There are many ways to classify coughs. The simplest way to determine the cause of cough and the best treatment is to pay attention to the sound of the cough and its effect on the body.
Here are the different types of coughs, their causes, their treatments and when to see a doctor.
Dry cough< /p>
After having a respiratory illness, the patient may have a dry cough.
Dry cough often comes from respiratory diseases such as colds and flu There is little or no phlegm in the throat. The patient may feel itchy in the throat and cannot stop coughing.
In most cases the cough will go away on its own Find out if your cough becomes chronic:
• Asthma: Other symptoms include chest tightness, difficulty breathing and wheezing.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease Esophagus (GERD): This is when stomach acid goes back up into the throat and can cause coughing.
• Lung cancer: Coughs related to lung cancer may be accompanied by bloody phlegm. Cough due to lung cancer is very rare, but if the patient is worried, they should see a doctor.
Treatment
The tickling sensation of a dry cough can be relieved by drinking cough syrup or using cough syrup.
Cough with phlegm
A cough with phlegm can be described as a cough from the chest. Coughing occurs when a person coughs up mucus or phlegm. A cough with phlegm is often due to an infection such as a cold or an infection in the chest.
People with a chest infection may cough up phlegm that contains a small amount of bright red blood. This blood comes from the lungs and is usually nothing to worry about.
If a person coughs up blood that is dark and contains food or resembles coffee grounds, they should seek medical help.
Some coughs with phlegm can be chronic and may be due to:
• Bronchiectasis: A condition that results in mucus backing up in small sacs in the lungs. can be expelled.
• Pneumonia: A bacterial infection that causes the tissues in the lungs to become inflamed.
• Nontuberculous mycobacterial infection: This disease is not contagious and can may be accompanied by fatigue, feeling unwell and weight loss.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Is a type of lung disease whose common symptoms include shortness of breath and wheezing .
Treatment
Staying hydrated can help cough up phlegm more effectively and reduce cold symptoms . Some people also find relief from over-the-counter (OTC) cough medications such as cough drops, chest rubs and pain relievers.
If a bacterial infection is causing the cough treatment may be needed. antibiotics.
Whooping cough
Whooping cough is a very contagious bacterial infection. Babies and unvaccinated people can get it.
People with whooping cough often have mild cold or flu-like symptoms followed by a severe and painful cough. People with weak immune systems, such as young children, may have difficulty fighting off infections or have difficulty breathing.
The disease is most contagious about 2 weeks after the cough begins. The best protection against the disease is to get the whooping cough vaccine.
Treatment
Take antibiotics early can reduce the severity of whooping cough, so unvaccinated people should see a doctor as soon as possible if symptoms develop.
Choking
A person may cough if their airway is partially blocked and the body is trying to expel the object. Similarly, a person who eats a piece that is too large or has something that irritates their throat may cough.
A doctor should be called if the cough persists after choking.
A person with severe choking on a foreign object will not make a sound when coughing.
A person who does not cough and has difficulty breathing may choke. The person accompanying them should perform the Heimlich maneuver and call emergency services.
Chronic cough
Chronic cough is a cough that lasts longer than a common illness. Usually 8 weeks or more. This type of cough sometimes signals an underlying illness. Patients should see a doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Some potential causes of long-term cough include:
• untreated infections or a respiratory viral infection that lasts longer than usual
• allergies
• smoking
• exposure to irritants such as fungi mold or dust at home or work
• pneumonia or other lung disease
• cancer of the nasopharynx or mouth
• swallowing disorders due to other medical conditions including dementia
Coughs in children
Although children can have coughs just like adults, some children Coughing sounds like barking.
Coughing that sounds like a dog barking causes pain, often due to laryngitis. Flu or cold viruses often cause laryngitis, which is common in children under 5 years old.
You should take your child to the doctor immediately if you see your child having:
• difficulty breathing
• cyanosis• severe chest pain
• fever over 40oC
• wheezing cough
Symptoms Symptoms of laryngitis are often worse at night and home treatment includes:
• using a humidifier
• drinking plenty of warm water
• get plenty of rest
• take over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen
Aspirin should not be given to children due to its association with Reye’s syndrome. Children under 14 should not use over-the-counter cough medicines because they can be harmful.
Laryngitis usually lasts for 5 – 6 days but cough can last about 2 weeks.
Laryngitis usually lasts for 5 – 6 days but cough can last about 2 weeks.
When to see a doctor?
Cough is a common symptom, especially with colds, flu and allergies. Most coughs are not serious but some can be.
You should see your doctor if:
• your cough is accompanied by difficulty breathing or the inability to breathe
• chronic cough lasting several weeks
• people with chronic diseases such as COPD who do not find relief from their cough with conventional treatment
• coughing up blood
Seek emergency care if:
• the cough gets worse over several days
• the infant has a cough and shows signs of respiratory distress
Signs of respiratory failure include:
• very difficult breathing
• opening your mouth to breathe
• cyanosis
• contraction of the chest due to the use of the rib muscles
In summary
Coughing can be scary and can cause fear of suffocation but If a person can cough, they can get at least a little air through the airways.
In most cases coughs will resolve on their own, although chronic coughs in young children and elderly weak health need to be treated promptly.
If the cough seems to get worse and is painful or does not go away, you should see a doctor.
Cam Tu (According to MNT)
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