What to do if an adult's cough has not gone away for a month. How to help an adult treat a prolonged cough with phlegm

If the cough does not go away, there is a possibility of re-entering the body of pathogens against the background of a weakened immune system after a respiratory illness. Developing as a residual phenomenon, a symptom can disturb a person during the recovery period. During this time, the lungs and bronchi are completely cleared of accumulated sputum. If the cough syndrome does not go away for 2 weeks, there is a reason for a second visit to the doctor. An unpleasant affliction this often indicates a serious pathology in the body. What should be done if the cough does not go away for a long time, the attending physician will tell you after an individual consultation.

A prolonged cough without fever is an involuntary reflex that occurs in response to the action of a specific stimulus. Development so unpleasant symptom often signals that an infection has entered the body, which has a bacterial, viral or allergic nature. A cough does not go away for a long time also due to the fact that a foreign object or substance has got into the breathing path.

When coughing, the bronchi are cleared of mucus containing a pathogenic agent in its composition. Having got rid of the accumulated sputum, the symptom stops, but not for long. This condition indicates a wet cough syndrome, when the body is already on its way to recovery. It's much worse when you can't clear your throat. In this case, a dry cough develops in an adult or a child. Getting rid of it is quite problematic. Often it drags on for a long period of time, during which the body is significantly weakened and depleted.

Why does the cough of an adult and a child not go away? Persistent cough often signals the development of complications after the underlying disease or due to the addition of a secondary infection. In the first case, the causes of such an unpleasant symptom develop as a result of an uncured respiratory disease, as well as due to illiterately prescribed therapy. In the second, the causes of the disease can signal the ingestion of pathogenic agents against the background of weakened immunity after the disease.

In this case, the main harmful microorganisms are:

Viruses.
Bacteria (eg, pneumocystis, tuberculosis bacteria).
Fungi (candida, chlamydia).

Often, a prolonged cough in adults indicates the occurrence of an allergic disease, the source of which is a wide variety of pathogens:

wool, saliva or dander of domestic and wild animals;
dust mites;
bird feather (down);
pollen of flowering plants (indoor and garden);
Food;
materials from artificial fabrics;
household and decorative cosmetics, etc.

The situation is much more complicated if two or more pathogens enter the body. In this case, the symptom can drag on for a long time, while the treatment lasts much longer than usual. How to treat a prolonged cough in case of an allergy, the doctor will tell you based on the results of diagnostic measures.

Quiz: Does Your Lifestyle Cause Lung Disease?

Time limit: 0

Navigation (job numbers only)

0 out of 20 tasks completed

Information

Since almost all of us live in cities with very unfavorable conditions for health, and in addition to this we are not correct image life, this topic is very relevant to this moment. We perform many actions, or vice versa - we are inactive, completely without thinking about the consequences for our body. Our life is in breathing, without it we will not live even a few minutes. This test will allow you to determine whether your lifestyle can provoke lung diseases, as well as help you think about your health of the respiratory system and correct your mistakes.

You have already taken the test before. You cannot run it again.

Test is loading...

You must login or register in order to start the test.

You must complete the following tests to start this one:

results

Time is over

You lead the right life

Are you an active person who cares and thinks about his respiratory system and overall health, keep exercising, healthy lifestyle life and your body will delight you throughout your life. But do not forget to undergo examinations on time, maintain your immunity, this is very important, do not overcool, avoid severe physical and severe emotional overload. Try to minimize contact with sick people, in case of forced contact, do not forget about protective equipment (mask, washing hands and face, cleaning respiratory tract).
It's time to start thinking about what you're doing wrong...

You are at risk, you should think about your lifestyle and start taking care of yourself. Physical education is obligatory, and even better start playing sports, choose the sport that you like best and turn it into a hobby (dancing, cycling, gym or just try to walk more). Do not forget to treat colds and flu in time, they can lead to complications in the lungs. Be sure to work with your immunity, temper yourself, be in nature as often as possible and fresh air. Do not forget to undergo scheduled annual examinations, treat lung diseases on initial stages much easier than in the running form. Avoid emotional and physical overload, smoking or contact with smokers, if possible, exclude or minimize.
It's time to sound the alarm!

You are completely irresponsible about your health, thereby destroying the work of your lungs and bronchi, pity them! If you want to live long, you need to radically change your whole attitude towards the body. First of all, go through an examination with specialists such as a general practitioner and a pulmonologist, you need to take radical measures Otherwise, things may end badly for you. Follow all the recommendations of doctors, radically change your life, it may be worth changing your job or even your place of residence, absolutely eliminate smoking and alcohol from your life, and keep contact with people who have such addictions to a minimum, harden, strengthen your immunity, as much as possible be outdoors more often. Avoid emotional and physical overload. Completely exclude all aggressive products from everyday use, replace them with natural ones, natural remedies. Do not forget to do wet cleaning and airing the room at home.

With an answer
Checked out

Task 1 of 20

1 .

Does your lifestyle involve heavy physical activity?
Task 2 of 20

2 .

How often do you have a lung examination (eg fluorogram)?
Task 3 of 20

3 .

Do you play sports?
Task 4 of 20

4 .

Do you snore?
Task 5 of 20

5 .

Do you treat acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, influenza and other inflammatory or infectious diseases?
Task 6 of 20

6 .

