Coughing is the body's natural response to expel and cleanse foreign substances or irritants from the throat or respiratory tract. In general, cough is divided into two types, namely cough with phlegm and no phlegm.
Usually coughing only occurs occasionally and does not last long. Although some coughs can heal on their own, they should not be underestimated. Coughing needs to be addressed appropriately, so as not to interfere with activity and not develop into conditions that will affect overall body health, such as decreased appetite, weakness, headaches, insomnia, to wounds in the throat.
Cough Causes and Risk Factors
Coughing generally occurs due to interference with the respiratory tract, which is caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Inflammation and infections of the respiratory tract, such as pharyngitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, and tuberculosis, are often characterized by symptoms of cough.
In addition, coughing can be caused by irritation of the respiratory tract, either due to dust, dirt, or pollution. Coughing can also occur due to allergic reactions.
Anyone can experience a cough, regardless of age and gender. However, there are several factors that can increase the risk of coughing and worsen existing coughs, including:
- Have a smoking habit.
- Have a history of allergies or asthma.
- Live or move in a dirty environment with high levels of air pollution.
- Lung disease, such as bronchiectasis and COPD.
Quick Ways to Overcome Coughs
Generally cough will heal itself in a few days without special treatment. Even so, there are several ways you can do to speed up healing, namely:
- Get enough rest and drink lots of water.
- Drink lemon juice mixture with honey.
- Gargle with salt water regularly to clean and expel phlegm.
- Prop up a few pillows under your back while sleeping so that the head is higher than the body.
- Keep the room clean from dust and dirt, including those attached to the fan or air conditioner. Also keep items that you touch frequently, such as cell phones.
- Stop smoking, and avoid cigarette smoke.
- Use a mask, especially when on the move in dusty or smoky areas.
- Wash your hands regularly, especially after coughing and also before and after eating, going to the toilet, or treating sick people.
In order for the cough to subside more quickly, you can take cough medicine according to the type of cough that is experienced. Cough medicines containing diphenhydramine HCl and ammonium chloride can be an option for relieving coughs, especially those caused by allergies. In addition, the two drug ingredients can also help you to rest.
If you experience cough with phlegm, you can choose a cough medicine that contains bromhexine HCl and guaifenesin. Both of these medicinal contents function to thin the phlegm so that it is more easily removed. Because it does not cause drowsiness, you can still move as usual after taking this type of cough medicine.
You should be vigilant if coughing occurs continuously and for more than three weeks. This condition should be treated immediately, because it could be a persistent cough that is a symptom of a serious illness, such as chronic bronchitis and whooping cough.
To avoid the risk of dangerous side effects, you should read the information on the use of the drug listed on the drug packaging. If your cough is getting worse, does not heal for more than three weeks, accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, and weight loss, consult a doctor immediately. It was feared, the cough appeared as a symptom of an illness that needed to be treated quickly.
