Unproductive cough (irritable cough) is experienced as a dry and agonizing cough. What to look for:
Unproductive cough, that is, the irritation of the cough is treated with an antitussive (cough suppressant).
Do not give free rein to the cough, but meet it with a tender cough. It works like this: The patient forms a fist with his left hand, into which he coughs gently. If he coughs uncontrollably (not gently), the mucous membranes collide and it comes to mucous membrane tears, in which viruses and bacteria can easily penetrate.
Avoiding cold air and / or smoke, this increases the irritation of cough.
Helpful may be:
Saline inhalations (three teaspoons of table salt in a bowl).
Steam inhalations (20 minutes at 43 ° C water temperature).
Productive coughing loosens secretions/mucus (this is desirable). One feels relieved afterwards. What to look for:
Productive cough must not be treated by an antitussive (cough suppressant)!
Supply of abundant fluids helps liquefaction, facilitating the expectoration of secretions.
Helpful can be inhalations with saline or herbal extracts. Caution. Caution is advised when inhaling with essential oils in young children. These can further irritate the sensitive airways.
To dissolve the mucus is recommended gentle tapping of the back in the prone position (from the buttocks in the direction of the head; four times from the bottom up, once on the right, once on the left).
Avoid dry room air (low humidity) due tooverheated rooms, underfloor heating, air conditioning; if necessary, humidification.
Physical rest in case of severe discomfort or fatigue.
Observance of the general hygiene measures!
For infection prophylaxis should be coughed into the crook of the arm, instead of the palm!
Nicotine restriction (renunciation of tobacco use) – A smoker’s cough improves under nicotine renunciation already after four to six weeks (but does not disappear completely in advanced cases).
