Coughing is a common symptom of many respiratory infections. While it can be annoying, many home remedies can help to relieve a dry cough. This blog article discusses some of the most effective home remedies for dry cough, as well as how to prevent coughing in the first place.
Coughing is a reflex that helps to clear your airways of mucus, irritants, and foreign objects. While it can be annoying, coughing is an important part of the body's natural defence system.
Types of Cough
There are two main types of coughs: wet coughs and dry coughs. Wet coughs produce mucus, while dry coughs do not. Dry coughs can be especially irritating and can make it difficult to sleep.
There are many causes of dry cough, including:
- Viral infections, such as the common cold or the flu
- Bacterial infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Smoking
- Environmental irritants, such as dust or smoke
Blood Test for Cough and Cold
There are no specific blood tests that can diagnose a common cold or cough. Doctors mainly make the diagnosis based on symptoms. However, some blood tests that may be done include:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test: This checks for elevated white blood cell count which signals the body is fighting an infection. An elevated count can help confirm a suspected viral or bacterial infection causing cough/cold symptoms.
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test: CRP is a marker of inflammation in the body. A high level indicates inflammatory response and can correlate to more severe illness if symptoms persist.
- Blood Cultures: If symptoms are very severe or patient has risk factors, blood culture may be taken to detect a bacterial infection in the blood causing respiratory symptoms. Helpful when antibiotic treatment decisions need to be made.
- Serology Testing: This tests for antibodies to identify whether a prior viral infection occurred that may be linked to lingering cough symptoms. Tests for influenza, RSV, Mycoplasma etc. based on clinical context.
While non-specific, abnormal blood test results support clinical suspicions of infectious processes underlying cold/cough. They also help gauge severity guiding treatment decisions in high risk cases. The lab tests play an adjunctive role and findings interpreted in context of the clinical picture.
Home Remedies for Dry Cough
Many home remedies can help to relieve a dry cough. Some of the most effective home remedies include:
- Warm liquids: Drinking warm liquids, such as tea, broth, or soup, can help to soothe a dry throat and loosen mucus.
- Honey: Honey has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help to relieve a dry cough. You can take honey by itself or add it to tea or warm water.
- Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that can help to relieve a dry cough. You can make ginger tea by steeping a piece of fresh ginger root in hot water for 10–15 minutes.
- Gargling with salt water: Gargling with salt water can help to soothe a sore throat and loosen mucus.
- Humidifier: Using a humidifier in your home can help to add moisture to the air, which can help to relieve a dry cough.
- Getting enough rest: Getting enough rest is important for overall health and can also help to relieve a dry cough.
How to Stop Coughing?
There are a few things you can do to prevent coughing:
- Wash your hands often: Washing your hands helps to prevent the spread of germs that can cause coughs.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick: If you can, avoid contact with people who are sick. If you must be around someone who is sick, take precautions to protect yourself, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your face.
- Get vaccinated: There are vaccines available for some of the viruses that can cause coughs, such as the flu and pneumonia.
- Manage allergies: If you have allergies, managing them can help to prevent coughing. This may involve avoiding allergens, taking allergy medication, or using a humidifier.
How long does a dry cough last?
A dry cough can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. It usually goes away on its own, but if it lasts longer than two weeks, you should see a doctor.
What should I do if I have a dry cough?
If you have a dry cough, you can try the home remedies listed above. If the home remedies don't help, or if your cough is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever or difficulty breathing, you should see a doctor.
How can I prevent a dry cough?
You can prevent a dry cough by following the tips listed above, such as washing your hands often, avoiding contact with sick people, and getting vaccinated.
Conclusion
Coughing is a common symptom of many respiratory infections. While it can be annoying, many home remedies can help to relieve a dry cough. If you have a dry cough, you should try the home remedies listed above. If the home remedies don't help, or if your cough is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever or difficulty breathing, you should see a doctor.
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