: Getting plenty of rest and sleep can help the body to recover and heal.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider if a cough persists for more than a week, is accompanied by other symptoms, such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, or if it is a chronic cough.
Which Foods Reduce a Cough?
Several foods may help to alleviate a cough or soothe the throat:
1. Raw onion is one of the best remedies for cough. Simply breathing the essence released by raw onion may quickly relieve a cough. The sulfur compounds in onions produce antispasmodic, sedating, antibiotic, and mucolytic (facilitate the elimination of mucus) effects.
2. Honey: Honey is a natural cough suppressant and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce coughing and soothe a sore throat. You can mix a teaspoon of honey with warm water or tea to help alleviate coughing.
DO NOT give honey to babies under the age of 1 year. Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness that can occur in babies under the age of 1 year. It is caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum which is found in honey.
3. Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help to relieve a cough and reduce inflammation in the airways. You can add ginger to hot water or tea, or use it to flavor foods.
4. Garlic: Garlic has antimicrobial properties that can help to fight off infections that may be causing a cough. You can add garlic to soups, stews, or other dishes.
5. Turmeric: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation in the airways and relieve a cough. You can add turmeric to curries, soups, or other dishes.
6. Pineapple: Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain that can help to reduce inflammation in the airways and alleviate a cough. You can eat fresh pineapple or drink pineapple juice.
It is important to note that while these foods may help to alleviate a cough, they are not a substitute for medical treatment. It is important to consult a healthcare provider if a cough persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.
Which Foods Make a Cough Worse?
Certain foods and drinks that may irritate the throat and make a cough worse:
1. Dairy products: Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and ice cream, can cause the production of excess mucus, which can make a cough worse.
2. Fried and spicy foods: Fried and spicy foods can cause acid reflux and irritate the throat, making a cough worse.
3. Citrus fruits: These include oranges and lemons, which can be acidic and irritate the throat, making a cough worse.
4. Carbonated drinks: These drinks, such as soda and sparkling water, can cause acid reflux and irritate the throat, making a cough worse.
5. Alcohol and caffeine: These beverages including tea and coffee can dehydrate the body and irritate the throat, making a cough worse.
It is important to note that not everyone will be sensitive to these foods and drinks and that the effects may vary depending on the individual. It is also important to identify any underlying causes of cough and seek medical attention if necessary.
Cough in Children
Cough is a common symptom in children and can be caused by a variety of factors. These include infections, allergies, and asthma. Here are some things to keep in mind when dealing with a cough in children:
1. Consult a healthcare provider: If your child has a persistent cough or is experiencing other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, fever, or chest pain, it is important to consult a healthcare provider.
2. Use over-the-counter medications with caution: Over-the-counter cough and cold medications are not recommended for children under the age of six years. They should be used with caution in older children. Always read the label and follow the recommended dosage.
3. Use home remedies: Home remedies, such as gargling salty water, saline nasal drops, and humidifiers, can help to alleviate coughing and soothe the throat. However, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before using any home remedies.
4. Prevent the spread of infection: Coughs are often caused by viral or bacterial infections. These infections can be easily spread to others. Encourage your child to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and wash their hands frequently.
5. Address underlying conditions: If your child has an underlying condition, such as asthma or allergies, it is important to address and manage these conditions to prevent coughing episodes.
6. Monitor symptoms: Keep track of your child’s symptoms and note any changes or worsening of their cough. This can help your healthcare provider make an accurate diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment.
It is important to note that while most coughs in children are mild and resolve on their own, some can be a sign of a more serious condition. It is always best to consult a healthcare provider if you are concerned about your child’s cough.
Coughing Strains the Heart
Coughing can put additional strain on the heart, particularly if the cough is persistent or severe. This strain occurs because when you cough, you are forcefully exhaling air from your lungs, which creates an increase in pressure in the chest cavity.
When this happens, the blood vessels in the chest can also experience increased pressure, which can affect the flow of blood to the heart. The increased pressure can cause the heart to work harder than usual to pump blood. If the heart is already weakened or damaged this can be especially challenging.
In addition, coughing can also cause a decrease in oxygen levels in the body. When you cough, you are expelling air from your lungs, which means you are also expelling oxygen. This decrease in oxygen can cause the heart to work harder to compensate, which can further strain the heart.
Overall, while occasional coughing is unlikely to cause significant harm to a healthy heart, persistent or severe coughing can be a cause for concern and may require medical attention to manage the underlying condition and prevent further strain on the heart.
Read more about maintaining a healthy heart in our related article.
REFERENCES
· Prevalence of cough throughout childhood
· Infant botulism – why honey should be avoided for children up to one year
· Prospective Study of Dietary Patterns and Persistent Cough with Phlegm
· Dietary Fiber and Reduced Cough with Phlegm
· Natural remedies for acute post-viral cough in children
· Heart rate response to cough
