Coughing

Is it due to yet to be found the reason(s) or the generally acceptable idea of strong smells or dust we are allergic to? Whatever it is, susceptibility to the said things still seems far beyond the Ken of the advancement in the medical science. However, cough is a mechanism to clear the airway, “stated by Jonathan Parsons, MD, Director of the Cough Clinic at the Ohio State University.

It still is impenetrable to diagnose a cough just by the sound of it. However, there are a few major differences to help you have clues as to what’s happening inside. Let’s see what this cough really is.

Postnasal drip sounding kind of either a dry or wet cough caused by mucus dripping down your throat (reason could be allergies or a cold) tickling nerve endings, triggering coughing, Dr. Parsons says.

Symptoms could be cough being aggravated at night; tickly feeling at the back of your throat. If some kind of allergy is the reason, maybe it accompanies itchy eyes and sneezing.

Being referred to an allergist for skin testing is advisable if it’s because of a post-cold effect. Natural remedies believed to do wonders, like gargling with salt water and steam help relieve congestion, but if cough stays persistent for longer than a week see your doctor to rule out a sinus infection, which might call a requirement of antibiotics.

The patients of Asthma usually have dry cough sounding like rattling or wheezing with inflamed airways causing them have difficulty breathing. And when it worsens it results in chest tightness, shortness of breath and fatigue.

For diagnosis the doctor will most likely order spirometry, a lung function test. Treatment are two types of medications: quick-relief drugs (bronchodilators like albuterol, which make it easier to breathe) and drugs you take daily to keep asthma under control, such as leukotriene modifiers (like Singulair).

Now, when it comes down to a chronic, hacking cough producing a lot of mucus, especially in the morning, COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, includes both chronic bronchitis and emphysema mainly caused by smoking.

Comes then GRED (=gastroesophageal reflux disease); a dry spasmodic cough caused by the acid reaching esophagus. It is believed to be the second most common cause of chronic cough. Lying down or eating can worsen it, esp. when one goes to bed at night, its bouts begins causing heartburn and hoarseness.

The Examination may include an x-ray of your upper GI tract and/or an endoscopy (where your doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube down your throat to examine it). GERD is treated with OTC or prescription meds to reduce acid production, like Pepcid AC, Zantac, or Prilosec.

Now caused purely by smoking is COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; a chronic and mucus in a large quantity producing cough particularly in the morning. 

Symptoms could be cough getting better as the day progresses; shortness of breath, especially with physical activity; wheezing, fatigue, and chest tightness.

Medical recommendation is to go for lung function tests such as spirometry and a chest x-ray. It is treated with meds like bronchodilators and inhaled steroids; imperative is to quit smoking. In extreme cases, oxygen therapy may be needed.