A lot of painful sensations are delivered by an unproductive cough. What it is - even a child knows. The patient suffers from discomfort in the throat, loses the ability to breathe and talk normally. In addition, it is sometimes very difficult to cope with the problem that has arisen. No less important are its causes, which can turn out to be both a harmless cold disease and more severe pathologies.
What is a cough
Regardless of the characteristics, cough is not an independent disease - it is just a symptom. Its basis is a reflex, which allows you to clean the respiratory organs from the resulting mucus or foreign bodies. Coughing provides natural airway protection.
What is a non-productive cough? This type of cough is observed at the beginning of the development of an inflammatory disease. It is quite painful and does not bring relief, it can proceed intype of seizures. At the same time, the respiratory tract is irritated up to vomiting or mucosal ruptures. This state usually does not last long. Over time, sputum production occurs, which is characteristic of a wet, productive cough that clears the lungs.
But there are other conditions and diseases that cause dry cough.
Why does an unproductive cough occur
This type of cough can result from:
- Colds. The early stages of a cold are characterized by the presence of an unproductive cough. Wet it becomes over time, when the process of formation and discharge of sputum is activated.
- Laryngitis. With inflammation of the mucous throat, the cough will be dry, barking, sputum does not go away.
- Tracheitis. As a result of irritation of the bronchi, a dry, unproductive cough occurs, pain behind the sternum is possible.
- Pleurisy. With inflammation of the pleura, sputum is not formed, the bronchi are irritated, which leads to the appearance of a booming cough.
- Inflammation of the lungs. With such a pathology, sputum does not form and does not go away, purulent discharge may be present.
- Bronchitis. Such an ailment is characterized by the presence of an unproductive cough only at the initial stage, then it becomes wet.
- Whooping cough. This disease is typical for children, but sometimes occurs in adults. The patient is worried about a strong unproductive cough, vomiting may occur.
- False croup. The condition develops in young children and is characterized by paroxysmal, severe coughing without expectoration.
- Corey. In addition to coughing, there is a rash on the skin.
- Tuberculosis. The most dangerous cause of unproductive cough. In addition to this symptom, the patient may have a long-term temperature in the range of 37-37.3 degrees.
- Sinusitis, rhinitis, sinusitis. Such diseases are accompanied by abundant secretion of mucus flowing down the back of the larynx, resulting in irritation of the cough centers.
- Neoplasms. Dry unproductive cough in adults can provoke benign and malignant tumors of the respiratory tract, which can lead to irritation of the cough centers, while mucus and sputum are not formed. Cough differs in intensity, duration and frequency, can occur at any time of the day.
- Allergic pathologies. Some allergies can cause a non-productive, painful cough.
- Bronchial asthma. Coughing fits without expectoration occur as a reaction to allergens.
- helminthic invasions. It happens that parasites enter the bronchi, causing a cough that irritates the respiratory tract.
- Professional features. In people, during the work of which increased loads on the vocal apparatus are possible, an unproductive cough may be observed. The symptom may also be observed in those who have to frequently inhale dust or hazardous substances.
- Taking medication. Some medications can cause coughing as a side effect.
- Ingress of foreign bodies into the respiratory system. This usually occurs insmall children.
- Pathologies of the heart. In the presence of such diseases, coughing is also possible.
- Smoking. Long-term smokers may experience a debilitating smoker's cough.
Given that a non-productive cough is a condition that can have many causes, it is important to conduct a thorough diagnosis in order to determine the treatment.
Diagnostic Methods
In order to find the cause of the symptom, it is recommended to conduct:
- Phonetoscopy. By listening to the patient's breathing, a specialist can make a preliminary diagnosis and recommend further research.
- Fluorograms. X-rays can detect signs of pathologies such as tuberculosis, pleurisy, inflammation, neoplasms, etc.
- General blood test. Such a study is necessary to assess the general condition of the body, to detect signs of an inflammatory process.
- Allergy research. This will require an assessment of the level of eosinophils in the blood. If the norms are exceeded, the allergens that cause the symptom are determined.
- Sputum analysis. Bacteriological culture will confirm or refute the diagnosis of tuberculosis.
- Cardiograms. Allows you to determine if there are problems with the cardiovascular system.
- Bronchoscopy. The study allows you to visually assess the condition of the lungs.
It is not always necessary to conduct all the studies, an experienced doctor will be able to make a diagnosis based on some of thethem.
Which doctor to contact
If there is a problem, you need to visit a therapist or pulmonologist who will advise how to treat an unproductive cough. If necessary, it will be possible to consult with such specialists as a cardiologist, allergist, gastroenterologist, oncologist, phthisiatrician.
