Pollutants in the air can cause recurring coughs, which can be dry or wet. Chronic coughs may indicate a more serious problem and require medical attention, including x-rays and antibiotics. Cough medicine may only have a placebo effect, and cough suppressants can cause drowsiness.
There is nothing more irritating to have than a recurring cough. It can be very embarrassing and appear when we least want to. With the amount of pollutants now in the air, the possible causes are wide-ranging.
Throughout the day, people are exposed to numerous dust particles, fumes and germs. Our living space can be polluted by tobacco smoke, car exhaust and airborne infections. With all these pollutants, it’s a miracle we aren’t coughing 24 hours a day.
There are two main types of cough, dry and wet. The action is involuntary by the brain to clear a blockage or irritant from the body’s airways. Cough can also be due to a viral infection such as the flu or the common cold.
Dry coughs are often viewed as the less productive of the two types. While the squat type pushes phlegm or mucus out of the lungs, a dry cough may feel like it’s just plain irritating. Many smokers can have a lifelong dry hack. They see the reaction as part of the smoke and, over time, take it for granted.
Chronic cough can sometimes be extremely severe. People suffering from this condition have been known to break their ribs due to its severity. People suffering from a wet cough that lasts for more than two weeks should see a doctor. A cough caused by a cold or flu usually goes away within two weeks; if not, it could be a symptom of a more serious problem.
If the condition lasts for more than two weeks, x-rays may be needed to diagnose the problem. Hacking could be a sign of bronchial problems or pneumonia. The expelled phlegm will also be analyzed to help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis. The main treatment is usually antibiotic medicine.
The most common treatment for the condition is cough medicine. However, some experts believe that this medicine has nothing more than a placebo effect. The ingredients of the medicine are usually honey, syrup and sugar. These line the throat and relieve irritation.
There are also medicines used to suppress coughs. These cause the brain to suppress the signal that causes the cough. These drugs are usually antihistamines and can sometimes cause drowsiness after ingestion.
It is very rare that a cough is a symptom of something more serious. However, chronic hacking over a period of more than two weeks should be examined by an experienced doctor.
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