Cough

Cough

What is cough?

Cough is a sudden sharp breath of air from the lungs. His goal, usually – clearing the lungs and Airways of secretions and made them foreign substances.

There are different types of cough:

• Acute cough – It lasts at least three weeks;
• Subacute cough – lasts 3-8 weeks;
• Chronic cough – lasts longer, than eight weeks.

Causes of cough

Acute cough usually caused by an infection, such as a cold or the flu. In some cases, an acute cough can be a symptom of other disorders, such as:

• Exposure to an allergen or irritant;
• Aspiration inorodnogo bodies;
• Acute bronchitis;
• Pneumonia.

Subacute cough often as a result of respiratory infection. It can also be caused by exposure to irritants or something, which can cause chronic cough.

Chronic cough It has many causes. The most common causes include:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
• Asthma;
• Acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus, state, which is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
• Postnasal drip, which may be associated with the following disorders:
  • Repeated inhalation of irritants;
  • Inflammation of the sinuses;
  • Allergy;
• Bronhoэktaziya;
• Some medications, such as ACE inhibitors.

Risk factors for cough

Factors, that may increase the risk of cough include:

• Infection;
• Tobacco smoke;
• Inhalation of harmful vapors;
• Allergens, such as pollen and dust;
• Smog and other environmental pollutants.

Smoking is a major risk for serious diseases, chronic cough associated with, It is including it can cause lung cancer and COPD.

Symptoms of cough

Cough itself can be a symptom of underlying disease.

Cough may be productive or dry. You may find, that your cough is worse, when you are in a lying position.

Cough – when to see a doctor?

Consult your doctor, if you:

• Acute cough, that gets worse and does not pass on its own;
• The cough lasts for more than eight weeks;
• There are signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Cough with wheezing;
• Blood in the sputum.

Cough – when you need to immediately seek emergency medical help?

It is necessary to immediately seek medical help or go to the emergency room, If the cough is accompanied by:

• Pink or frothy sputum;
• Labored breathing;
• Chest pain;
• Cardiopalmus;
• Swelling in the legs.

Diagnosis Cough

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination.

Acute cough is usually diagnosed by accompanying symptoms.

At the time of diagnosis, the doctor will look for symptoms, indicating the cause of the cough. Tests may include:

• A blood test to check for infection;
• Skin tests, If you suspect an allergy;
• Sputum analysis;
• A skin test for tuberculosis;
• Pulmonary function tests;
• Bronchoscopy – long, delicate instrument is introduced into the lungs to inspect the airways and collect samples of tissue and sputum.

Your doctor may schedule a snapshot of the internal structures of the body. This can be done using chest X-ray or chest CT.

Cough treatment

The best treatment for a cough is to treat the underlying disease.

Cough medicines

There are a lot of drugs for the treatment of coughs and colds. These include decongestants, expectorant drugs for the treatment of cough, antihistamines and antitussives.

Attention: medicines for coughs and colds should not be given to children under the age of 2 years, and they are not recommended for children under the age of 4 years, since, although rarely, at this age may cause serious side effects.

Lifestyle changes to treat cough

It is necessary to consider the application of moisturizer, Humidification of the building. This will help reduce phlegm and relieve the cough.

If you are diagnosed with a cough, Follow your doctor's instructions.

Preventing a cough

To reduce the risk of cough:

• Talk with your doctor about how to stop smoking. Smoking affects the function of the lungs and increases the risk of many diseases;
• Take care of the treatment of the underlying disease;
• When working in the field, where there is harmful fumes or dust in the air suspension:
• Ensure the normal operation of the ventilation;
• Use a protective mask or respirator.