A cough is an involuntary or sudden action occurring in the body to clear the throat or airway of any irritants, mucus, etc. On inhaling something that causes an obstruction to the throat or lungs, a cough is triggered, which then tries to remove the irritants and render the air passage free. This blog provides the best Home Remedies for Cough that will help an individual treat it without any medical treatment.
Most coughs may heal on their own, and within three weeks, the airway may likely function normally. So, let’s understand all about coughs such as types, causes, etc.
Types of Cough:
Normally, there are two types of coughs, i.e wet and dry. These are also known as productive and nonproductive coughs.
1) Wet Cough
When there is an obstruction in the airways, it results in a wet cough. Here, phlegm, or mucus, is expelled from the lungs and throat. These are associated with colds and related respiratory tract infections (RTI). The RTI is an infectious disease that affects the upper or lower respiratory tract.
Examples of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are, common cold, tonsillitis, and laryngitis.
2) Dry Cough
Dry or nonproductive cough, is dry in nature, as its name implies, not producing sputum or phlegm. Normally associated with flu, allergies, asthma, and unwanted side effects of drugs.
Here, the mucus gradually settles down in the lower part of the lungs, when infected with a serious illness.
Causes:
1) Wet or Productive Cough
Wet coughs can arise from medical conditions, infections, and other diseases. Some can be gentle, and others are highly dangerous.
Causes of wet cough can include:
a) Bronchitis
When the passageway in the lungs, known as bronchial, gets inflamed causing coughs followed by the production of mucus or phlegm. Bronchitis can be short-term, i.e., acute, or long-term, i.e., chronic.
b) Common Cold
A viral infection affecting the upper respiratory tract infection (UTI), caused by a number of viruses. More than 200 different viruses can cause colds.
Many times, it is common for adults to have two or three colds in a year. There is no instant cure for a common cold, but it usually subsides in a week to ten days.
c) Influenza
Commonly known flu, it is caused by an influenza virus that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms range from gentle to severe sickness and sometimes causing death.
Injecting a flu vaccine each year is the best way to get rid of the flu.
d) Pneumonia
A contagious illness affecting the respiratory organs, i.e., the lungs. It may be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. It causes the air sacs of the lungs to fill with fluid, such as mucus.
Many factors affect how grave the condition of pneumonia can be, ranging from the person’s age, his or her overall health, and the affected lung condition.
e) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
This lung disease has a strong affinity for cigarette smoking. Here, the airflow is hampered, and breathing is of serious concern.
Nearly 16 million Americans are victims of COPD.
2) Dry Cough
a) Viral infection
Medical conditions such as UTI, cold or flu, and other types of allergies lead to a dry cough. Viruses can enter the nose, mouth, and throat. The viruses later spread to the lungs. The infection causes redness in the throat, windpipe, or lungs.
In normal, healthy adults, this cough subsides within 2 to 3 weeks.
b) Asthma
Asthma patients normally have dry coughs, i.e., not producing mucous. Sometimes this cough lasts longer than 6-8 weeks.
Best 6 Home Remedies for Cough and Their Effective Treatment
1) Taking Lots of Water
As our body is made up of 70 % water, so we have to drink adequate water daily, to keep the body hydrated.
When our body runs short of water, it is not able to produce the required saliva and mucus, which makes the throat dry, and susceptible to irritation. Drinking adequate water helps to keep the mouth, nose, and eyes moist.
2) A Spoon of Honey
Honey has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help in fighting various body infections. At the same time, its viscous nature gives quick relief to an irritant throat.
A tablespoon of honey taken before bedtime is very effective in reducing the nighttime cough.
3) Salt-Water Gargle
A warm salt water gargle effectively soothes the irritant throat, relieving the cough. It decreases the pain and inflammation on the throat.
Gargling is not recommended for young children, particularly below 6 years of age.
4) Pineapple Slice
Bromelain, an element present in pineapple, can help to decrease cough, reduce inflammation and clear or reduce the mucous production in the throat.
A slice of pineapple three times in a day or 3.5 ounces (99.2 gm) of fresh pineapple juice daily is effective in decreasing cough symptoms.
5) Consuming Ginger Tea
Known for anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, is an ideal drink for cough and cold problems.
Fresh ginger tea can be taken multiple times a day for cough relief.
6) Turmeric and Honey Paste
Two teaspoons honey mixed with one teaspoon turmeric is an effective home-made herbal solution to cough.
Preparation Guide:
1) In a bowl, take turmeric powder, and slowly add honey.
2) Using a spoon, mix them until a fine paste is formed.
Half teaspoon three to four times, taken daily provide a quick relief to the cough.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, we have understood all the relevant information on home remedies for Cough with a preparation guide. Cough treatment may necessitate symptom related strategy, and depending on the severity of the symptom, the treatment may be needed.
While medicines work on their own, natural remedies can give quick relief to increased cough and help in decreasing the irritated throat.
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