COUGHS

Coughing is the body’s way of removing foreign material or mucus from the lungs

. Cough have  certain traits that one can learn  and  recognize. There are two types  of cough; Productive cough and Non-Productive cough.

PRODUCTIVE COUGH – This kind of cough produce phlegm or mucus that comes up from the lungs. This kind of cough generally should not be suppressed,  it is needed to clear mucus from the lungs.

NON-PRODUCTIVE COUGH – These are coughs that do not produce sputum. A dry, hacking cough may develop toward the end of a cold or after exposure to an irritant such as dust or smoke. Dry coughs that follow viral illnesses may last up to several weeks and often get worse at night. A chronic dry cough may be  a sign of  a more severe condition like asthma.

HOW DO I PREVENT A COLD?

Don’t smoke. A  dry, hacking cough means your lungs are constantly irritated. Also, increase your fluid intake to as much as 8  to 10 glasses of water every day.

HOW DO I TREAT A COUGH AT HOME?

·         Drink lots of water. Water helps loosen phlegm and soothe an irritated throat. Dry, hacking coughs respond to honey in hot water, tea, or lemon juice.

·         Cough drops can soothe irritated throats but most have no effect on the cough-producing mechanism.

·         Elevate your head with extra pillows at night to ease a dry cough.

·         Use an over-the-counter cough suppressant to help quiet a dry hacking cough so you can sleep.

·         For coughs caused by inhaled irritants like smoke, dust or pollutants, avoid exposure to them.

POSSIBLE CAUSES OF COUGH

·         Dry air

·         Cigarette smoking.

·         Mild asthma

·         A  viral illness.

·         Bronchitis

·         Pneumonia

·         Sinusitis

·         Foreign object in the throat

·         Croup