What is Good for Cough? How to Cure Cough?

Cough is a kind of reflex mechanism that helps clear the throat or respiratory tract (1). While the absence of cough may be a sign of a health problem, a cough that lasts for a long time and does not go away may also be a sign of serious diseases. Information on the subject, such as the causes and types of cough, is detailed in the following parts of the article.

What Causes Cough?

Some infectious diseases such as flu, cold, pneumonia and health problems such as allergies, asthma and bronchitis can be considered as the primary causes of cough. During coughing, which is one of the body’s natural defense mechanisms, the air in the lungs is violently expelled. Rapid expulsion of air helps clear the respiratory tract of irritating substances. Therefore, an occasional cough is generally considered normal. However, a prolonged cough may be an indication of another health problem. Cough itself is not a disease in itself, it is often a symptom of another disease. The main causes of cough are as follows (2, 3, 4):

• Infectious diseases affecting the upper respiratory tract: One of the common symptoms of upper respiratory diseases such as cold and flu caused by viruses is cough. In upper respiratory tract diseases, cough is often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, pain in muscles and joints, high fever, sore throat, and runny/congestion nose.
• Infectious diseases affecting the lower respiratory tract: Some viral or bacterial infectious diseases, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, can affect the lungs and cause a more severe and prolonged cough.
• Allergic rhinitis: Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever or seasonal allergy, is an allergy disease that usually occurs as a result of the abnormal response of the body’s immune system to pollens at certain times of the year or to allergens such as dust and house mites throughout the year. Allergic rhinitis, which usually manifests itself with dry cough and sneezing, is one of the leading causes of cough.
• Inhalation of irritants: Exposure to irritants, such as some chemicals, can cause coughing.
• pneumothorax (lung collapse): Pneumothorax, also known by different names such as lung collapse, lung collapse, is a health problem that occurs as a result of air accumulation in the space between the membrane layer surrounding the lungs (pleural space) due to any reason such as trauma and this air puts pressure on the lungs, shrinking the lungs. Dry cough and shortness of breath are the main symptoms of lung collapse (5).
• Pulmonary embolism: Pulmonary embolism, also known as “clot expulsion” among the public, is the blood clot that separates from the veins in any part of the body, especially the legs, and travels to the lungs through the circulatory system. This blood clot in the lung can cause blockage of the vessels in the lung. As a result, various symptoms may develop, especially shortness of breath and cough.
• Heart failure: A cough, especially one that starts when lying down at night, may be a symptom of a heart disease such as heart failure (6).
• Gastro-esophageal reflux: Reflux, a digestive system disease characterized by the backward flow of gastric juice, is also one of the causes of cough that increases especially at night or during meals (6).
• Asthma: Asthma is a chronic health problem that develops as a result of inflammation of the airways. Asthma can be considered one of the top causes of cough.

In addition to the ones listed above, health problems such as COPD, postnasal drip and sinusitis can also cause cough.

What are the Types of Cough?

Cough is divided into different classes according to its nature and duration. Accordingly, the main types of cough according to their duration are as follows (6):

• Acute cough: It is a cough that lasts less than 3 weeks. Acute cough usually occurs due to upper and/or lower respiratory tract diseases. However, in some cases, health problems such as pneumonia, heart failure, and pulmonary embolism can also cause acute cough.
• Subacute cough: Cases in which acute cough, which usually occurs due to allergic reasons, continues for 3-8 weeks, are examined in the subacute category.
• Chronic cough: It is a type of cough that lasts longer than 8 weeks and is also called persistent cough. Health problems such as postnasal drip, asthma and reflux are the leading causes of chronic cough.

Another criterion in cough classification is the nature of the cough. Types of cough according to their nature are as follows (6):

• Dry cough: It is a type of cough that does not contain mucus (phlegm) and develops due to irritation. Generally, postnasal drip, use of some blood pressure medications, lung collapse, and viral upper respiratory tract infections can cause dry cough.
• Cough with phlegm (productive cough): It is a cough that contains mucus and is caused by inflammation. Health problems such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and lung cancer can cause a productive cough.

What is Good for Cough?

Treatment of cough depends on treating the underlying health problem. Therefore, “what is good for cough?” It is difficult to give a definitive answer to the question. For example, in cases where the cough is caused by a viral or bacterial disease, specialist physicians may prescribe antiviral or antibiotic drugs. However, in most cases, cough caused by viral infections such as colds goes away on its own without the need for any treatment. In viral infectious diseases, experts often prepare a treatment plan to help control the symptoms. In addition, some methods such as drinking plenty of water and taking a steam bath can also help relieve the severity of the cough (4).

What is Good for Cough During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the working mechanism of the expectant mother’s immune system may change slightly. This may cause infectious diseases such as colds and flu to occur more frequently during pregnancy. Although there are some medications that can help relieve symptoms during pregnancy, it is recommended not to use any medication during this period without consulting a doctor. Some methods that may be good for cough during pregnancy are as follows (7):

• To relax,
• taking a warm shower,
• taking a steam bath,
• Humidifying the air of the environment,
• drinking plenty of water,
• Gargling with salt water,
• Eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals.

It is important to get help from a specialist in the field of cough that does not go away during pregnancy.

What is Good for Allergic Cough?

Cough that develops due to allergens such as pollen, dust, pet dander, and house mites is called allergic cough. Therefore, the best way to cure allergic cough is to end exposure to the allergen. However, this may not always be possible. Here are some methods that can help treat allergic cough (8):

• Using medical products such as prescription or over-the-counter medicines and nasal sprays recommended by the doctor,
• Humidifying the air in the environment,
• taking a steam bath,
• Using air purifying devices.

What Should Be Done for Cough in Babies and Children?

Cough suppressants that can be used in adults are not recommended for use in children under 6 years of age. If cough in babies and children is accompanied by symptoms such as high fever, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing, it is important to consult a specialist doctor without delay. In addition, it is recommended to seek medical help as soon as possible if newborns develop a cough within the first few weeks or if a cough lasts longer than 8 weeks and gets worse, especially after 3 weeks. Some methods that can help relieve cough in children and babies are as follows (9):

• Breastfeeding the baby little by little at frequent intervals,
• Pay attention to the consumption of plenty of fluids in children,
• Using nasal drops recommended by the doctor,
• Cleaning the mucus from the baby’s nose with the help of a nasal aspirator,
• Frequently ventilate the environment where the baby/child is located,
• Humidifying the air of the environment,
• Minimizing exposure to allergens such as dust and pollen,
• Letting the baby rest.

Cough, which is one of the important reflexes that help clear the respiratory tract, is often not dangerous. However, in some cases, it may be a sign of a more serious health problem. For this reason, do not forget to make an appointment with a specialist doctor and have your check-ups, especially in case of cough lasting longer than 3 weeks.