Coughing is a response of the body when the throat or airway is irritated by something. It may occur as a symptom of common colds, allergies, lung illnesses, as well as gastrointestinal issues. During the process of coughing, the body removes mucus from the upper airways and the lungs and improves the breathing. In order to successfully treat a cough, you need to first know what caused it.
7 Major Triggers for Coughing
- Postnasal drip
When you have a cold or an allergic reaction, mucus can drip down the throat and it may touch the nerve endings and lead to a wet or a dry cough. This cough worsens during nighttime and it may also be accompanied by a feeling of itchiness in the back part of the throat. Sneezing and itchy eyes are also common if the cause is an allergic reaction. Also, sinus infections can be associated with postnasal drip if they occur together with yellow mucus, congested nose, and other cold-like symptoms. To treat this issue, make your own saline solution with tsp of Himalayan salt and a pint of distilled water and pour it into a pump bottle. Use it by spraying a bit of it into each nostril.
- Asthma
Dry coughing together with a wheezing and rattling sound is usually a sign of inflamed airways due to asthma, especially if it happens together with shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and tiredness.
- GERD
Acid reflux, also known as GERD, happens when the lower esophageal sphincter does not relax adequately and this brings the acid from the stomach back into the esophagus, which is often manifested by coughing which worsens when one lies down or eats. To minimize the risk of its, avoid processed foods and a lot of sugar, as well as alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine and opt for healthier foods like veggies, fruits, legumes, and nuts to restore the bacterial balance in the stomach.
- COPD
This cough is the worst in the morning and it often occurs together with lack of breath, tiredness, and tightness in the chest area. It is usually a consequence of smoking.
- Specific meds
Drugs like ACE inhibitors which are used for the treatment of hypertension can trigger a dry cough in patients.
- Pneumonia
At first, the cough is dry and then it develops into a wetter cough with yellow, red, or green mucus, followed by chills, fever, and ache. Avoid swallowing the surplus phlegm since it can irritate the stomach and always spit it out. To treat this problem, get sufficient rest and drink fluids. For severe cases, hospitalization is required.
- Whooping cough
The most common signs are congested nose, red watery cough, fever, and a runny nose. This is a contagious respiratory tract infection characterized by a strong hacking cough and a high-pitched breathing, similar to “whoop”. Vaccination is the best prevention. If you have it, seek immediate medical help.
Beneficial Tips for Treating Coughing
- Stay away from eggs, flour, sugar, and milk (contribute to the formation of mucus)
- Introduce more veggies and teas to your diet
- Stay hydrated
- Opt for 5000 mg of vitamin C per day
- Ventilate your home properly
- Massage the chest and back with essential oils
- Acupuncture
- Humidifier
- Upright sleeping position
- Coconut oil massages
- Make bone broth: opt for bones from grass-fed animals and free of antibiotics and hormones and place them in a pot with water and 2 tbsp of ACV. Bring the pot to boil and then lower the heat and leave it to simmer for 6 hours. Occasionally, remove the top layer that forms and make sure you also add green veggies, carrots, onions, and garlic and then remove the broth from the stove. Wait for it to cool down and then strain it into a jar and keep it in the fridge. Heat it up when needed and drink it while warm.