Wet cough in a child: causes and ways of treatment
With such a symptom as cough is encountered by every person. This is especially true in the autumn-winter period of time, because cough most often indicates an infection of the respiratory tract in ARI and ARVI. It is a protective function of the respiratory system, which helps to cleanse the respiratory tract from foreign bodies, mucus, phlegm, microbes. Depending on the productivity of cough, they distinguish:- dry cough (without sputum);
- wet cough (with phlegm).
The treatment of these two types of cough should be approached seriously, taking into account individual characteristics, as this there may be symptoms of various diseases, SARS, allergies, tuberculosis, oncological neoplasms. Successful and rapid recovery directly depends on a thorough diagnosis and timely appropriate treatment. We will stop our attention on the methods of diagnosis and treatment of such a disease as a wet cough in a child.
Causes of wet cough
The most common cause of a wet cough in a child can be:
- acute respiratory-viral infections of the respiratory system (laryngitis, tracheitis, obstructive bronchitis);
- an allergic reaction that is characterized by a lack of temperature (bronchial asthma);
- pneumonia;
- inflammatory diseases of the nasal passages, accompanied by abundant release of mucus;
- as a complication of gastro-esophageal reflux;
- congenital pathology (cystic fibrosis, Kartagener's syndrome).
In infants, a wet cough is often caused by an inadequate musculature development
In infants and children of the first year of life, a wet cough may be associated with insufficient development of the muscles of the esophagus and stomach, and also with the eruption of the first teeth. In these cases, do not panic and go to extremes, all these problems will disappear with the child's growing up. By itself, a wet cough in a child does not carry danger, but the parents should be alert to the symptoms of coughing:
- long and sudden;
- high temperature, which lasts longer than 3 days;
- the presence of wheezing;
- pain in the chest;
- lack of appetite in the baby;
- an admixture of pus and blood in the sputum.
Mechanism of wet cough
The mucous membrane of the respiratory tract is lined with glandular cells that are capable of producing mucus. By its structure, mucus can be serous, purulent, bloody. In inflammatory processes in the respiratory system, the amount of mucus released increases many times, it acts as an irritant, triggering a response from the body in the form of a cough.
Treatment of cough with phlegm
Drug treatment is the use of pharmaceuticals
- Promoting the withdrawal and excretion of sputum in a child (mucolytics and expectorants) of synthetic and plant origin:
- syrups "Doctor Mom", "Alteika", "Prospan", "Pectusin", "Bronchicum" - herbal preparations
- Mukaltin, "Ambroxol", "Lazolvan" - synthetic preparations
- Thinning phlegm:
- carbocysteine
- acetylcysteine
- preparations containing soda, dry cough syrup
- Relieving spasm, enlarging the lumen of the bronchi:
- salbutamol
- bronchocin
- papaverine
Physiotherapeutic treatment
- Inhalations. To alleviate the condition of a sick child, it is very useful to make steam inhalations with essential oil of eucalyptus or pine. A good remedy for cough control are finely dispersed inhalations that can be taken at home with an inhaler, such as a nebulizer. As a medicine for inhalation, you can use alkaline mineral water such as "Borjomi", herbal decoctions, ATSTS solution;
- Paraffin or ozocerite applications on the chest area, improve blood circulation in this area, relieve inflammation. If the child's body temperature does not exceed 370, then it is appropriate to do homemade applications with a mustard or potato Cakes that have the same effect as paraffin and help to cure cough with sputum faster;
- Ultrasound and UHF act on the deep parts of the respiratory system;
- Massage vibration and respiratory gymnastics. If there is no possibility to go to a massage session to a professional or a child negatively transfers them, then the mother will be able to cope with this task at home. As breathing exercises you can offer the child a fun game, who more than air balloons will cheat or how to make a storm in a glass of water using a cocktail tube. To make a vibrating massage for a child, it is enough to play with him in the well-known game "Rails-rails, sleepers-sleepers", in addition to having fun, you will make a number of useful procedures for the child.
Folk remedies
- A plentiful warm drink in the form of compotes, teas, wild rose hips, fruit drinks;
- Warm alkaline drink (mineral water such as "Borjomi" or "Polyana Kvasova");
- The use of warm milk diluted with alkaline mineral water in a ratio of 1: 3;
- Drink instead of tea broths of medicinal herbs (mother-and-stepmother, elderberry and linden, sage, chamomile);
- Home cough syrup: 1 white onion cut finely, mix with 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tsp. lemon juice, let it brew overnight and drink the juice formed over the next day;
- No less effective means, curing cough, will be a syrup, prepared from berries of viburnum with sugar. Such a tasty and varied treatment will satisfy any child.
It is forbidden to give children antitussive drugs, in the presence of bronchial and light wet rales with phlegm. Because instead of good, you can cause irreparable harm to the health of the baby. The fact is that with the long retention of mucus in the respiratory tract, it becomes a breeding ground for many bacteria and can have complications in the form of pneumonia, lung abscess, respiratory failure.
To cough with phlegm did not annoy you and your child, you need to follow certain preventive measures:
- Correctly organized mode of the day;
- Walking in the fresh air in any weather;
- Hardening;
- Personal hygiene of the child;
- In the season of colds, enhanced personal hygiene, washing of the nasal passages with water and sea salt;
- Use of vitamin therapy and antiviral drugs as needed;
- Organize in the room daily wet cleaning with ventilation.
If the child has a cough, dry or with phlegm, it is necessary to see the doctor, take blood and urine tests, if necessary planting with phlegm on bacteria and sensitivity to antibiotics to get adequate treatment.
