Don’t say ‘cough will pass’ – Health News
Claiming that coughing, which is the main method of expelling mucus and foreign substances that interfere with the lungs, is beneficial, chest disease specialist Dr. Arzu Ertem Cengiz said a cough that lasts longer than eight weeks in adults and four weeks in children is called chronic cough and a doctor should be consulted in this case. Dr. Cengiz pointed out that depending on the severity of the cough, it could even lead to rib fractures. Cengiz said: “Symptoms associated with chronic cough, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, sputum production, wheezing, frequent need for nasal cleansing, shortness of breath, hoarseness, heartburn and sour taste in mouth, sore throat, rarely coughing up blood, burning sensation in the mouth.” chest sensation and sore throat”.
“Chronic cough starts after three weeks of smoking”
Dr. Dr. Cengiz said: “Usually chronic cough starts after three weeks of smoking in smokers. The cause of cigarette cough is chemical irritation. However, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema, bronchiectasis, COPD and even lung cancer can develop in chronic smokers, and these conditions cause chronic cough.For this reason, cough is a cause of concern in smokers.Aside from cigarettes, postnasal discharge syndrome caused by dust and allergens, asthma, chronic bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux, pneumonia, blood pressure medications, allergies, especially in children and bedridden patients , bits of food and drink entering the throat and lungs, bronchiectasis , bronchiolitis, which is very common in small babies, cystic diseases such as fibrosis, heart disease and lung cancer can cause coughing.
“Beware of fever, insomnia and weight loss with cough”
Emphasizing that a cough that persists for more than eight weeks requires physician attention, Dr. Cengiz stated that after the physical examination, X-rays, computed tomography, lung function tests, bronchoscopy, rhinoscopy, acid reflux tests, endoscopy, and sputum culture may be requested for diagnosis. He said that with chronic cough, fever above 38 degrees, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, unable to sleep straight in bed, excessive sputum production, excessive fatigue, loss of appetite and weight and night sweats should not neglect the doctor’s examination .
“Treatment varies depending on the cause of the cough”
Noting that it is necessary to find the underlying cause to treat chronic cough, Dr. Genghis said:
“If you smoke, you have to stop. If high blood pressure medications cause coughing, your doctor may change your medication. If it is caused by heart disease, drugs that strengthen the heart muscle are given. If the diagnosis is asthma, bronchodilators and corticosteroids are used. These drugs relax the narrowed airways, making it easier for you to breathe. Increasing the dose of medication in a patient with an old diagnosis of asthma
may be necessary. It is important to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks in asthmatics. Patients with sinusitis can be treated with decongestants and nasal tonics. Sometimes antibiotics may be needed for a patient with sinusitis. There are nasal cortisone medications and anti-allergic treatments for hay fever sufferers. Antibiotics may be necessary for conditions such as chronic bronchitis and pneumonia. If the cause is reflux, medications that reduce stomach acid and prevent reflux can be used. Bronchodilators and steroids are used in the treatment of COPD. If a foreign body has entered the lungs, this body is removed by bronchoscopy and appropriate antibiotics are given. Your doctor may also give you cough syrup to ensure your comfort during treatment. If the diagnosis is lung cancer, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are used together in the treatment. The type of treatment is determined by the stage of the disease.”
“Drink plenty of water, don’t smoke, stay away from dust and smoke”
Dr. Cengiz listed the methods that any patient with a chronic cough problem can adopt in parallel with the doctor’s examination as follows:
“Drink plenty of warm water. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Tea and coffee do not replace water. Plenty of water loosens mucus and makes it easier to expel. Herbal teas, soups with meat and chicken stock will relieve irritation in your throat. Avoid smoking and inhalation of cigarette smoke.” Remove dust, excess moisture and mold from your home. Use sea water to keep your nose clean. If you have acid indigestion, stop eating 2-3 hours before bed. foods that are too greasy Moisturize the air in the house If you have a dry cough, you can use a steam device Make sure the filter of the device is clean Eat a lot of fruit The fibers in fruit have a cough-reducing effect Consume a lot of honey. Drink tea with honey. Gargle with salt water to relieve irritation in your throat. Keep away from dust, smoke and air pollutants. Throat lozenge to soothe your throat You can use it. Elevate your pillow if it helps you breathe better. easy.”