Do you carefully observe personal hygiene (shower, hands before eating and after walking, etc.)?
Task 7 of 20

7 .

Are you taking care of your immunity?
Task 8 of 20

8 .

Have any relatives or family members suffered from serious lung diseases (tuberculosis, asthma, pneumonia)?
Task 9 of 20

9 .

Do you live or work in an unfavorable environment(gas, smoke, chemical emissions from enterprises)?
Task 10 of 20

10 .

Do you or your household use sources of strong odors (aroma candles, incense, etc.)?
Task 11 of 20

11 .

Do you have heart disease?
Task 12 of 20

12 .

How often are you in a damp or dusty environment with mold?
Task 13 of 20

13 .

Do you often suffer from acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory infections?
Task 14 of 20

14 .

Do you or any of your relatives have diabetes?
Task 15 of 20

15 .

Do you have allergic diseases?
Task 16 of 20

16 .

What lifestyle do you lead?
Task 17 of 20

17 .

Does anyone in your family smoke?
Task 18 of 20

18 .

Do you smoke?
Task 19 of 20

19 .

Do you have air purifiers in your home?
Task 20 of 20

20 .

How often do you use household chemicals (cleaners, aerosols, etc.)?

A long-lasting cough in an adult is a symptom of some kind of pathology. Its main manifestations are the regular nature of coughing throughout the day, as well as an attack of prolonged coughing with mucus excretion.

What is the treatment for the manifestations of a prolonged cough in an adult? Therapy of pathology depends on the type of symptom.

By nature, there are two main types of cough reflex:

Prolonged dry cough.
Wet cough.

Dry cough syndrome, in turn, is divided by duration into the following types:

acute (persistent cough for more than one week);
protracted (cannot pass for a long time- a month no more);
subacute ( coughing, which has not gone away for 1-2 months);
chronic (protracted cough in adults and children, lasting over 2 months).

It is much more difficult to cure a protracted cough in an adult than an acute symptom. That is why experts do not recommend postponing the treatment of the disease.

If you make a diagnosis in time and start treating the pathology, you can get rid of a lingering cough in as soon as possible.

It often develops on the first day of SARS (acute respiratory viral infection), as well as during the recovery period. Prolonged cough is a contraction of the smooth muscles of the bronchi caused by strong irritation mucosa of the nasopharynx, bronchial tract or trachea.

Dry cough does not go away for a long time in an adult according to the most various reasons. It begins to disturb a person immediately after the infection enters the bronchopulmonary tract. On the first day, the patient has a sore throat, which leads to coughing. After a few days, the patient begins to expectorate, which indicates a speedy recovery. However, this does not always happen. If the cough does not go away for a long time with tracheitis, there may be a long dry cough that is not expectorated.

If a dry cough does not go away a few days after the onset of a respiratory disease, as well as after recovery, it becomes protracted.

As a result of an overly prolonged symptom, the body is significantly weakened, which increases the risk of re-attaching the infection.

Treatment of chronic cough in adults and children should be given special attention. Therapy pathological process is the use of mucolytic medicines. The action of their main components contributes to the rapid production of sputum.

Moist cough

Wet cough is characterized by discharge during the development of the pathology of the bronchopulmonary system. In the process of coughing, the body tries to clear the accumulated mucus in the nasopharynx, as well as the bronchial tract. A wet cough just allows you to remove a huge amount of sputum. This process is called expectoration. It can be very difficult for young children to cough up, due to the fact that viscous mucus makes it difficult to breathe and can get stuck in the throat.

Wet incessant cough is most often observed as a result of a neglected course of a cold or infectious disease.

The color and consistency of mucus can reveal the nature of the pathological process:

Clear slime the usual consistency signals a cold.
A prolonged brown cough often indicates the development of pneumonia - infectious inflammation lungs.
Transparent wet cough thick (but not usual) consistency in most cases is a consequence of the development of bronchial asthma.
An expectorant cough of an unpleasant pungent odor, combined with the discharge of purulent contents from the bronchi, can signal the progression of tuberculosis, lung abscess or bronchitis chronic form.

Often there are situations when, during recovery from an infectious disease, there is a wet one in an adult or child. An incessant cough is possibly a consequence of the removal of residual mucus from the bronchi, when the disease has practically passed, while the symptom still worries the person due to the flow of residual mucus along back wall nasopharynx.

It is possible to treat a prolonged cough with the help of special expectorants and antibiotics. medicines. In the latter case, potent drugs are prescribed when a bacterial type infection is attached.

If the cough does not stop for a week, special concern this process should not deliver. With the right treatment, about the same amount of time is needed for a complete recovery from a respiratory disease. With an infectious pathology of the bronchopulmonary system, it may take some more time (usually several days) to rid the bronchial tract of residual effects.

When the cough does not go away for about a week or two, you should re-contact your doctor. In this case, the development of a complication or the addition of a secondary infection is likely.

Why does the cough not go away for two weeks or a little more?

The main provoking factors of this phenomenon, experts include:

A cold or infectious disease.
Raise allergic reaction.
Decreased body resistance to stress.

The above reasons can lead to the progression of the symptom, regardless of whether moist cough or dry.

How to cure a lingering cough if it does not go away for a long time?

