Chronic cough care

What is a chronic cough? What should I do if I have a persistent cough? What diseases can cause coughs? What are the nursing methods for chronic coughs? Don't worry, this article will answer these questions for you.

What is a chronic cough?

Cough is one of the most common respiratory diseases in our daily life. It is divided into chronic cough, subacute cough and acute cough. Chronic cough is a cough symptom that lasts for more than 8 weeks and there is no obvious abnormality in chest X-ray examination. It is very common in our daily life. Chronic cough is mainly caused by respiratory diseases. Common causes include smoking, bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, etc., accompanied by fever, chest pain, dyspnea, and hemoptysis.

Coughing is the body's self-healing mechanism to clear phlegm, viruses, bacteria and other irritants from the airways. However, if the cough is long-lasting and frequent, and is accompanied by discomfort or pain, it can only be relieved and controlled through correct diagnosis and treatment.

What are the care methods for chronic cough?

1. Keep the indoor air moist: Dry air may irritate and aggravate cough symptoms. Using a humidifier or placing a basin of water in the room can increase the humidity of the indoor air, which helps relieve the discomfort of dry and itchy throat. It should be noted that keeping the indoor air moist does not mean making the air too humid, because a humid environment may cause mold and bacteria to grow. Therefore, it is necessary to clean and maintain the humidifier regularly to keep the indoor air clean and moist.

2. Avoid air pollution: Minimize exposure to irritants such as smoke, dust, and chemical gases. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, as smoke contains a large amount of harmful chemicals that can irritate the respiratory tract and cause coughing and other health problems; minimize indoor dust, keep the indoor environment clean and tidy, clean carpets, furniture, and curtains regularly, and use a vacuum cleaner or wet mop to remove dust; in environments with high air pollution or the presence of chemical gases, wearing a mask can block most harmful particles from entering the respiratory tract.

3. Healthy diet: Healthy diet is equally important for chronic cough. Appropriate intake of foods rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, such as citrus fruits, green vegetables, etc., can help improve immunity, help the body fight infection and relieve cough symptoms. At the same time, adjust unhealthy eating habits, such as frequent consumption of cold drinks, spicy foods and fried foods, which may irritate the throat and digestive system and aggravate cough symptoms. In terms of diet, it is recommended to choose light and easily digestible foods as much as possible, drink more warm water, and improve the body's self-healing ability.

4. Regular work and rest: For people with chronic cough, coughing at night may be more severe, thus affecting the quality of sleep. If you often suffer from insomnia due to coughing, you can try the following methods:

Raise the head of the bed slightly to reduce coughing caused by gastroesophageal reflux;

Avoid going to bed right after dinner, and allow some time for the food to fully digest;

It is recommended to choose soft and comfortable bedding to make the body comfortable and relax and avoid causing muscle tension;

Maintain good sleeping habits and develop a regular schedule. Adequate sleep can enhance the body's resistance and alleviate cough symptoms.

5. Drink enough water: Adequate water intake can keep the throat moist and reduce the occurrence of dry coughs. Generally speaking, it is recommended to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. It should be noted that each person's water needs will vary and are affected by factors such as environment, weight, activity level and health status. In some cases, such as hot weather, strenuous exercise or illness, you may need to increase your water intake, so you should add or subtract according to your personal situation.

6. Cough suppressants: Although cough suppressants can temporarily relieve cough symptoms, long-term use may lead to drug dependence or side effects, such as dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, nausea, etc. Therefore, when using cough suppressants, be sure to follow the doctor's advice and use them according to the dosage. Do not increase the dosage or adjust the method of use on your own. In addition, some cough suppressants may interact with other drugs, and special groups should also be considered, such as pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and the elderly. Therefore, before using cough suppressants, it is best to consult a doctor for information on contraindications, dosage, and period of use.

7. Exercise and maintain weight: Moderate physical exercise can enhance the body's immunity, improve lung function, and reduce the incidence of chronic cough. At the same time, maintaining a proper weight can reduce the burden on the chest cavity and reduce respiratory discomfort.

8. Seek medical advice: If chronic cough seriously affects your daily life and work, it is recommended to seek medical attention in time. The doctor will make a professional diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan based on the specific situation.

In short, although the symptoms of chronic cough are persistent, they can be effectively alleviated by adjusting lifestyle and paying attention to diet and other aspects of care. If the symptoms of chronic cough persist, it is recommended to seek medical attention in time to better control chronic cough and get rid of troubles. The above is only personal advice for reference only. Regarding treatment or care, it must be based on personal specific circumstances and follow the doctor's advice. (Zhao Chunxia, ​​Lingshou County People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province)