Hello Everybody, it's really nice writing a STEM post after a long break.
Today I'm going to be talking about something very common and yet, not many pay proper attention to it.
I'll be doing a little exposé on coughs, we'll be learning what a cough is, the different types, what they mean, and also how to get rid of them. This is going to be interesting, as always I like to start with definitions. So here we go;
What Is Cough
Cough is a reflexive or non reflexive action of expelling rapid air from the lungs which produces hacking sounds in order to clear our airway from irritants or mucus or allergens like dust, molds.
More often than not coughs clear up after a short period of time but if it persists then it needs to be looked at more carefully because coughing is a usual symptom for alot of ailments.
There are different factors to consider when deciding if your cough is just ordinary, which will be listed below.
Factors
The Behavior of the cough, how often does it occur and when does it occur, is it during the day time or at night.
The duration is also a factor, does it last for more than two weeks or less.
The feel or characteristics of the cough, how it feels when you cough should also be considered.
The level is another factor to be considered, is it persistent or debilitating.
There are different types of coughs and these coughs fall under certain categories but I'll be talking on the major types/categories namely;
- Dry Cough
- Wet Cough
- Croup Cough
- Paroxysmal Cough.
And I'm also going to talk about the the the causes as well as the remedies for this different coughs.
Dry Cough
A Dry cough is that type of cough that produces little to no mucus at all, it also has a ticklish sensation and is usually the result of a upper respiratory infection, It can also be triggered by atmospheric pollution e.g by cigarette smoke. This cough occurs because the back of the throat is inflamed and it can linger for weeks after a flu or cold has passed.
Causes
As earlier said dry cough can be caused by viral infections, air pollutants, stress, allergies, side effect from medication etc.
Remedies
Honey is a good remedy for dry cough as it soothes the lining of the tissues at the back of the throat.
You could use extracts of spruce or pine shoot.
You could try cutting up some fresh ginger and add a little salt, then chew for a couple of minutes.
You could try a humidifier to stop the respiratory system from drying out.
Note: For chronic and long lasting dry coughs you may need antibiotics, antacids or asthma medication. Better yet you should see a doctor if it lasts more than two weeks.
Wet Cough
A wet or productive cough is that type of cough that is usually accompanied by mucus. This cough clears up the airways by removing phlegm from the respiratory tract.
Causes
The causes of wet cough includes but is not exclusive to Allergies affecting the lungs (asthma), also infection and inflammation to the lungs (pneumonia) or (bronchitis), It could be caused chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Also by cancer of the lungs(hemoptysis) which is usually accompanied by bloody mucus.
Remedies
Thyme tea is a really good remedy for coughs in general and it's easy to make, just infuse two teaspoon full of thyme leaves in hot water for ten minutes then seive, you could add lemon, lime or honey to help with the flavor.
Hot shower/bath helps clear up the airways because of the steam produced. You should do this in a closed bathroom to maximize the steam power.
Taking a bit of honey like 1-2 teaspoons before bedtime helps for a better night sleep.
Drink lots of fluids in general because they help thin out the phlegm and makes it easier to cough out.
Croup Cough
Croup also known as laryngotracheobronchitis is a respiratory infection predominantly found in infants between the ages of three months to five years. This cough involves the swelling of the larynx and trachea which causes difficulty in breathing for the infant,it produces a hoarse or wheezing sound when breathing.
Causes
It is mainly caused by a viral infection, the parainfluenza virus.
It is airborne, so it can be contracted by breathing in infected droplets either from cough or sneezes.
By coming in contact with an infected toy or surface.
Remedies
Hydration is key for any type of cough and croup is no exception, keep the child hydrated for more relief.
steam is also welcomed for fast relief from croup.
Cold air is also recommended, you could either try natural cold air outside or head to your refrigerator and breath in the cold air for a few minutes.
Drugs such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) are helpful for pain relief and fever. While Epinephrine is used for more serious cases as well as nebulizers.
Paroxysmal Cough
A paroxysmal cough is usually a violent and intermittent cough, it is both exhausting and painful.
This type of cough is usually caused by whooping cough also known as pertussis which is a bacterial infection that causes violent coughing fits which makes the person unable to breathe as all the oxygen in the lungs are expelled out. It is highly contagious.
Causes
- Paroxysmal is usually caused by pertussis, although it may also be caused by asthma, tuberculosis amongst others.
Remedies
Tumeric is arguably the best herb at fighting and reversing diseases, it contains curcumin which is a known for its antibacterial potentials, it is antimicrobial and has been linked with fighting a wide range of microorganisms.
Bone broth is another good remedy for fighting respiratory inflammation, it also boosts the immune system and provides necessary nutrients which help in the fighting of cough.
Peppermint Oil is another helpful remedy based on the fact that it contains methanol and it exhibits antibacterial properties. This oil when dissolved and inhaled helps clear the sinuses and reduces scratchy throats.
N-acetylcysteine is another useful remedy for chronic coughs as it helps thin out the phlegm and makes expelling the mucus easier, it is derived from the amino acid L-cysteine. It’s commonly used for respiratory conditions like bronchitis, hay fever etc.
It is a detoxifier and it helps improve the immune system.
This cough is usually contagious, so try as much as possible not to spread it by covering up your mouth when you cough, wearing facial masks is also encouraged as it is better than covering your mouth with your hand, also wash your hands often.
Advice
I am not a medical practitioner, and so I'll advise that if symptoms of any of the coughs talked about above exceed 4 weeks while using any of the remedies, please consult a licensed physician.
References