In this case, therapy will be prescribed depending on the underlying disease:

at persistent symptom caused by a cold, the patient is prescribed special antiviral drugs, and in addition, plant-based products with an expectorant effect. According to the indications, immunomodulatory drugs can be taken;
when a cough in an adult of a paroxysmal nature does not go away, and the body temperature rises to febrile levels, there is a risk of getting pneumonia or acute bronchitis. How to treat a prolonged cough, the doctor will decide, however, the main group medications antibiotics will act - potent drugs aimed at destroying the bacterial pathogen of the pathology;
when a non-passing manifestation of bronchial asthma is long cough, antiallergic drugs come to the aid of the patient. They allow you to stop the body's reaction to an external or internal stimulus.

In some cases, the reason why a long dry cough does not go away for about several weeks is that a foreign object has entered the respiratory system.

The main recommendation in such a situation is also to contact a doctor. As a rule, it is not necessary to treat a prolonged cough. This is due to the fact that after foreign object from the bronchial tract, the symptom resolves on its own.

Why can a cough bother a person for a month? a month does not pass as a result of severe infectious diseases. The symptom is often accompanied by other clinical manifestations pathology of the bronchopulmonary system.

The main ones are:

Increased sweating.
Swelling of the upper and lower extremities.
Feeling of nausea, vomiting.
A sharp decline body weight.
Discharge of clear mucus or mixed with blood.
Complete or partial loss of appetite.
Respiratory failure, both during exercise and at rest.
An increase in body temperature to febrile levels.
Deterioration general condition(lethargy, irritability, weakness).
In the chest, the patient feels pain, etc.

What to do if the cough does not go away for a month?

A wet cough may indicate the following: serious pathologies:

chronic lung disease (eg, tuberculosis);
malignant neoplasm(for example, sarcoidosis or lung cancer);
breakthrough of hepatic abscesses (in this case, a wet cough especially often worries a person at night);
illness caused by work in hazardous production;
inflammation of the pleura, bronchi or lungs in a chronic form;
chronic pathologies of the nasopharynx (for example, sinusitis);
severe disruption of the heart;
bronchial asthma.

When a dry cough does not go away for about a month, there is a risk of developing a chronic form of a serious lesion of the bronchopulmonary region (for example, chronic tracheitis).

Also, a dry cough that lasts a long time gets its development due to smoking abuse over a long time interval.

What to do if the cough does not go away for a long time? Treatment of a chronic cough depends on the nature of the underlying disease. If the cough syndrome does not go away for a long time, the patient is prescribed medications aimed at destroying the causative agent of the pathology.

When the cough does not go away for more than a month, there is a possibility of developing cardiac, pulmonary, gastric insufficiency, as well as malignant neoplasms in the pulmonary region. A wet or dry cough does not go away for more than a month also due to immunodeficiency, tuberculosis or bronchial asthma. Protracted cough of an adult - how to treat it? In addition to the main group of medicines, the patient is prescribed the intake of immunomodulating agents that increase the body's defenses.

At proper treatment the person stops coughing after 1-2 weeks. If the cough does not go away for a long time, the reason lies in a false diagnosis or improper therapy.

The article will tell you why cough does not go away for a long time in adults and children, what to do in such cases, how to treat and what to be afraid of.

In contact with

Why does a cough persist for a long time in an adult?

Persistent cough - dangerous symptom indicating the occurrence of serious diseases. Common causes: gastroesophageal reflux disease, bronchial asthma, heart failure, respiratory problems, colds, viruses.

A prolonged cough is usually accompanied by other symptoms: severe shortness of breath, chest pain, lethargy, colored sputum (yellowish, greenish, etc.), whistling, and loss of voice.

If the coughing urge does not go away for a long time, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will prescribe medication and draw up a therapeutic course.

After pneumonia

Residual cough after pneumonia, gradually fading away, can persist for up to 1 month, which should not cause concern. A person who has had pneumonia continues to cough due to the fact that recovery lung tissue happens slowly. Approximately 30% of those who have had the disease functional fabric is not restored at all: the affected areas are sclerosed, reduced in size, wrinkled, their blood supply is disturbed, foci appear that predispose to the development of an infectious process.

If the cough does not go away after, the doctor draws up the last stage of the therapeutic course: he prescribes medication to help eliminate the urge.

In adults, coughing after pneumonia lasts longer than in children. In such cases, drugs of peripheral and central action are prescribed that suppress cough reflexes. Along with this, the specialist prescribes training exercises for the lungs, percussion massage, inhalations.

After a cold

Residual dry cough is a common occurrence after suffering a cold. It indicates that the body is recovering from illness. If a person has bad habits, the urge is aggravated (for example, under the influence of tobacco). Thanks to the reduction local immunity respiratory tract, recovery is slower, and in some cases the bacterial infection may recur.

If the cough does not go away after a cold, drug therapy is extended under the supervision of a doctor. If you ignore cough urges, there is a high probability that the disease will become chronic.

2 weeks

After a person has had a disease, the body undergoes a reflex reaction to irritation of the respiratory tract. The paths are irritated by the flow of inhaled air. Most coughing is expressed during a conversation, laughter, raising the voice.

If the cough does not go away for 2 weeks, the first thing to do is to contact a therapist or an ENT for diagnosis. The doctor will determine the cause of the urge and the degree of the course of the disease, since there is a possibility that it was not completely cured. Depending on the type of cough (voiced, deaf, wet, dry, etc.), a medication course of treatment is prescribed.

