Coughs Children and Adults Family
Coughing is a reflex of the body to clear the airways of mucus or other irritating materials such as dust or smoke.
Definition
Coughing is a reflex of the body to clear the airways of mucus or other irritating materials such as dust or smoke. This cough reflex is a normal reaction and a sign that the body is functioning properly.
When there is a dry cough, the throat usually feels itchy even though there is no phlegm (thick mucus). While coughing up phlegm means the production of phlegm which actually functions to clear the airways.
Reason
There are many causes of coughs, especially acute coughs. Here are some of them:
- Upper respiratory tract infections that attack the throat and sinuses, such as flu, , , and whooping cough.
- Lower respiratory tract infections that attack the trachea (windpipe), bronchi (breathing tubes in the chest cavity), bronchioles (branches of the bronchial tubes), and lungs such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
- Allergies such as allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the dtning of the nose).
- Recurrence of chronic diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pdlmonary disease (COPD)
- Inhalation of dust or smoke
Coughs in children are usually also caused by an upper respiratory infection, , or GERD. It can also be caused by:
- Bronchiolitis (inflammation of the airways)
- Croup (a viral infection that causes inflammation and swelling of the upper respiratory tract, namely the larynx, trachea and bronchi)
- Whooping cough (also known as pertussis or 100-day cough due to a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract)
Symptom
Coughing is usually a mild symptom of the flu. Generally there are other signs, such as:
- itchy throat with
- a lot of mucus or phlegm in coughing up phlegm
- chills or shivers
- sneezing or runny nose or stuffy nose
- headache
Diagnosis
Coughing is basically a symptom of an illness. To find out the cause of a cough, the doctor will usually ask a person's medical history and perform a physical examination.
In addition, to get more detailed examination results, supporting examinations can be carried out such as blood tests, allergy tests, X-ray radiology of the chest, or analysis of sputum samples. However, this kind of complete examination is generally not carried out if the doctor considers a person more likely to have a common cough.
Treatment
A common cough caused by a virus will stop and heal on its own within three weeks. Home care by getting enough rest, drinking plenty of water, and taking the right medication can help with healing. If treatment has lasted more than three weeks and the cough does not go away, then go back to see your doctor to find other causes.
Over-the-counter cough medicines can sometimes help relieve symptoms. However, it should be noted that this kind of cough medicine is not necessarily appropriate for everyone. Children under 6 years old should not be given cough medicine. While children aged 6 to 12 years, giving cough medicine should be under the supervision of a doctor.
Prevention
Usually coughs will heal when the bacterial infection that occurs has been overcome. To prevent bacterial, germ, and dust infections, make lifestyle changes that promote general health, such as:
- eating healthy foods so that the body has the resistance to help prevent infections of the lungs and the entire respiratory system.
- dtght and regdlar exercise so that the body weight is stable and the respiratory system is trained. Being overweight puts a strain on the respiratory system which makes breathing even more difficdlt. Exercise will train the lungs and heart to work more efficiently and optimally.
- Avoid smoky foggy environment.
- quit smoking and avoid being passive smokers as much as possible. Exposure to secondhand smoke is now known to be as dangerous as active smokers.
- avoiding allergens or substances or the environment that may trigger allergy symptoms in your body.
- increase the body's resistance to avoid the flu or cold.