Managing a Persistent Cough
- Introduction: A cough is the body’s way of keeping foreign particles or irritants out of the lungs and clearing extra mucus from the airways. A persistent cough is a cough that does not go away and can disrupt sleep and cause feelings of exhaustion.
Steps for Managing a Dry Cough:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day.
- Consider the environment you are in and whether certain cleaning products, detergents, air fresheners, or scented candles may be irritating your airways or lungs.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to your surroundings.
- Suck on a throat lozenge or hard candy during coughing spells.
- Consult with a doctor before taking cough medicine as it may have serious side effects depending on your pre-existing health concerns.
Managing Mucus:
- Mucus is normal after respiratory illness and helps to rid the lungs of extra mucus. It should be thin and clear.
- Drink plenty of fluids to thin out thick or sticky mucus.
- Other treatments such as a nebulizer or puffer may be helpful, but consult with a doctor first.
Controlled Coughing Technique:
- This technique can help remove mucus from the lungs, as opposed to an uncontrolled cough which can be tiring and not under your control.
- To perform a controlled cough, sit comfortably in a chair with your feet on the ground and lean your head slightly forward. Inhale deeply through your nose or mouth, then cough twice. The first cough will loosen the mucus and the second will move it up to your throat. Spit the mucus into a tissue to observe the color, and repeat two or three more times.
Huffing Technique:
- The huffing technique involves exhaling in short, forceful bursts to move mucus higher up into the airway before coughing it up.
- To perform the huffing technique, sit in a comfortable chair with your feet on the ground and lean slightly forward. Inhale deeply through your nose or mouth, then exhale in short, forceful bursts while making a sound like you’re trying to fog up a mirror. Repeat the process two or three more times until you feel that you have cleared your airway. If you feel mucus in your throat, cough it up and spit it into a tissue.
Managing Nasal Congestion:
- Add moisture to the air you breathe using a humidifier on your furnace or a portable humidifier. Clean the humidifier regularly to prevent mold and bacteria from growing.
- Take a steamy shower or bath and drink plenty of water.
- Use a saline nasal mist or spray to flush out your nose with a neti pot or bulb syringe. This can help clear out dust, dirt, and pollen.
- Talk to a doctor about using a corticosteroid nasal spray if your nasal congestion persists and other remedies are not effective.
Conclusion:
- Managing a persistent cough involves staying hydrated, considering your environment, using a humidifier, and possibly using cough drops or consulting with a doctor about cough medicine. Mucus is normal after respiratory illness and can be managed by drinking fluids and possibly using a nebulizer or puffer. Controlled coughing and huffing techniques can be helpful for clearing mucus from the airways, and nasal congestion can be managed through the use of humidifiers, saline sprays, and possibly corticosteroid nasal sprays.
FAQs:
How long should a cough last?
A cough is usually considered persistent if it lasts more than three weeks. However, the duration of a cough can vary depending on the underlying cause. If you have a persistent cough that does not improve or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or fever, it is important to see a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
Is it normal to have a persistent cough after a cold or the flu?
It is not uncommon to have a persistent cough after a cold or the flu, especially if you had a productive (wet) cough during the illness. This is because the cough helps to clear out any remaining mucus or irritants from the respiratory tract. A persistent cough after a cold or the flu is usually not a cause for concern and will resolve on its own within a few weeks. However, if the cough is accompanied by other concerning symptoms or persists for an extended period of time, it is important to see a doctor.
Can a persistent cough be a sign of a more serious health problem?
A persistent cough can be a sign of a more serious health problem, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung cancer. It can also be a symptom of a respiratory tract infection, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. If you have a persistent cough that does not improve or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
How can I relieve a persistent cough at home?
Some home remedies that may help relieve a persistent cough include: Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, or herbal tea Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air Sucking on throat lozenges or hard candy Using a saline nasal spray or a neti pot to clear out mucus from the nasal passages Avoiding irritants such as smoke, pollution, and strong odors Getting plenty of rest and sleep Using over-the-counter cough medicine as directed, if recommended by a doctor If your cough persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