When the cough does not go away for more than a week in an adult, related causes can be:

infectious inflammation of the respiratory tract (accompanied by temperature);
allergic reaction;
side effects from a previous medication.

Incessant cough reflexes are sometimes a sign of neoplasms in respiratory organs. In such cases, the cough is dry, poorly expectorated, less often - bloody.

Do not self-medicate! If you want to eliminate coughing within a few days, you need professional medical help.

Month

If an adult's cough does not go away for a month, it is important to determine the source of the urge. The reason can be both an unfavorable working (or living) environment, and developing diseases. Respiratory receptors irritate:

The receptor is irritated at different parts of the respiratory tract: starting with the nose and ending with the lungs. A cough that does not go away for 2 months or more becomes chronic. Possible reasons: residual effects of respiratory infections, tumor development, work at a hazardous enterprise.

The doctor makes a diagnosis based on the patient's lifestyle, medical history, and general well-being.

half a year

If the cough does not go away for six months, it may be a sign of tuberculosis. To establish the cause of the incessant urge, the phthisiatrician appoints the patient to take sputum for analysis, prescribes radiographic examination methods.

If the cough is caused chronic diseases, it is impossible to eliminate it completely. It will manifest itself with a certain frequency, depending on the stage of exacerbation. The average remission period is 3.5 months, but often it reaches six months or more.

What to do if a person coughs for a long time?

Treatment of chronic cough is accompanied by complex therapy. It includes drug treatment, folk remedies, vitamin course. Before starting therapy, the patient undergoes an examination in the clinic. The list of directions given by the doctor:

blood analysis;
fluorography or X-ray of organs chest;
FGDS;
sputum analysis.

The results of the examination must be provided to the attending doctor. Based on them, a course of treatment is prescribed. Its general principles are:

If no functional problems are found, the doctor prescribes medications that depress the cough reflex. It is not recommended to select medicines on your own! With the wrong combination of drugs, the urge is aggravated, and the person's condition worsens.
If an allergy has been detected, bronchodilators and antihistamines are prescribed.
In case it was found infection, the doctor prescribes an antibiotic course along with other drugs.

Many are interested in what to do if the cough does not go away for a very long time, and there is no opportunity to see a doctor. In this case temporary salvation will serve as a reception natural medicines. These include herbs, teas, salt heating, etc. Several effective ways:

Radish juice. The vegetable is cut into thin slices, sprinkled with sugar, settled. After the radish has released the juice, the liquid is poured into the cup. It should be consumed every 60 minutes for 1 tbsp. spoon.
Garlic milk. Finely chop or a head of garlic, add to milk, heat. To enhance the taste, mint, ginger or honey can be added to the drink. How to use: every 60 minutes, 1 tbsp. spoon.
Freshly squeezed carrots with honey. Proportions: for 1 cup of juice 1 teaspoon of honey. Dilute contents with water. Drink drink 3 times a day.

The listed methods are able to eliminate cough urges within 1-3 days.

Combine drug therapy and treatment with folk remedies is possible, but under one condition. It is necessary to read the instructions for the medicine, namely, how many minutes before / after food to take it, in what dosage. Otherwise, the effect will be minimal.

If the child coughs for a long time, the cause may be:

bronchospasm;
allergic reaction;
not fully cured colds.

When a child coughs for more than 3 months, this also indicates that the baby has a weakened immune system.

If you notice a child with a prolonged cough, you should contact your pediatrician. If necessary, he will refer to the ENT, which examines the upper respiratory tract of the child and determines if there is a pathology of the throat or nose. In case of a negative result, you will need to visit a phthisiatrician to rule out tuberculosis.

What to do when it doesn't work:

get a doctor's prescription and strictly follow his instructions;
temporarily restrict the child from communicating with children (especially those who are sick);
give him as much warm liquid as possible (infusions, teas, natural compotes, etc.);
never smoke in the presence of a child.

Preventive measures: prevent hypothermia of the child, monitor his hygiene, take a vitamin course. Tableted vitamins should be taken when the doctor has approved the choice.

In most cases, children's cough is pathological, but there are still exceptions to the rule. All that is required of parents is to respond in time, bring the baby to the doctor and strictly follow the doctor's instructions.

Useful video

See what the therapist says about the causes of a prolonged cough:

conclusions

The causes of a prolonged cough can be various diseases, bad habits, or work in a chemical industry.
Before making a diagnosis, the doctor examines the patient's medical history, asks about lifestyle, the presence of allergies.
It is strongly not recommended to take antitussive medicines without consulting a doctor.

The information in the article is provided for informational purposes only. Call your doctor if your cough doesn't go away for more than 3 weeks.

A prolonged cough in a person appears for various reasons. It can be both a common cold and oncology. modern medicine has effective methods diagnosis and treatment of pathologies that cause a prolonged cough.

Protracted cough: causes and characteristics

Cough is a reflex by which the airways are cleared of secretions and pathogens. A cough is considered protracted if unpleasant symptoms persist for more than three weeks. Pathology can develop in a person at any age. An increased risk of a persistent cough is:

smokers with experience;
people with reduced immunity;
allergy sufferers;
patients with autoimmune diseases;
people with chronic respiratory diseases;
vaccine opponents.

A persistent cough may be a sign dangerous ailments therefore requires careful diagnosis and timely treatment.

