What Helps with Coughing? How to Relieve a Cough?

Coughing is a reflex mechanism that plays a role in clearing the throat or respiratory pathways (1). The absence of a cough can indicate a health issue, while a persistent cough that lasts for a long time can be a sign of significant illnesses. Information regarding the causes and types of cough will be elaborated on in the following sections of the text.

What Causes Coughing?

Some infectious diseases such as the flu, common cold, and pneumonia, as well as health issues like allergies, asthma, and bronchitis, are among the leading causes of coughing. Coughing, which is one of the body's natural defense mechanisms, forcefully expels air from the lungs. This rapid expulsion of air helps to clear the respiratory tract of irritating substances. Therefore, occasional coughing is generally considered normal. However, a persistent cough may indicate another health issue. Coughing itself is not a disease but is usually a symptom of another illness. The main causes of coughing are as follows (2, 3, 4):

• Infectious diseases affecting the upper respiratory tract: Coughing is a common symptom of upper respiratory tract infections caused by viruses, such as the common cold and the flu. In upper respiratory tract infections, symptoms such as fatigue, pain in muscles and joints, high fever, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose often accompany coughing.
• Infectious diseases affecting the lower respiratory tract: Some viral or bacterial infections like bronchitis and pneumonia can affect the lungs, leading to more severe and prolonged coughing.
• Allergic rhinitis: Also known as hay fever or seasonal allergies, allergic rhinitis is an allergy condition that arises from the body's abnormal immune response to allergens such as pollen during certain times of the year or dust and dust mites throughout the year. Allergic rhinitis, which typically manifests as a dry cough and sneezing, is one of the leading causes of coughing.
• Inhalation of irritants: Exposure to irritants such as certain chemicals can cause coughing.
• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung): Also known as a lung collapse, pneumothorax is a health issue that occurs when air accumulates in the pleural space (the space between the layers surrounding the lungs) due to trauma or other reasons, causing pressure on the lungs and leading to their collapse. A dry cough and shortness of breath are primary symptoms of lung collapse (5).
• Pulmonary embolism: Commonly referred to as "blood clots," pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot that has separated from blood vessels in any part of the body, primarily the legs, travels through the circulatory system to the lungs. This blood clot can cause blockage in the vessels of the lungs, leading to various symptoms, primarily shortness of breath and coughing.
• Heart failure: Coughing that begins especially when lying down at night may indicate heart disease such as heart failure (6).
• Gastroesophageal reflux: Reflux, a digestive system disorder characterized by the backward flow of stomach acid, is also one of the causes of increased coughing, particularly at night or during meals (6).
• Asthma: Asthma is a chronic health issue that develops due to inflammation of the airways. Asthma is among the leading causes of coughing.
• In addition to the above, health issues like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), postnasal drip, and sinusitis can also cause coughing.

What Are the Types of Cough?

Coughs can be classified into different categories based on their nature and duration. According to duration, the main types of cough are as follows (6):

• Acute cough: A cough lasting less than three weeks. Acute cough typically occurs due to upper and/or lower respiratory tract diseases. However, certain health issues such as pneumonia, heart failure, and pulmonary embolism can also cause acute coughing.
• Subacute cough: Cases where acute cough persists for 3-8 weeks, often due to allergic causes, fall into the subacute category.
• Chronic cough: A type of cough that lasts longer than eight weeks, also known as persistent cough. Conditions such as postnasal drip, asthma, and reflux are leading causes of chronic cough.

Another criterion for classifying coughs is their nature. Based on their nature, the types of cough are as follows (6):

• Dry cough: A type of cough that does not produce mucus (phlegm) and is related to irritation. Typically, dry cough can be caused by postnasal drip, the use of certain blood pressure medications, lung collapse, and viral upper respiratory infections.
• Productive cough (wet cough): A cough that produces mucus and is associated with inflammation. Conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, and lung cancer can cause a productive cough.

What Helps with Coughing?

The treatment of a cough depends on addressing the underlying health issue. Therefore, it is difficult to provide a definitive answer to the question, "What helps with coughing?" For example, in cases where the cough is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, medical professionals may prescribe antiviral or antibiotic medications. However, in most cases, coughs resulting from viral infections like the common cold resolve on their own without any treatment. Experts often develop a treatment plan to help control symptoms in viral infections. Additionally, methods such as staying hydrated and taking steam baths can also help alleviate the severity of coughing.

What Helps with Coughing During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the mechanism of the immune system in the mother may change somewhat. This can lead to a higher incidence of infections like the common cold and flu. While there are some medications that can help alleviate symptoms during pregnancy, it is recommended not to use any medication without consulting a doctor. Some methods that may help with coughing during pregnancy include:

• Resting
• Taking a warm shower
• Taking steam baths
• Humidifying the air in the environment
• Drinking plenty of water
• Gargling with salt water
• Eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals

It is important to seek help from a specialist doctor if a cough persists during pregnancy.

What Helps with Allergic Coughing?

Coughing that develops due to allergens like pollen, dust, pet hair, or house dust mites is referred to as allergic coughing. Therefore, the best method to help allergic coughing is to eliminate exposure to the allergen. However, this may not always be possible. Some methods that can help treat allergic coughing include:

• Using medications or nasal sprays recommended by a doctor, which can be obtained with or without a prescription
• Humidifying the air in the environment
• Taking steam baths
• Using air purifiers

What to Do for Coughing in Infants and Children?

The use of cough suppressants that are safe for adults is not recommended for children under 6 years old. If a cough in infants and children is accompanied by high fever, shortness of breath, or difficulty swallowing, it is crucial to consult a specialist doctor without delay. Additionally, if a newborn has a cough within the first few weeks or if a cough lasts longer than 8 weeks, especially if it worsens after 3 weeks, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some methods that may help alleviate coughing in children and infants include:

• Feeding the baby small amounts frequently
• Ensuring that children stay well-hydrated
• Using nasal drops recommended by a doctor
• Clearing mucus from the baby’s nose with a nasal aspirator
• Frequently ventilating the room where the baby/child is
• Humidifying the air in the environment
• Minimizing exposure to allergens such as dust and pollen
• Ensuring the baby gets plenty of rest

Coughing, an important reflex that helps clear the respiratory tract, is often not dangerous. However, in some cases, it may indicate a more serious health issue. Therefore, especially in cases of coughing lasting longer than 3 weeks, do not neglect to make an appointment with a specialist doctor and get your check-ups