Cough irritation usually occurs in conjunction with a cold. Because sufferers cough constantly, it can be a major problem, especially at night – namely, when it interferes with sleep. However, it can also be due to other causes.
What is cough irritation?
Also known as dry irritable cough in medical terminology, the term refers to a persistent, severe cough that is triggered by irritation in the lower respiratory tract. It often results in coughing fits. It is characterized by the fact that it is not accompanied by sputum. Therefore, it is a so-called non-productive cough. In this context, pain may also occur. In general, cough is considered a protective reflex of the body to clear the respiratory tract. It should be noted that it is not a disease in itself, but an accompanying symptom. Basically, a distinction should be made between acute and chronic forms.
Causes
The causes of cough irritation can be varied. One of the most common is its occurrence in connection with a cold, especially in its first phase. In this case, pathogens enter the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, which consequently becomes inflamed – the infection caused then triggers the irritation. Other respiratory diseases such as laryngitis, bronchitis, whooping cough or bronchial asthma are also accompanied by this symptom. Caution is advised if high fever is added – then pneumonia may be suspected. In rare cases, a chronic cough can indicate serious diseases such as lung cancer. However, the cause of a coughing fit is not always related to respiratory diseases; it is often caused by allergic reactions. It can also be caused by taking certain medications such as ACE inhibitors. Last but not least, influences such as cigarette smoke, lack of fluids or a foreign body that has entered the trachea are also considered common triggers.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
Depending on its cause, a cough irritation can cause various accompanying symptoms and complaints. If the cough irritation is based on an incipient cold, typical symptoms include headache, aching limbs, runny nose, hoarseness and sore throat. This is often accompanied by a slight fever and a feeling of illness. If the cause is irritation of the respiratory tract, for example by dust or smoke, the coughing irritation is accompanied by watery eyes and a scratchy throat. Occasionally there is shortness of breath, which usually subsides after a few seconds. If gases are the cause, the irritation of the cough is usually accompanied by severe headaches, fatigue and impaired consciousness. In addition, there may be pain in the throat and often swelling around the nose, mouth and throat. A coughing spell that occurs in the course of influenza usually develops gradually. At first, the affected person feels a mild irritation and typical accompanying symptoms such as a runny nose and headache. These symptoms increase in intensity as the illness progresses and culminate in a strong feeling of illness. The coughing irritation itself can lead to swallowing difficulties and problems with speech. Chronic symptoms cause irritation of the respiratory tract, leading to hoarseness and eventual loss of voice.
Diagnosis and course
The development of the symptom cough irritation varies depending on the disease. Acute forms such as colds last less than three weeks, while chronic ones last longer, sometimes for life. Examples include bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive bronchitis. In the case of a cold, a dry cough usually develops into a phlegmy cough after a few days in order to carry the pathogens out of the respiratory tract. In the case of colds and laryngitis, it subsides after a few days, while in the case of bronchitis it may last a little longer than two weeks. In the case of whooping cough, the coughing fits subside after about three to four months. Depending on the cause, respiratory diseases are additionally accompanied by symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, headache, aching limbs and fatigue. To rule out serious causes, a doctor should be consulted, especially if fever or shortness of breath also occur or the symptoms do not improve within a week.
Complications
A cough is not a disease in its own right, but a defense reflex of the human body.This reflex is intended to transport foreign bodies or mucus from the throat area. Of course, various complications can also occur in connection with a coughing fit, which may even need to be treated by a doctor. In most cases, a repetitive cough irritation occurs due to an infection with bacteria or viruses. Mucus forms in the throat area and a recurring cough irritation occurs. Anyone who leaves this condition without any treatment is putting themselves at great risk. In all likelihood, the coughing irritation will worsen considerably, so that the airways continue to clog with mucus. In addition, typical cold symptoms often occur, such as an increased temperature, dizziness, sweating, nausea or even vomiting. These complications should be treated by a physician with the appropriate medication, otherwise a considerable aggravation is to be expected. Under certain circumstances, pneumonia can even develop, which should of course be treated by a doctor. For this reason, the following applies: a coughing fit is naturally associated with many different complications. If these complications remain without medical or drug treatment, a significant worsening of the condition can be expected.
When should you see a doctor?
