A cough lasting less than 3 weeks is defined as acute cough. Cough lasting 3-8 weeks is defined as subacute cough and cough lasting more than 8 weeks is defined as chronic cough. It is also classified as dry cough and wet cough.
WHAT IS WET Cough?
Wet cough occurs in the presence of sputum. With the disposal of the epidemic, cleaning occurs. Wet cough can be seen in some common diseases such as flu or cold. Along with wet cough, symptoms such as post-nasal drip, runny nose and weakness can be seen.
In dry cough, sputum is not seen. Allergy is seen in non-smokers due to upper respiratory tract infection or infection in the bronchi. The leading cause of dry cough is upper respiratory tract infection. It is important to take it under control and make the correct diagnosis. The patient’s history should be taken carefully. Throat infection, reflux, sinusitis and laryngitis are among the causes of dry cough. Dietitian Rıdvan Arslan gave information about the subject.
REFLUX THE culprit of night cough
The main cause of night coughs is reflux. In the lying position, the passage of stomach acid and contents through the esophagus becomes easier, causing coughing. Apart from smokers, it is seen in individuals with sinusitis, allergic, infection-induced or postnasal drip. Some blood pressure medications such as heart failure and lung diseases can cause a dry cough at night. In addition to applications such as physical examination and respiratory tests, the patient’s history should be examined while making the diagnosis. In the treatment, the onset of cough should be questioned.
The head of the bed should be elevated to prevent dry cough attacks at night in the presence of reflux. Eating and drinking should be stopped 2-3 hours before going to bed at night. Evening meals should be low in fat. Also, spicy foods should not be consumed.
HOW DOES DRY Cough go away?
Drinks such as kefir and ginger tea that will reduce stomach acid should be drunk before going to sleep.
The humidity of the bedroom should be increased before going to sleep. Wet cloths or towels can be placed on the combs. Support can be obtained from air humidifiers.
Herbal tea can be consumed before going to bed to soothe the throat. Linden has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to relax the throat. Mint lemon and fennel tea are also good options.
- When brewing herbal teas, fresh ginger should be added to it.
- Attention should be paid to fluid intake. At least 12-15 glasses of water should be consumed per day.
- Thyme is good for cough. It should be brewed by adding 1 teaspoon to 200 ml of water and then consumed.
- Honey relieves the irritation of the throat caused by a dry cough. It can be consumed by adding honey to herbal teas or warm milk.
- Marshmallow root has been used in the treatment of cough for many years. Brewing with warm water and consuming it will be good for your dry cough.
- Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C such as rosehip tea, red pepper, orange, lemon and tangerine should be increased.
- Gargling with salt helps to reduce coughing.
- Smoking should not be used and care should be taken not to be in an environment where there is smoke.
- Dust-holding items should not be kept in the environment where you sleep.