Today it has become fashionable to refuse vaccinations, and this phenomenon has become widespread. However, it should be remembered that ignoring routine vaccination increases the risk of developing such terrible diseases as measles, tuberculosis, and rubella. These pathologies cause not only a prolonged cough, but also more dangerous consequences up to death.

Why does a persistent cough appear

Factors that provoke a prolonged cough include:

Smoking can become the "culprit" not only of a prolonged cough, but also of lung cancer. Statistics confirm this fact: 90% of patients with lung cancer are smokers.

Associated symptoms

At persistent cough A person may experience the following symptoms:

dyspnea;
nausea;
elevated body temperature, the indicators of which can vary from 37 to the highest values;
general weakness;
intolerance physical activity. At active movements the person's cough gets worse;
expectoration;
chest pain;
swollen lymph nodes in the neck;
runny nose;
pain syndrome when swallowing;
conjunctivitis, itching skin, sneezing - accompany an allergic cough.

Dangerous symptoms that pose a threat to life and health:

With "threatening" symptoms, immediately consult a doctor for medical help.

Video: doctor Lyudmila Lapa about cough

Diagnostic measures

With a prolonged cough, you should visit a therapist or pediatrician. The doctor will prescribe the necessary examination, after which consultations of other specialists may be necessary:

otolaryngologist;
phthisiatrician;
allergist;
oncologist.

To make a correct diagnosis, the following laboratory methods research:

general urine analysis;
general blood analysis;
blood biochemistry;
PCR analysis to identify the causative agent of the disease;
bacteriological examination of sputum.

Laboratory tests will help determine the cause of a persistent cough.

And also in the diagnosis instrumental methods of research are used:

chest x-ray;
computed tomography of the chest;
bronchoscopy;
electrocardiogram;
ultrasound examination of the heart.

Disease control methods

After carrying out the necessary diagnostic studies the doctor selects a treatment regimen for a protracted cough.

Drug therapy

With a prolonged cough, the following medicines can be used:

antibiotics (Sumamed, Macropen, Clarithromycin). Destroy pathogenic microbes. Used for sore throat, bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia;
antitussive drugs (Codeine, Stoptussin, Glycodin). They are prescribed for dry painful cough;
mucolytics (Ambroxol, Bromhexine, Codelac). They are used for thick sputum, which is hard to expectorate;
antihistamines (Tavegil, Suprastin, Fenkarol). Reduce or completely eliminate the symptoms of allergic attacks;
antipyretic drugs (Ibuklin, Panadol);
vitamin complexes (Complivit, Alphabet). Strengthen the body's defenses, accelerate the healing process;
interferons (Viferon, Genferon). Used for viral and bacteriological infections. Increase the body's immunity;
mouthwash (Furacilin, Rotokan, Chlorophyllipt). Used for ARVI, tonsillitis, tonsillitis.

Drug therapy is the basis for the treatment of chronic cough.

Therapy in pregnant women and young children has features:

not used medications with alcohol;
Many antibiotics are banned - Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Biseptol.

Photo gallery: medicines for the treatment of prolonged cough

Sumamed is an antibiotic used for prolonged cough caused by bacterial infections Stoptussin is prescribed for dry lingering cough Ambroxol thins thick mucus Tavegil is used for a protracted cough of an allergic nature. Ibuklin effectively reduces high temperature, reduces inflammation The alphabet includes all the vitamins necessary for the body Viferon increases the body's defenses

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy treatment allows you to achieve positive dynamics with a prolonged cough, as well as reduce the likelihood of relapse. The doctor may prescribe the following physiotherapy:

To carry out inhalations at home, purchase a compression nebulizer, which, unlike other types of devices, does not heat the drug during the procedure. This allows the use of a wide range of drugs.

Diet therapy and drinking regimen

Proper nutrition with a prolonged cough will help:

speed up metabolic processes;
cleanse the body of toxins;
boost immunity.

Actively include in the menu such products:

vegetables (except spicy);
fruits (except sour);
lean meats and fish;
cereals;
vegetable oils;
rosehip decoction;
green tea.

And also with a prolonged cough, it is important:

do not eat fatty foods that overload the body;
abandon spicy and salty foods that irritate the mucous membrane and increase symptoms;
drink at least two liters of fluid per day.

Sufficient fluid intake during prolonged coughing helps to thin sputum, quick exit secret.

Photo gallery: useful products for a lingering cough

Honey boosts immunity Green tea liquefies viscous sputum cleanses the body of toxins Boiled veal - healthy dietary product Fruits are rich in vitamins

Folk recipes

For the treatment of prolonged cough, you can use folk remedies.

Recipes for gargling:

Pour two teaspoons of chopped ginger into a glass of water. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Cool and strain the decoction. Add one teaspoon of honey to the solution. Gargle with the resulting remedy 3 times a day. The course of treatment is a week.
Pour 1 tablespoon of chamomile with a glass of boiling water, cover the container with a lid. Infuse the remedy for half an hour. Strain the solution. Use infusion for rinsing 3-5 times a day. The duration of therapy is 7 days. In the same way, you can brew other medicinal herbs: sage, mint, dandelion root, nettle.

