Coughing up phlegm occurs when the body produces more phlegm or mucus in the respiratory tract. A dry cough is a cough that does not produce phlegm. Both cough with phlegm and dry cough can be caused by various factors, so how to deal with it must be adjusted to the causehis.
Cough is the body's reaction to foreign objects that enter the respiratory system. Apart from being a response to the entry of foreign objects into the respiratory tract, coughing can also be a symptom of certain diseases. When dust, pollution, or allergens enter the respiratory system, the brain sends signals through the spinal cord to the muscles in the chest and abdomen. When these muscles contract, air is blown through the respiratory system to push the foreign body out. This is called a cough.
In coughing up phlegm, coughing also aims to push mucus out of the respiratory system so you can breathe easier. Meanwhile, in a dry cough, where there is not much phlegm produced or there is no phlegm at all, the urge to cough is generally due to an itchy feeling in the throat.
Causes of cough with phlegm
A common cause of coughing up phlegm is infection by a virus or bacteria. When the respiratory tract is infected, for example when you have a cold, the body will produce more mucus. Its function is to trap and expel infection-causing organisms. Coughing aims to remove the mucus.
Therefore, people who experience coughing up phlegm are advised to expel phlegm, not swallow it. Swallowing it will actually slow down healing.
There are several conditions that can cause symptoms of coughing up phlegm, including:
- Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs due to a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. The cough that appears initially is not phlegm, but after a few days it will become a cough with phlegm that can be mixed with blood.
- BronchitisBronchitis is inflammation of the inner lining of the bronchial walls, the tubes under the throat that connect to the lungs. The function of the bronchi is to carry air to and from the lungs. People suffering from bronchitis often produce thick, colored phlegm.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease that causes difficulty breathing, due to long-term exposure to irritants. These irritants can be in the form of air pollution, cigarette smoke, or chemical fumes. One of the symptoms is a cough accompanied by a lot of phlegm and shortness of breath.
- AsthmaAsthma is a chronic disease that also often causes sufferers to experience coughing accompanied by shortness of breath. Coughing in asthma usually occurs when asthma symptoms recur, and is more common at night.
- Post nasal dripThis condition is characterized by the presence of phlegm in the upper respiratory tract, such as the nose and sinus cavities that descend into the throat, causing respiratory problems that can be in the form of coughing up phlegm.Post nasal drip It can be caused by several things, ranging from irritation of the upper respiratory tract, infections, allergies, congenital abnormalities of the nose, to the side effects of drugs such as hormonal birth control and high blood pressure drugs.
How to deal with cough with phlegm
How to deal with cough with phlegm depends on the cause of the cough. If coughing up phlegm is caused by a virus, such as the flu, you should drink plenty of water and rest. However, if the cause is bacteria, treatment is needed using antibiotics according to a doctor's prescription.
If coughing up phlegm is bothersome, the content of mucolytic or expectorant cough medicines such as bromhexine HCl and guaifenesin can be used to solve it. Bromhexine HCl and guaifenesin It works by thinning phlegm, making it easier to expel from the respiratory tract.
In order for the drug to work effectively, the consumption of the drug must be done regularly and according to the dosage stated on the package. Cough medicine with phlegm is not recommended to be given to children under two years of age, before consulting a pediatrician.
Cough medicines from the mucolytic group are classified as safe to use. However, if consumed in excess or not in accordance with the recommended dosage, it can cause side effects in the form of discomfort in the digestive tract, dizziness, and headaches.
Check with your doctor if your cough lasts more than a week despite taking medication, or if you cough up blood, green or yellow phlegm, shortness of breath with wheezing, cold sweats at night, and a high fever. It is also advisable to immediately consult a doctor if cough occurs in children aged less than two years, accompanied by a high fever.
Causes of dry cough and how to treat it
A dry cough can be caused by several factors, including:
- AllergyWhen the body reacts to allergy triggers (allergens) that enter the respiratory tract, there will be coughing to remove these substances. Other symptoms of cough due to allergies are itching, sneezing, and runny nose.
- Stomach acidAcid reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus or esophagus. This rising stomach acid then irritates the esophagus and triggers the cough reflex.
- AsthmaAsthma can trigger a cough with phlegm, but more often causes a dry cough. This is because the airways swell and narrow making it difficult to breathe.
- viral infectionWhen you are infected with the flu virus, you will usually have a cough with phlegm. However, after the cold is cured, you may experience a dry cough due to a respiratory infection that becomes sensitive after catching a virus.
Dry stones often last a long time. But persistent coughing can actually increase irritation in the airways. Dry coughs generally get worse at night so that it interferes with sleep quality. For that, you need to drink warm water to soothe and moisturize the throat.
If it feels more disturbing, you can take medicine for dry cough containing diphenhydramine HCI and ammonium chloride. Diphenhydramine belongs to the group of antihistamine drugs, which are used to reduce allergic reactions, including dry cough. While ammonium chloride acts as an expectorant to help remove cough-triggering substances from the respiratory tract.
When taking drugs that contain diphenhydramine, avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in hazardous activities. This is because diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness.
Take the drug according to the instructions on the package or doctor's advice, and avoid taking the drug in the long term. Call your doctor if your cough doesn't improve after seven days, or if your cough is accompanied by a fever, skin rash, or headache.