Coughing is a natural reaction of the body. An acute cough that quickly subsides is usually harmless and does not require further evaluation by a physician. However, if cough irritation occurs repeatedly, a doctor must be consulted. In principle, the symptoms must be examined if they persist for longer than four to six weeks and increase in intensity and duration in the course of time. Accompanying symptoms also require an examination by the family doctor or an ENT specialist. For example, if there is sputum, often accompanied by wheezing or barking sounds when coughing, this must be clarified. People suffering from chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should see a doctor if they have an irritable cough. The same applies if a cough irritation occurs in connection with a cardiac insufficiency, lung cancer or the intake of certain medications (e.g. ACE inhibitors). If acute coughing irritation occurs after contact with possibly toxic substances or contact with foreign bodies, the hospital must be visited on the same day. Children suffering from whooping cough are best taken to a pediatrician.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment of whooping cough varies depending on the condition, and a specific prescription and administration of appropriate medications will also combat the cough in acute forms. If the symptom occurs in conjunction with a cold, antitussives, cough suppressants, may be prescribed. These include, for example, the active ingredients codeine or noscapine. Antibiotics should be prescribed only for bacterial causes. Furthermore, there are many drops, juices, dragées and pastilles that are not subject to prescription and can therefore be purchased over-the-counter in pharmacies as well as drugstores. Cold ointments with camphor or eucalyptus oil can also relieve the symptoms. Alternatively, home remedies such as onion juice, cottage cheese or potato compresses can also provide relief. In general, enough should be drunk, for example sage or chamomile tea. Sage generally has an anti-inflammatory effect, so sucking sage candies can also have a positive effect on recovery. Cold baths containing essential oils can also help to improve coughing and other cold symptoms. Basically, one should take it easy and, if necessary, stay on bed rest. In chronic forms, the patient’s quality of life can be improved with appropriate medication, but the disease itself remains. If irritable cough is caused by medication, consultation with the responsible physician should be held in any case, so that an alternative can be prescribed.
Outlook and prognosis
Irritable cough can be caused by many factors. The prognosis depends on the trigger of the cough irritation. If the cough irritation is triggered by dry indoor air, overheated rooms, or dust accumulation, the prognosis is good. This also applies to inhaled flour dust or animal hair. The triggering sources must be eliminated.The irritable cough may also indicate an upcoming cold, pharyngitis, lung problems or a smoker’s cough. Other triggers of a chesty cough may include allergic asthma, pleurisy or COPD. Depending on the situation, other accompanying symptoms may be present. So the first thing to determine is why the irritable cough exists. Only then can it be determined what the prognosis is. Normally, permanent freedom from symptoms is achievable within a few weeks if it is an irritable cough caused by a cold. It is even faster if the source of the irritable cough can be quickly identified and eliminated. Irritative cough in smokers can be persistent as long as nicotine-containing smoke is inhaled. If the cough is allergic, the allergens must be eliminated. If the cough irritation is caused by inhaled foreign bodies in the throat, pharynx, or trachea, the prognosis is positive after their removal. Even small injuries of the mucous membrane in the mouth and throat heal quickly. It becomes more difficult if the coughing irritation has psychological causes. In nervous coughing, there is often no real stimulus, but only a perceived one.
Prevention
The coughing irritation can be prevented if it occurs as a result of inflammation of the respiratory tract. Thus, plenty of fluids should be supplied daily, for example, tea, mineral water or juice spritzers. A balanced diet rich in vitamins combined with regular physical activity can also strengthen the immune system. Alternating showers and sauna visits can also have a positive effect on this. Another way to prevent irritable cough, which is not associated with irritation of the respiratory tract, is to avoid active and passive smoking
Follow-up
To achieve permanent relief of the cough irritation or even its complete disappearance, the trigger must be eliminated. If the irritation occurs in dry room and heating air, humidifiers provide a better and less irritating room climate. Especially if it is an allergic irritant cough, the elimination of the cause has top priority. In the case of reactions triggered by dust in general, frequent dusting with a damp cloth already helps. However, if the cough is caused by animal hair, further steps must be considered. Small animals can usually be relocated to a separate room or to an outdoor enclosure in the garden, and contact with the affected person can be greatly reduced. This is difficult with cats or dogs, especially as they shed their hair throughout the home. In some circumstances, the only solution is to give the animal away. Irritated coughs caused by colds subside after a few weeks and can be alleviated somewhat with a spoonful of honey if necessary. The situation is more difficult with smokers. The irritating cough persists in them as long as nicotine-containing smoke is inhaled. Temporarily, or better yet permanently, giving up smoking offers the best chance. If the trigger cannot be found, it may be based on a psychological cause, for which psychotherapy can provide relief.
What you can do yourself
Coughing irritation is not immediately a reason to go to the doctor, because even healthy people occasionally need to “cough free”. Coughing freely has thereby a natural protective function to rid the body of harmful bacteria and germs. However, if the urge to cough solidifies into a cough, there are measures you can take to help yourself. Inhalation frees the bronchial tubes from the irritant mucus. The effect of inhalation can also be enhanced by chamomile or essential oils of eucalyptus, mountain pine or spruce needles. Chamomile is effective against inflammation of the bronchial tubes, while the essential oils, like inhalation, help to clear the bronchial tubes of mucus. In general, when coughing, drink plenty of fluids to moisten the mucous membranes and loosen the mucus. The classic cough tea from the pharmacy or home remedies such as onion juice with rock candy can help. Chamomile tea has a soothing effect on the bronchial tubes, fennel tea loosens the mucus and sage tea coats the mucous membrane with a moist layer so that the coughing irritation can be absorbed. However, if the cough does not go away even after weeks, then the family doctor or ENT specialist should be consulted to clarify the cause. The doctor can then clarify the cause and prescribe appropriate therapies. Otherwise, the cough threatens to become chronic once it has settled in the bronchial tubes.