Folk expectorants:

Take horseradish root and honey crushed with a blender in the same amount, mix the ingredients. Take a teaspoon before breakfast. The duration of treatment is 5–7 days.
Boil 300 g of milk, add 4 dried figs to it. Boil the remedy for 5 minutes. Take 100 ml three times a day after meals. Duration of use - 5 days.

Potato warm compresses:

Boil 2 potatoes, crush. Place the warm product in the bag, wrap with a soft cloth. Put the compress on your chest and hold until it cools. Follow the procedure once a day. The duration of treatment is a week.
Boil 4 potatoes, mash the product with a fork until pureed. Add 1 tablespoon of vodka to potatoes. Apply the product on the chest in a thick layer. Cover the mixture with cling film and a towel. Wrap the chest with a woolen cloth. The duration of the procedure is 1 hour. The course of treatment is 5 days.

Remember that folk remedies, like medicines, have contraindications. Therefore, before using non-traditional recipes consult your doctor.

Photo gallery: folk remedies for a lingering cough

Honey helps loosen phlegm Milk is an excellent expectorant. Chamomile relieves inflammation, is used to gargle Ginger has antibacterial properties Potatoes are used for warming compresses

Following some rules for a prolonged cough will reduce symptoms and speed up recovery:

sleep on a high pillow. This reduces the number of coughing fits. If you still can't sleep, have a glass of warm milk. Thus, you "soften" the sore throat;
ventilate the room frequently. Fresh air has a detrimental effect on pathogenic microbes;
avoid heavy physical exertion;
brush your teeth and tongue twice a day, because when you cough, germs settle on the surface of the oral cavity.

Complications

A persistent cough can cause complications:

fainting due to reduced blood supply to the brain severe attacks cough
sleep disturbance. A dry “barking” cough especially prevents you from falling asleep;
vomiting;
involuntary urination.

And also, if the cause of a prolonged cough is not identified in time, the symptoms can become chronic.

Prevention rules

To avoid a lingering cough, follow the recommendations:

do not smoke;
do not refuse the necessary vaccinations;
lead an active lifestyle that strengthens the immune system;
undergo preventive medical examinations;
complete the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and other diseases;
don't overcool.

It is very important to do a chest x-ray once a year. The examination can detect tuberculosis and lung cancer on early stage development.

With a prolonged cough, you need to act mobile, and not postpone treatment indefinitely. Thus, you will quickly get rid of the painful symptoms, as well as avoid the sad consequences.

Such a cough is a reflex reaction of the body, it is accompanied by a sharp exhalation, which helps to clear the airways from foreign particles and body secretions. It passes without sputum discharge, experts call it unproductive, since it does not clear the airways, with it only air is coughed up. Dry cough for more than a month may be the result of a cold, flu, or other respiratory diseases, but if it lasts more than two weeks, then it is called chronic. It can also occur as a result of smoking and as an allergic reaction.

What to do if a dry cough does not go away for a month? Features of the treatment of prolonged dry cough - the topic of this article. If the cough persists for a long time, then you should immediately consult a doctor, as this may indicate serious illnesses.

Why dry cough does not go away for a month: features of treatment

Dry cough appears with the development in the body of diseases such as influenza, colds, appears after hypothermia, but most often it soon turns into a productive form. If the discharge of sputum does not occur, then it is worth drinking special preparations prescribed by doctors, whose action is aimed at thinning mucus.

Dry cough may be the result of an infection in the lung tissue, that is, the development of bronchitis, pneumonia, chronic pathology lungs - bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis.

Paroxysmal dry cough appears as a result of diseases of the external auditory canal, gastric and food reflux, acute heart failure.

Dry cough for more than a month - features of the disease

An unproductive cough appears with the development in the body of such diseases as the flu, a cold, appears after hypothermia, but most often it soon turns into a productive form. If the discharge of sputum does not occur, then it is worth drinking special drugs prescribed by doctors, the action of which is aimed at thinning the mucus.

A dry cough that does not go away for a month may be the result of an infection in the lung tissue, that is, the development of bronchitis, pneumonia, chronic lung pathology - bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis.

Not only respiratory diseases can cause paroxysmal dry cough for more than a month. It manifests itself as a result of diseases of the external auditory canal, gastric and food reflux, acute heart failure.

How to treat a dry cough that does not go away for a month: features of treatment

Treatment of dry cough, if it does not go away for more than a month, can occur by taking such medical preparations such as tablets or syrup.

If a dry cough does not go away for a long time in a smoker, then perhaps this is the body's reaction to this bad habit, so it should be discarded.

If a strong dry cough does not go away and torments you at night, then it is worth changing the slope of the pillow, as in horizontal position in humans, mucus flows intensively along the back wall of the larynx and irritates it.

folk method getting rid of dry cough includes a large intake of hot liquids, such as hot tea, milk. This contributes to the transition of dry cough into a productive and speedy recovery.

If, along with a dry cough, you are tormented by a sore throat for more than a month, then experts advise drinking a solution of a spoonful of honey and 200 ml of water, this helps to soften the inflamed mucous membrane of the throat.

Dry cough is a common phenomenon that many people simply do not pay attention to, believing that this unpleasant syndrome can go away on its own. And in vain, because a strong dry cough not only brings a lot of discomfort, prevents you from sleeping peacefully and communicating with others, it can be a sign of a more serious pathology that occurs in the body.

The reasons can be different from a banal viral infection to an allergic reaction or tuberculosis. Therefore, you should not endure a debilitating cough and wait for complications, it is better to start therapy right away.