Features of treatment
If an unproductive cough is tormenting, treatment should be aimed at eliminating the cause that led to the appearance of this symptom. For example, if there are parasites in the body, antiparasitic drugs are used, if a bacterial infection has become the cause of the cough, antibiotics are prescribed. Therapy for allergies is aimed at eliminating the provoking factor, and antihistamines are also recommended.
Cough with SARS
If the cough is due to SARS, it is necessary to create conditions that will contribute to better sputum discharge. In this case, it is not recommended to take antitussive drugs in the first days of the disease. To discharge sputum, you need to make it liquid, and this will help to drink plenty of water and the correct temperature in the room, which is achieved at a temperature of 18 to 22 ° C, humidity - 50-70%. No less important is the purity of the air, this can be achieved by carrying out daily wet cleaning without the use of household chemicals.
What medicines are used
There are medicines that are aimed specifically at eliminating an unproductive cough. Their action is based on blocking the brain centers that cause the symptom, orlocal receptors. The selection of such a drug should be carried out by a specialist. In parallel, you can use folk methods that can alleviate the condition.
Effective drugs
How to treat an unproductive cough, the doctor will advise after determining the cause of the violation. Your doctor may recommend taking these medications:
- "Libeksin". The medicine is effective for coughs caused by colds, bronchial asthma, pharyngitis, bronchitis, laryngitis.
- "Stoptussin". Due to the presence of butamirate and guaifenesin, the agent has a pronounced expectorant effect. Recommended for colds.
- Syrup "Gerbion". The medicine on plant components gently envelops the mucous membrane of the respiratory system, which leads to the separation of sputum and an improvement in the condition.
- "Doctor Mom". Used for pathologies such as tracheitis, bronchitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis. The syrup contains natural ingredients, so it can be used to treat both adults and children.
- "Lazolvan". An effective remedy based on ambroxol, helps to activate the process of sputum discharge.
Use of folk remedies
To reduce discomfort, recommended use:
- Steam inhalation. This procedure has a calming and softening effect on the mucous membrane, reduces coughing. You can use soda, essential oils, herbal decoctions.
- Meda. This bee product has bactericidaland anti-inflammatory properties, which is useful for non-productive coughs. You can make drinks with honey, use it in combination with butter.
Hot drink. It is useful to use black, green or herbal tea, milk with butter and honey, sweet compotes. With the help of a sufficient amount of fluid, the intensity of attacks can be reduced. Intoxication of the body also decreases, mucus does not stagnate, which prevents the development of pneumonia. It is only important to ensure that the drink is not too hot, cold or sour - this will irritate the mucous membrane, which will lead to an increase in symptoms
- Warming up. Warming the chest will help relieve the condition. You can use special pharmacy ointments, heated oil, and other home remedies that cause a rush of blood to the skin.
- Humidify the air. Dry air can only complicate the condition, so it is advisable to purchase a humidifier. In extreme cases, a damp towel on the radiator will help save the situation.
He althy recipes
Traditional healers offer some effective recipes to help make an unproductive cough productive:
Honey-lemon medicine. Citrus must be boiled for 10 minutes. After cooling, squeeze the juice, to which add 2 tbsp. l. glycerin and honey, mix and take a teaspoon three times a day
- Means from a banana. This recipe is recommended for use in the treatment of children. To prepare a tasty and he althy medicine, you need to pour a mashed ripe banana with a glass of boiling water and mix thoroughly. You can use up to ten times a day for 2 tbsp. l.
- Milk and onions. You need to take five peeled onions, pour two glasses of milk, bring to a boil. Keep on fire until the volume of liquid is reduced by half. After that, the bow can be removed. The remedy in the form of heat is taken every hour in a tablespoon, you can add a little honey.
- Milk with propolis. The product of beekeeping, due to the presence of essential oils, has an antibacterial, immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory effect. Add 5 drops of propolis to a glass of milk.
- Milk with mineral water. Mineral water is an excellent moisturizer for the respiratory tract. And in combination with milk, you can achieve softening of the mucous membrane, soothe a painful cough. But such a healing composition is contraindicated for children.
- Compress of vegetable oil, honey and vodka. Before treating a dry non-productive cough with such a remedy, it is important to make sure that the body temperature is not elevated, otherwise the condition may aggravate. The components are melted in a water bath. When the composition has cooled, a piece of natural tissue is moistened in it. The compress is applied to the neck and the area between the shoulder blades. Cover with cotton and cellophane on top, fix well.
Many people know that an unproductive cough is such an unpleasant phenomenon thatcauses excruciating discomfort and forces a person to look for methods to get rid of the problem. But you should not self-medicate, as this symptom may indicate the occurrence of serious pathological processes in the body. The help of a doctor in this case is simply necessary. The specialist will make a diagnosis and recommend remedies that are suitable for a particular case.
