Precautions have been around for centuries, with many of them being passed down through generations.
The following precautions are some of the most popular ways to deal with a cough, as well as the symptoms that come along with it. And best of all, they’re easy and inexpensive to implement!
1) Smoking
Coughs are often caused by smoking. The act of smoking irritates the throat, which leads to coughing. Moreover, the chemicals in cigarettes damage the cilia, tiny hairs that line the airways and help remove mucus and other particles.
This can cause an increase in mucus production, leading to a cough. Additionally, smokers are more susceptible to respiratory infections, which can also cause coughing.
Finally, smoking dries out the airways, making them more prone to irritation and inflammation.
2) Air Pollution
One of the most common causes of cough is air pollution. Air pollution can be caused by a variety of things, including vehicle exhaust, burning fossil fuels, industrial emissions, and forest fires.
While there’s not much you can do about large-scale air pollution, there are some things you can do to reduce your exposure to it.
For example, you can avoid spending time outdoors when air pollution levels are high, use an air purifier in your home, and make sure your car’s exhaust system is functioning properly.
If you suffer from allergies or asthma, be sure to keep your medications handy in case you react to the pollution.
3) Dust
Dust is one of the most common causes of cough. It can irritate your nose, throat, and lungs, causing you to cough.
If you live in a dusty environment or have allergies, you may be more susceptible to dust-induced coughing.
To reduce your risk, try to keep your home clean and free of dust. You can also use an air purifier or wear a mask when you are outside. And avoid touching surfaces that could be dusty.
4) Dry Climate
Dry climates are one of the most common causes of cough. The air is simply too dry for our lungs to function properly.
When the air we breathe is dry, it causes the mucus in our lungs to become dehydrated and sticky. This makes it difficult for the mucus to move, which can lead to inflammation and irritation.
For this reason, people living in dry climates should drink plenty of water and humidify their homes.
5) Allergies
One of the most common causes of cough is allergies. Allergies can be caused by pollen, dust, animal dander, and more.
If you have allergies, you may also experience other symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, or watery eyes.
There are several over-the-counter and prescription medications that can relieve allergy symptoms. You can also try some home remedies like using a humidifier or rinsing your sinuses with saline water.
Avoid cigarette smoke as this irritates the lining of your lungs which in turn can cause coughing. Exercise: As we all know; exercise boosts our immune system and so it helps to prevent illness.
Exercise helps clear mucus from our lungs which in turn reduces coughing. Drink plenty of fluids: Avoid drinking alcohol, caffeine, or drinks high in sugar because these will dehydrate you and make you more prone to coughing.
6) Pregnancy
One of the most common causes of cough during pregnancy is nausea and vomiting. This usually happens in the first trimester, but can also occur in the second or third trimester.
The best way to relieve this is to drink plenty of fluids and eat small, frequent meals. If you’re experiencing severe nausea and vomiting, you should contact your healthcare provider.
7) Infections
One of the most common causes of cough is infection. This can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. The most common viral infections that cause cough are the common cold, influenza (the flu), and bronchitis.
Bacterial infections that can cause cough include pneumonia and whooping cough. Some fungal infections that can cause cough include histoplasmosis and candidiasis.
8) Posture Problems
One of the most common causes of cough is posture problems. When you sit or stand for long periods, your body starts to compress your lungs, which can lead to a dry cough.
To fix this, make sure to take breaks often to move around and stretch. And when you are sitting or standing, be conscious of your posture and try to keep your spine straight.
9) Others (Colds, Flu, Asthma, etc.)
While there are many different causes of cough, some of the most common include colds, flu, asthma, and allergies.
Thankfully, many home remedies can help relieve symptoms. For example, drinking plenty of fluids can help thin mucus and make it easier to cough up.
Taking a steamy shower or using a humidifier can also help loosen congestion. If your cough is due to post-nasal drip, gargling with salt water can be soothing.
And if you have any type of viral infection, taking rest and drinking lots of fluids is crucial for recovery.
10) How to Deal with Cough
A cough is a reflex action that happens when your body tries to clear your throat and airway of irritants. Although cough is usually nothing to worry about, it can be annoying.
If you have a cough that lasts more than a couple of weeks, you should see your doctor to make sure it’s not caused by something more serious.
In the meantime, here are 10 precautions for a cough.
- Postnasal drip- Drinking plenty of fluids (especially water), staying hydrated, and taking zinc supplements or nose sprays may help postnasal drip from becoming an irritating cough.
- Allergies- Take antihistamines to prevent allergy symptoms from worsening.
- Irritated larynx- Use lozenges made with menthol or eucalyptus oil to soothe an irritated larynx.
- Sinus infection- Try antibiotics for relief from sinus infections which often cause coughs and sore throats as well as congestion and pain behind the eyes.
- Lung infection- Check for signs of a lung infection like fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
- Asthma- Find out if your asthma is acting up or if there have been any recent changes in your environment that could have triggered an asthma attack.
- Pneumonia- Seek medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing and chest pain or nausea with coughing.
- Bronchitis– Drink plenty of fluids, stay away from dairy products, avoid exposure to cigarette smoke, and take acetaminophen as needed for aches/pains/fever; all these factors can lead to bronchitis.
- Heart problems- Get checked for heart problems if you’re over 40 years old and experiencing a sudden onset of a new chronic cough.
- Thyroid disease- Make sure to mention thyroid disease during your next visit with your doctor because this condition can cause both chronic coughs as well as weight gain.