The warmer weather in spring turns out to be the season that is prone to coughing. However, if the cough lasts for a long time and does not improve after more than two to three weeks, or if the cough improves after seeking medical treatment but returns after stopping the medicine, it may be a “sensitive cough” and further examination is needed to discover the cause.
Wang Junling, a specialist in the Department of Respiratory System, said that spring coincides with the peak season of flu only, and the risk of upper respiratory tract infection is higher, which can stimulate the trachea and cause coughing; The increase in the number of dust mites in the home, as well as the growth of flowers and plants, also increases the amount of pollen in the air All three are allergens, which can cause sensitive irritation to the respiratory tract and cause symptoms upper and lower respiratory tracts.
Nasal drainage can cause a cough
Upper airway sensitivity can cause thickening of the nasal mucosa, secretion of nasal fluid, and possible backflow of nasal water, especially when coughing is more pronounced when lying down. Wang Junling continued, because nasal reflux will bring the foul nasal fluid into the lower respiratory tract, causing people to cough. This is called “postnatal drip syndrome”. It can be called “asthma cough”. “If the cough improves during medication and then coughs again later, the trachea may have been chronically inflamed. The cause may be asthma, COPD or bronchiectasis. In addition, lung cancer may cause a persistent cough , If in doubt, further examination and classification should be carried out to rule out serious diseases.”
ignored or aggravated
If the runny nose and the cough are ignored, if the condition becomes serious, it can develop into sinusitis, then nasal congestion and headaches. It will also affect sleep, causing drowsiness during the day and a lack of energy . As well as scaring people around you and affecting social interactions, persistent coughing can also cause hoarseness and sternum pain. Wang Junling pointed out, “If it is asthma, it will worsen if not treated, such as intermittent shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing with “he he” when breathing (the sound caused by narrowing general of the trachea).
Alleviate allergies
To deal with nasal allergy symptoms, anti-allergic drugs such as antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays can be used, and normal saline nasal washes can be used daily to wash away allergens and dust. If it is just an ordinary cough in the early stage, general cough water can be used to treat it, but if it does not improve within two or three weeks, it is suspected to be asthma, and drugs for airway sensitivity should be used. . Wang Junling said, “Doctors usually prescribe inhaled steroids, along with long-acting or short-acting bronchodilators. The combination of the two works best. “Drugs mixed gives additional convenience to patients. “Depending on the severity and urgency of the symptoms, doctors may use inhaled steroids alone, and then add long-acting bronchodilators if they cannot be controlled.”
Improve resistance and reduce seizures
In order to prevent coughing in the spring, the most basic thing is to have flu vaccines to prevent infection. Those prone to allergies can wear masks and pay attention to personal and environmental hygiene. When it is wet, it is necessary to clean the dust filter of the air conditioner often, use diluted bleach to clean the mold in the corner, and dehumidify the household items. Wang Junling reminded, “Quitting smoking, exercising more, getting enough rest, and eating a balanced diet are clichés. If you do it, it will help improve your resistance. Even if you have allergies, you can reduce the frequency or severity of attacks.”
The original article was published on AM730 https://www.am730.com.hk/Health/Cough in spring is very bad-beware of asthma/358816?utm_source=yahorss&utm_medium=referral