Causes that can cause cough

If a cough without sputum does not go away for a long time, preventing a person from breathing calmly and getting enough sleep, this indicates a pathogenic process that has already begun to attack the body. The causes of dry cough can be of a different nature, but in most cases the syndrome speaks of an infectious disease.

If initially the cough is dry, not accompanied by expectoration, then after a week (without appropriate treatment), pain behind the sternum, fever and general weakness may join it.

Suspicious signs become an alarming signal and a reason for immediate medical attention.

During the examination and examination, the doctor will prescribe a list of necessary laboratory tests and select the appropriate therapy. The cause of dry cough without fever may be hidden in the development of the following diseases:

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx. It is manifested by hoarseness of voice and bouts of "barking" cough. In children, this condition can lead to the development of shortness of breath (stenosis) and a severe deterioration in well-being.
Bronchitis is an inflammatory process in the bronchi, which is characterized by symptoms of a dry cough, and after 7-10 days it is replaced by a productive (wet) cough with a large amount of sputum.
Tracheitis is a disease of the trachea inflammatory nature. It is manifested by pain and congestion in the sternum. It develops from a constant stay in a gassed room or from living in adverse environmental conditions.
Pneumonia - a severe cough is characteristic of the initial phase of the development of the disease, and coughing attacks occur regardless of the time of day. Subsequently, a strong dry cough is replaced by a productive one, and an inflammatory process develops in the lungs. If these symptoms are present, you should not delay in contacting a doctor. Complex therapy selected based on the results of x-ray examination and laboratory tests.
Bronchial asthma- with this disease, frequent dry cough is also noted, it is accompanied by shortness of breath, heaviness in the chest and the inability to take a full breath. If seizures occur constantly, you should always have the medicine prescribed by the doctor with you and use it to stop the next exacerbation.
Diseases of the hematopoietic system- in such a situation, the bronchi are compressed lymph nodes which are enlarged. A natural reflex occurs, which is accompanied by sweating, general malaise and loss of appetite.
Pleurisy - cough will occur against the background of an acute painful syndrome in the side.
Helminthiasis - the mucous membrane of the bronchopulmonary system can be irritated not only from viruses, but also from worms that cause coughing.

If cough long time does not go away, and then becomes wet, accompanied by fever, weakness, loss of appetite and weight loss - this may indicate the development of tuberculosis. This situation requires immediate medical attention.

If attacks of painful coughing are caused by respiratory infection or the flu, these diseases should be treated immediately, because if the symptoms are ignored, the pathology can cause complications in the respiratory and cardiovascular system, as well as significantly reduce immunity.

You can get rid of nicotine cough only by completely giving up cigarettes

A lingering dry cough often torments smokers, especially in the morning, immediately after waking up. Sometimes, during the reflex, mucous secretions are coughed up.

Symptoms

Usually, with a dry cough, sputum does not come out of the lungs. It causes soreness and soreness in the throat, hoarseness of voice, up to its complete loss and frequent seizures. What other symptoms appear with this problem:

"barking" cough;
shortness of breath and the inability to fully breathe;
it is difficult for the patient to breathe and his muscles in the bronchial area hurt;
exacerbation of seizures at night.

All of these symptoms lead not only to the development of the disease (bronchitis, pneumonia and others), but also to insomnia, severe headaches and nervous disorders. Debilitating also causes a significant decline in defenses, the body is weakened and cannot withstand the attack of viruses and bacteria.

Problem in children and pregnant women

What is a dry cough and why it can occur is now clear. Examination and treatment of adults is not a particular problem, but what if the problem arose in a child or a woman during the period of gestation?

Strong and prolonged coughing attacks that occur against the background of a change in the color of saliva and lacrimation may indicate the presence of viral agents in the body. In this case, coughing can be a sign of whooping cough, and the problem becomes serious. Consultation with a pediatrician and adequate treatment will help save the baby from a debilitating illness.

If the child is very sensitive to smells or is prone to allergies, he may react with a dry cough to second hand smoke, excess chemicals in the house and air pollution. It is recommended to protect such children from the harmful effects of allergen provocateurs.

Cough in a child who cannot pass longer than a week and dramatically worsens his well-being, should not be ignored, especially if the baby becomes lethargic, eats poorly and complains of tearing.

Pregnant women, especially in the first two trimesters, suffer from a decrease in the body's defenses, so they often have this problem.

If a pregnant woman does not get away with a dry cough and is accompanied by a strong tension of the abdominal muscles, an urgent need to contact your doctor. These symptoms can lead to painful sensations and inability to get enough sleep.

The treatment of dry cough during gestation is complicated by the fact that it is forbidden to take basic antitussives during this period. Only a doctor can recommend a treatment that is safe for both mother and fetus.

Residual effects after a cold

Dry cough after SARS is a fairly common occurrence. Many patients complain that they continue to cough even several weeks after the end of therapy, although other cold symptoms have completely disappeared. If residual effects persist for several weeks, many patients begin to worry that this is dangerous.

Dry cough is not dangerous unless the following symptoms are present:

temperature increase;
sweating at night;
shortness of breath;
pain in the sternum;
selection .

If at least one of the listed symptoms is present in the patient, it is better to visit the attending physician and re-examine.

