Cough is one of the common ailments people encounter everyday. It may be a lone symptom, or a presentation of an underlying disease condition. The following are some information about cough and its management.
Causes
Cough has various causes. According to Mayo Clinic, these depend if the cough is acute or chronic. The cause of acute cough includes common cold, influenza or flu, inhaling an irritant, strained or pulled abdominal muscle, and whooping cough. On the other hand, the causes of chronic cough include allergies, asthma (common in children), bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, and postnasal drip.
Symptoms
Cough is usually accompanied by the following symptoms. According to Mayo Clinic, these symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, a feeling of liquid running down the back of the throat or post nasal drip, frequent throat clearing, sore throat, hoarseness of voice, wheezing and shortness of breath, heartburn, sour taste in the mouth, and hemoptysis or coughing up of blood.
Management
While cough medications are available as management for cough, the following are some remedies that can be done to manage the symptom.
Honey
Honey is one of the known non-pharmacological management for cough. According to Everyday Roots, it is a rich demulcent and its high viscosity helps coat and sooth a person’s irritated mucus membranes. Honey also has antibacterial properties, which help combat the microbes that are responsible for the development of cough.
Ginger
Another known cure for cough is ginger. According to Top 10 Home Remedies, the person just has to cut the plant into small slices. Press the slices lightly and then, they are put in a cup of water and are brought to a boil. The preparation is consumed for three to four times a day.
Hot Shower
A hot shower is also enlisted as part of non-medical management for cough. According to MNN, a hot bath helps loosen sinus congestion and phlegm in the throat and lungs. This way, it also promotes a more patent airway and more effective breathing.
Cough seems to be milder, as compared to asthma and tuberculosis; however, it produces discomfort to a person. Also, productive cough may lead to conditions like pneumonia and infection. Thus, medical consult is important for assessment, diagnosis, intervention, health education, and complication prevention.
