A persistent cough is among the most common signs of respiratory infections which usually clears up within two to three weeks and does not require any treatment.
However, if it goes on for longer, it becomes nagging enough to signal trouble.
According to Harvard Health, chronic coughing interrupts sleep, produces fatigue, and impairs concentration and work performance. In this age of scary new viruses, social interactions also suffer, leading you to isolate yourself due to fears of spreading it.
A nagging cough also has many physical consequences – which range from urinary incontinence to fainting.
What is a chronic cough?
Doctors say a cough is a protective reflex by the body that helps throw out irritants in the lungs. It usually occurs when the nerves are irritated by infections, allergies, cold air, tumours, smoke, dust particles, or stomach acid.
It is mostly caused by smoke irritation and sooner or later, most cigarette smokers develop a chronic “smoker’s cough.”
What causes chronic cough?
A few most common causes of a nagging cough include:
- Postnasal drip asthma
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Chronic bronchitis
- Airborne environmental irritants
- Aspiration during swallowing
- Heart failure
- Lung infections
- Lung cancer
When should you worry?
Doctors say even though the chronic cough is usually not serious, warning symptoms call for prompt medical care. A few signs that need to be checked immediately, include:
- High and prolonged fever
- Sputum production
- Coughing up blood
- Breathlessness
- Weight loss
- Weakness, fatigue, and loss of appetite
- Chest pain
- Night sweats
- Wheezing
Home remedies to treat chronic cough
Many cough remedies contain expectorants – which are compounds that intend to loosen sputum, making it easier to clear. However, according to doctors, there is not much evidence that these expectorants are effective.
Many natural remedies can help suppress your chronic cough without any side effects. A few of these include:
Honey
According to studies, honey helps relieve and treat coughs in upper respiratory infections and prevents the need for antibiotics.
You can use it by swallowing a spoonful of honey or adding it to a hot drink, such as an herbal tea.
Ginger
Ginger eases a dry or asthmatic cough, as it has anti-inflammatory properties which also relieve nausea and pain.
You can grate ginger and add it to your tea for quick relief.
Drinking hot fluids
According to studies, drinking hot or warm liquids helps alleviate a cough, runny nose and even sneezing. It may also help treat a sore throat, chills, and fatigue.
A few comforting hot beverages include:
- Clear broths
- Herbal teas
- Decaffeinated black tea
- Soups
- Warm water
Steaming
Doctors say if you suffer from wet cough – the one that produces mucus or phlegm, it may improve with taking steam.
To do that you can take a hot shower or bath allow the bathroom to fill with steam and stay in it for a few minutes until symptoms subside. You can also make a steam bowl by filling a large bowl with hot water and adding herbs or essential oils. Then place a towel over your head which traps the steam so the person can breathe it in. Breathe in the steam for about 10-15 minutes.
Saltwater gargling
Saltwater gargling has been used for a long time to help alleviate sore throat and symptoms associated with the common cold. It not only relieves coughing but also loosens mucus and alleviates pain.
However, according to doctors, young children and people with high blood pressure should avoid using saltwater gargles.