Perhaps the treatment of dry cough with ARVI did not give positive results, and complications arose in the form of pneumonia, whooping cough or chronic bronchitis. Only a doctor can determine whether the period after the illness is normal and whether the cough is a common residual.

Treatment

It is necessary to treat the manifestations of dry cough in a timely manner, without waiting for the pathology to become chronic. The consequences of this disease can greatly undermine health, reduce immunity and make the body defenseless against colds.

The pharmaceutical market has a wide range of drugs to get rid of a painful cough. On sale there are tablets, syrups, drops, herbal remedies, pastilles and much more.

Cough remedies

All medicines are divided into the following groups:

cough suppressants of peripheral and central action;
expectorants;
mucolytic.

To use this or that drug, you need to know what the difference between them is, and it is advisable to start treatment with a preliminary consultation with a doctor. Central action drugs are designed to get rid of dry cough.

Such drugs act on the cough center, which is located in the brain, inhibit it, suppressing seizures. However, these drugs have many contraindications and side effects Therefore, their appointment should be done only by a doctor.

During treatment, it is recommended to adhere to the right dosage, since centrally acting drugs belong to the group drugs. The most famous of them is Sinekod syrup. Medicines that have a peripheral effect soften and relieve attacks, have an analgesic effect and shorten the duration of the disease.

Libexin and Bitiodin are effective drugs, they soothe irritated tissue of the lungs and bronchi and are not addictive.

Mucolytic drugs are used most actively, especially at first, when unproductive cough gotta get wet. The purpose of this group of drugs is to thin the sputum that has accumulated in the bronchi and bring it out. most popular and effective medicines are considered:

Mukaltin;
Ambrobene;
Lazolvan;
Herbion.

With the help of these drugs, the patient will be able to quickly turn a dry, exhausting cough into a productive one, and then remove thick sputum from the lungs.

Folk methods of treatment

To get rid of a dry cough on your own, after consulting a doctor, you can use mustard plasters. This tool has long been famous for its quick effect and in a simple way applications. Several applications in the chest area can relieve the disease and alleviate the patient's condition.

It is recommended to make applications for adults and children after 12 months, if an acute infection is not diagnosed.

During an exacerbation of the disease, mustard plasters cannot be placed, you need to wait until the temperature drops and the inflammation subsides. Mustard must be applied for 10-15 minutes, and removed after a burning sensation. If mustard plasters are used to treat a child, care must be taken not to expose sensitive skin burn.

Compresses

Treatment of dry cough with compresses involves various ways their preparation. Compresses are of different types:

alcohol;
oil based;
cold;
hot;
dry;
water.

The action of the compress is based on improving the blood supply to tissues and getting rid of inflammatory process. To eliminate bouts of painful coughing, traditional medicine recommends rubbing melted butter into the skin of the chest.

If the cough has just begun and the process is shallow, you can prepare the next compress. Apple vinegar(1 part) is mixed with water (3 parts), the fabric is wetted with the composition and placed on the chest. You need to keep the compress under a warm blanket for about 20 minutes.

Oil compress is considered one of the most effective

Sunflower oil, which is preheated in a water bath, is mixed with water, and the fabric is moistened in this composition. The compress is placed on the chest area, but not the heart, the patient is covered with a blanket and he sleeps like that all night.

Inhalations

With any kind of cough, it is useful to breathe over steam, especially if the decoction is made from herbs with mucolytic and expectorant effects. Inhalations are contraindicated in elevated temperature, you should also be more careful during the procedure in children.

The best basis for inhalation are:

sea salt;
collections of herbs - licorice root, coltsfoot, plantain, sage;
soda;
saline.

Vapor inhalation from medicinal herbs soothes and softens the mucous membrane of the throat, relieving itching and coughing. good effect gives inhalation of eucalyptus vapors, and it can be carried out directly during a visit to the bath or sauna (in the absence of temperature).

Therapeutic compositions

To get rid of a debilitating cough, you can use one of the proven recipes:

Finely grate the horseradish root, add the same amount of honey and use the product twice a day for 1 tsp.
Sprinkle black radish (previously washed and cut into small cubes) with sugar and bake in the oven. In this case, juice should stand out from the root crop. It must be drained into a jar and drunk three times a day for 2 tsp.
Add a little honey and lemon to the ginger root cut into small pieces. The composition, filled with boiling water, should stand for several hours, then it can be drunk several times a day in the form of tea.

Folk remedies are not only safe, but effective and saturate the body with vitamins.

Many people know about healing properties carrot, birch and cabbage juice. From cabbage leaves you can also make compresses with the addition of honey, which helps relieve coughs and reduce chest pain.

Prevention

To prevent coughing, you need to follow these simple rules:

wash hands not only before eating, but as often as possible to reduce the risk of transmitting infections;
use when in contact with sick people gauze bandages(and it is best to avoid such contacts);
get rid of bad habits eg smoking;
take vitamins and immune boosters;
eat well;
provide the body with rest;
drink more liquid.

Also, do not forget about hardening, playing sports and staying in the fresh air. You can’t drag out time when a cough has begun, because it can be a symptom of more dangerous diseases. It can be treated at home, with the help of medication or folk therapy, but only after consultation with a doctor and examination. If the doctor confirms that the dry cough is not related to dangerous pathologies, then you can find ways to treat cough at home and quickly get rid of an unpleasant ailment.