What Triggers a Cough and How to Get Rid of It
Whether you have a dry cough or a chronic cough, there are several different things that you should be aware of. You need to know what triggers the cough and how to get rid of it.
Dry cough
Having a dry cough can be annoying. It may be the symptom of a viral infection or an underlying condition. If you are experiencing this symptom, your healthcare provider should examine you to determine the cause.
A cough is the body’s natural mechanism for protecting the airways. It clears phlegm and other irritants out of the lungs. A cough that lasts longer than eight weeks is considered a chronic cough.
Some causes of dry cough include GERD, asthma, and bronchitis. These conditions cause your esophagus to produce acid. An acid-blocking medicine can be prescribed to reduce the symptoms of your GERD.
An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (EGE) can help your doctor identify the cause of your dry cough. This procedure puts a thin tube through your mouth and into your esophagus, stomach, and part of your small intestine.
An imaging study can be performed to determine if your dry cough is caused by asthma or another lung disorder. This test creates an image of your lungs. It can also measure your breathing during exercise. These tests can help your doctor rule out more serious conditions.
A home sleep test can help determine if your cough is caused by sleep apnea. This disorder is common in older women and can cause you to stop breathing in and out repeatedly.
Your doctor may be able to treat your dry cough by prescribing a cough medicine or by making recommendations about your lifestyle. It may be a good idea to stay away from certain triggers, such as smoking or alcohol. Taking a hot shower can also help ease irritation in your throat.
A doctor may also recommend antiviral medications to treat your viral infection. These medications can also help prevent a secondary illness. Your doctor can also prescribe other medicines, such as a corticosteroid inhaler. If your doctor thinks that your dry cough is caused by a bacterial infection, he or she may prescribe antibiotics.
Pulmonary fibrosis is an idiopathic disease in which scar tissue forms on the lung tissues. These tissues can become stiff, leading to coughing fits and even broken ribs.
Chronic cough
Among adults, chronic cough is defined as a cough that persists for eight weeks or longer. Chronic cough is not a common illness and can be frustrating to suffer from. However, if you have it, there are simple treatments you can take to relieve it.
A chronic cough is often triggered by a low amount of exposure to chemical or thermal irritants. It is also believed that it may be caused by allergies.
A patient with a chronic cough will also experience other symptoms, including chest pain, headache, and night sweats. These can cause frustration and affect work performance. They can also cause a person to become socially isolated, which can lead to feelings of anger and anxiety.
A healthcare team can help you to determine the cause of your cough. Once they have determined what is causing it, they will recommend treatment. Depending on the cause of your cough, the healthcare team may need to try different medications to find a solution.
A chest x-ray or spirometry test can help your doctor determine if you have an underlying condition. The test can also rule out more serious causes, such as lung cancer.
Your healthcare team will also check your lungs to make sure they are healthy. The test can also check for infections, such as pneumonia. In some cases, your doctor may order a biopsy of your mucus to check for cellular abnormalities.
Some coughs are caused by GERD, which is an irritated esophagus. In GERD, stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, which causes chest pain. You should try to avoid foods that trigger GERD, such as garlic and alcohol. Taking liquid antacids at bedtime will help treat your symptoms.
Besides GERD, the most common causes of chronic cough are asthma, postnasal drip, and sinus infections. When these are treated, the cough usually goes away.
If you have a cough that persists for more than eight weeks, your doctor may diagnose you with a chronic cough. Chronic cough can interfere with your social life, interfere with work performance, and cause you to feel fatigued. If your cough is caused by GERD, your doctor may recommend changing the medicines you take to relieve your symptoms.
Refractory cough
Several studies have found that a small number of patients with chronic coughs are refractory to conventional medical treatment. These patients may be misdiagnosed or suffer from incomplete work-up. This may lead to inappropriate treatment, inaccessible specialist cough centers, and excessive physician visits.
In refractory CC, the larynx plays an important role. It is the origin of important cough reflex afferent impulses. Therefore, treatment of this area may be essential in reducing the severity of the chronic cough.
The larynx/pharynx is the bridge between the esophagus and the upper respiratory tract. Its function is to sense noxious stimuli and send a signal to the vagus nerve. When the larynx becomes irritated, a cough reflex is triggered. In refractory CC, there is an increased sensitivity to this stimulus. The pathophysiology of CC is complex, involving a combination of several pathophysiological mechanisms.
CC is triggered by low levels of thermal exposure or chemical exposure. These stimuli cause the release of ATP. This ATP activates P2X3 channels on the sensory nerves. The ATP stimulates an action potential that travels through the vagus nerve to the central nervous system.
The pathophysiology of CC is complicated by paradoxical vocal fold movement. This paradoxical movement is associated with extrathoracic airway hyperresponsiveness and cough reflex sensitivity. When the larynx is less irritated, cough reflex sensitivity is reduced. Several otolaryngologists believe that this may be a contributing factor in many cases of refractory CC.
Two phases 3 clinical trials are currently underway for patients with refractory chronic cough. The first study evaluated the effectiveness of a speech-language pathology program on refractory chronic cough. The program was formulated to improve cough reflex sensitivity in patients with PVFM. Other components included cough suppression behavior and vocal hygiene training.
The results of the study suggest that a speech-language pathology program is an effective management intervention for patients with refractory chronic cough. Treatment included three to four treatment sessions. The improvement in cough and cough frequency was significant. The improvement in cough-related quality of life was also significant.
The study findings highlight the importance of patient satisfaction in patient management guidelines. The study provides researchers with new information about the causes of chronic cough. It also suggests that new treatments are in development.
Triggers for a cough
During a cough, the body’s natural mechanism gets rid of unwanted things in the lungs, like inhaled dirt, dust, or germs. However, coughs are also a reaction to other factors such as environmental factors, medications, or medical conditions. These triggers should be considered when deciding how to treat a cough.
Some common causes of cough are viruses, allergies, and asthma. If you are coughing due to an allergy, you should contact your doctor. You should also avoid eating certain foods or taking certain medications. You should also avoid lying down until at least two hours after eating.
You can also develop a cough due to exposure to certain chemical agents, such as smoke. Coughs can also be triggered by changes in temperature, humidity, and changes in seasons. These can affect the frequency and sensitivity of your cough. You can also develop a cough due to your diet. You should avoid eating foods that trigger your coughs, such as coffee, alcohol, and chocolate. You should also try to avoid sleeping in very cold conditions.
Other conditions that can cause coughs include respiratory tract infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Coughs can also be triggered due to sleep apnea. However, if you experience a persistent cough, it is best to see a doctor to determine whether you have a more serious problem. Fortunately, over-the-counter cough medicines can help relieve coughing. You can use cough suppressants, antihistamines, decongestants, and expectorants to treat your cough.
If you have asthma, you may develop a cough that worsens with exposure to cold air, cigarette smoke, and fragrances. You should also remove allergens from your home to avoid triggering a cough. You should also keep pets out of your bedroom.
Other possible triggers include changes in temperature, humidity, or air pollution. Coughing can also be triggered by changes in the season, such as winter and summer. You should also try to avoid eating too close to bedtime. You should also consider taking liquid antacids at bedtime, especially if you have GERD.
If you have asthma, it is best to consult a doctor to determine the cause of your cough. The doctor can recommend the best treatment for your condition.
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