One common and distressing symptom of asthma is a persistent cough. If simple cough is left untreated, it can progress to a severe form such as asthma. It can be alarming and disruptive, which affects the health status of the patients.
In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of treating an asthma cough. Understand the connection between asthma and coughing, and how visiting a health professional can help. Let’s begin!
The Connection Between Asthma and Coughing
Asthma cough often occurs due to the irritants or allergens that trigger the inflammation of the airways. When exposed to these triggers, the airways become inflamed, causing them to narrow and produce excessive mucus. This narrowing of the airways, along with the excessive mucus, leads to coughing as the body attempts to clear the air passages.
Triggers for an asthma cough can vary from person to person, but some common culprits include dust mites, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and certain medications.
In addition to these triggers, other factors can also contribute to asthma cough. For example, exercise-induced asthma cough occurs when physical activity leads to the constriction of the airways, resulting in coughing. Similarly, cold air can also trigger an asthma cough, as the cold temperature causes the airways to narrow and become more sensitive.
It is important to note that not all individuals with asthma experience coughing as a symptom. Some may only experience wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness. The presence of a cough can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their asthma.
Differentiating Asthma Cough from Regular Cough
Distinguishing between an asthma cough and a regular cough is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. While both types of coughing may sound similar, there are a few key differences:
1. Duration: Asthma cough tends to be chronic, lasting for weeks or even months, whereas a regular cough typically resolves within a few days.
2. Triggers: For asthma cough, it is often triggered by specific irritants or allergens. On the other hand, regular cough may be caused by a variety of factors, such as the common cold or throat irritation.
3. Symptoms: Meanwhile, a regular cough is usually an isolated symptom without additional respiratory distress. An asthma cough is often accompanied by other asthma symptoms, such as wheezing or chest tightness.
If you suspect that your cough may be related to asthma, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and proper diagnosis. They will help confirm the presence of asthma and determine the most appropriate treatment plan possible.
Diagnosis of Asthma Cough
Proper diagnosis is crucial for effectively treating an asthma cough. Without an accurate diagnosis, it may be challenging to manage asthma symptoms and prevent future coughing episodes. Let’s explore when to see a doctor and the tests and procedures used for diagnosing asthma cough.
When to See a Doctor
If you have been experiencing a chronic cough that does not seem to subside, it is advisable to make an appointment with a healthcare professional. Additionally, if your cough is accompanied by other symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness, seeking medical attention promptly is vital.
Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis
Diagnosing asthma cough involves a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. Healthcare professionals may also utilize specific tests and procedures to confirm the diagnosis. Some common diagnostic tools for asthma cough include:
- Spirometry: This test measures how well your lungs function and how efficiently you can exhale air. It can help evaluate the severity and reversibility of airflow obstruction.
- Allergy testing: Testing for allergens can determine if specific triggers are causing or exacerbating your asthma cough. Skin prick tests or blood tests may be performed to identify allergens.
- Chest X-ray: An X-ray may be used to rule out other potential causes of your cough, such as lung infections or structural abnormalities.
- Peak Flow Monitoring: This simple device measures how quickly you can exhale air. Regular monitoring can help identify variations and gauge the effectiveness of your treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Asthma Cough
Effective treatment options are available to manage an asthma cough and keep symptoms under control. The primary goals of treatment are to reduce airway inflammation, relieve coughing, and prevent future asthma attacks. Let’s explore the various treatment options for an asthma cough.
Medications for Asthma Cough
Medications play a crucial role in managing asthma cough and controlling symptoms. Healthcare professionals may prescribe different types of medications, depending on the severity of your symptoms. Commonly prescribed medications for asthma include:
- Inhaled corticosteroids: These medications reduce inflammation in the airways, preventing coughing and other asthma symptoms.
- Bronchodilators: These medications relax the airway muscles, allowing for improved breathing and reduced coughing.
- Leukotriene modifiers: These pills or tablets help control airway inflammation and are often prescribed as an alternative or addition to inhaled corticosteroids.
- Immunomodulators: These medications help regulate the immune system’s response to allergens, reducing asthma symptoms and coughing.
Inhalers and Nebulizers: How They Help
Inhalers and nebulizers are devices commonly used to deliver medications directly into the lungs. These devices play a significant role in managing asthma cough by ensuring effective delivery of the prescribed medications.
Inhalers are handheld devices that deliver a specific dose of medication when activated. They allow for quick and efficient delivery of medication to the lungs, providing immediate relief during coughing episodes. Inhalers come in various forms, such as metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs).
On the other hand, nebulizers are devices that convert liquid medication into a fine mist that can be inhaled through a mask or mouthpiece. It is particularly useful for individuals who have difficulty using inhalers or young children who may struggle with coordination.
Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes
In addition to medications, certain home remedies and lifestyle changes can help manage an asthma cough effectively. While these remedies do not replace medical treatment, they can complement your existing treatment plan and minimize coughing episodes. Let’s explore some of these home remedies:
Breathing Exercises for Asthma Cough
Practicing specific breathing exercises can help strengthen your lungs and improve overall respiratory function. Deep breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing and pursed-lip breathing, can help reduce coughing episodes, improve lung capacity, and promote relaxation.
Dietary Changes to Manage Asthma
While dietary changes alone cannot cure asthma, certain foods may help manage asthma symptoms and coughing episodes. Incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish like salmon or flaxseeds, can possess anti-inflammatory properties and help reduce airway inflammation associated with asthma.
Additionally, it is important to avoid foods that may trigger coughing episodes or worsen asthma symptoms. Common culprits include processed foods, sugary beverages, and foods high in histamine or sulfites.
It is worth noting that dietary changes should be implemented in consultation with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to ensure they complement your overall treatment plan.
Conclusion
Understanding the connection between cough and asthma can result to a better managing of the condition. Gaining knowledge allows patients to be more alert about their condition, which can help control coughing episodes and minimize respiratory distress.
Improve one’s health by focusing on managing cough before it progresses to asthma cough. Book an online consultation with a pulmonologist to receive immediate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan!
