CENTRAL BOGOR, AYOBOGOR.COM – Coughing is a common symptom of viral respiratory tract infections. Usually, this cough goes away as soon as you recover from the infection.
Reporting from the Contemporary Clinic, this is a type of cough that you should be aware of.
1. Cough felt in the chest
A cough that comes out of the chest is often triggered by excess mucus. This type of cough is sometimes referred to as a “productive cough” because of this, the act of coughing up mucus in the chest.
If the patient reports irritation from coughing, the doctor may recommend an expectorant cough medicine containing guaifenesin to help loosen the mucus easily.
2. Dry cough and itching
This type of cough occurs when the throat doesn’t produce enough mucus, which causes throat irritation.
Your doctor may recommend pain medication to coat the throat and relieve irritation of the upper respiratory tract. Acceptable painkillers include water, lemon, honey, and menthol.
3. Bronchitis
This type of cough produces yellow-gray phlegm, and is usually accompanied by flu-like symptoms, nasal congestion, headache, and fatigue.
Ultimately, the best treatment for bronchitis is rest and drinking fluids, which can prevent dehydration and also thin out phlegm. Doctors will avoid prescribing antibiotics for most bronchitis patients, as this condition is usually caused by a virus, not a bacterial infection.
4. Post-Virus Cough
Post-viral cough is a common symptom following an upper respiratory tract infection due to strep throat.
Doctors will avoid giving antibiotics for most patients, as post-viral cough is rarely caused by bacteria. Instead, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter cough syrup containing dextromethorphan or menthol to relieve discomfort.
5. Whooping Cough or Pertussis
Often thought of as an infection in the past, whooping cough comes back. According to the World Health Organization, there were 30,000 to 40,000 deaths related to whooping cough in the United States between 2010 and 2014.
Whooping cough initially presents with mild cold-like symptoms that turn into episodes of severe coughing over several weeks. The coughing phase is severe, also produces thick phlegm, and the condition is highly contagious.
The best way for patients to protect themselves is to get vaccinated against whooping cough and ensure that their children get the vaccine too, as whooping cough is especially dangerous for young children. (Deni Suhendar)
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