Remember! Rapid recovery depends on proper diagnosis and on time of treatment.
NasmorkuNet.ru
How quickly to cure a wet cough in a child?
The child can often experience a wet cough, he often begins to worry in the fall or winter, because which accompanies all diseases of the respiratory system that occur in acute respiratory infections, viral infections. It is a reliable protection, it can be used to purify the respiratory system of sputum, to remove the pathogenic microflora. First, the child is characterized by a dry cough, it gradually grows wet.It is necessary to immediately cure this kind of cough, while remembering to take into account individual characteristics, because it accompanies such diseases as tuberculosis, malignant tumors, allergic reactions, viral-respiratory infections.
Causes of a wet cough in a child
1. Because of tracheitis, laryngitis, obstructive bronchitis.
2. Especially dangerous is an allergic moist cough, it leads to bronchial asthma.
3. Because of the inflammatory process in the pulmonary system.
4. Wet cough is a consequence of inflammation in the nose, with it emits a lot of mucus from the nose.
5. With gastro-esophageal reflux.
6. In cases of congenital pathological processes - cystic fibrosis.
7. In newborns, a cough can be triggered by the fact that they have not yet developed musculature.
8. In children of one year, a wet cough appears due to the fact that the esophageal and gastric muscles are not developed, and it can also appear against the background of teething.
When is a damp cough dangerous for a child?
1. If it suddenly appears and lasts a long time.
2. When the temperature of the body rises during coughing, it lasts more than three days.
3. If you can hear wheezing.
4. Painful sensations in the chest.
5. The kid refuses to eat.
6. When there is pus and blood in the sputum.
How does a child develop a wet cough?
On the mucous membrane in the respiratory tract appear glandular cells, because of them there is a large amount of mucus, it can be serous, purulent and bloody. When the inflammatory process in the respiratory organs, mucus can increase, it is a strong irritant, so there is a cough.
Methods of cough cough with sputum
It is very important for a child to use pharmaceuticals, with the help of their sputum they will quickly leave and come out, such are mucolytics. Also the pediatrician often appoints such syrups for the child as "Pectusin", "Doctor Mom", "Bronchicum", "Alteika", they are of plant origin. But they must be treated with extreme caution, often because of them there are various allergic reactions. Synthetic drugs include "Ambroxol", "Mukaltin", "Lazolvan" they effectively cure a child.
Sputum can be diluted with acetylcysteine, carbocisteine, and also with dry cough medicine. Get rid of bronchial spasm can be with the help of bronchocin, salbutamol, papaverine.
Physiotherapeutic procedures for treating a wet cough in a child
1. With the help of inhalation it is possible to alleviate a painful cough, especially inhalation with the use of ethereal eucalyptus oil, pine oil. Help cure the inhalation cough, which are carried out by a nebulizer. Also recommend the use of herbal decoctions, mineral water Essentuki, ACTS.
Improve the blood circulation will help applications with paraffin, ozocerite, with the help of them you can stop the inflammatory process. When the body temperature does not increase more than 37 degrees, you can use the applique from the potato, mustard, with the help of their faster output of phlegm.
2. Treatment of moist cough with UHF, ultrasound, they act deeply on the respiratory system.
3. Excellent helps the child special gymnastics for respiratory organs, as well as massage in the form of vibration. All this can be done at home. Breathing exercises are best conducted in the form of a game, for example, to arrange a competition, who will more quickly inflate balloons. Also such a game is effective, take a cocktail tube and you need to rinse air through it into the glass. Massage vibration is easy to carry out if you know the nursery rhyme "Rails-rails".
Traditional methods of treating a wet cough in a child
1. As much as possible to use liquids - tea, dog rose broth, mors, compote.
2. To drink warm alkaline water - "Glade Kvasova", "Essentuki".
3. Good warm milk with mineral water "Borjomi" helps.
4. To use broths with the color of elderberry, mother-and-stepmother, chamomile, lime decoctions, perfectly sheds the herb of sage.
5. You can heal with this recipe, for this you need to cut one onion, add two tablespoons of honey, lemon juice, insist, drink the next day.
6. Excellent helps with a cologne-sugar syrup from a cough, his child will be happy to drink.
In no case can you use drugs in the event that the pulmonary and bronchial system can hear wheezing. So you can further damage the child, since a large number of bacteria can begin to develop in it, there may be a complication such as angina, respiratory failure, pulmonary abscess.
Prevention of wet cough in a child
1. The child should have a certain regime of the day, which he must adhere to.
2. Constantly walk in the street, in different weather.
3. Temper the child.
4. Teach your child to follow the rules of hygiene.
5. In the season of epidemics, you must constantly wash your nose with a solution of sea salt.
6. If there is a need to take vitamins, antiviral drugs.
7. Every day you should air a room, humidify the air in it.
8. When a child has a wet cough, you need to immediately consult a doctor who is treating you, you may need to pass urine and blood tests. It is mandatory to plant sputum on a bacterial microflora to check what level of sensitivity the child has for different antibacterial drugs. So the doctor will be able to prescribe an effective treatment.
Thus, a wet cough in a child requires mandatory examination and control of the doctor, in no case it can not be run.
medportal.su
Cough with hard-to-recover sputum
Coughing is one of the protective mechanisms of the human body. It can be dry, or unproductive, and productive, or wet, with phlegm. A cough with hard-to-recover sputum in most cases suggests bronchial or lung damage. When such a symptom arises, it is necessary to visit a doctor and determine its causes. During the examination, a specialist collects an anamnesis, finds out the time and circumstances of the appearance of a cough, and also draws attention to the type, color and amount of sputum produced. Based on the results of the research, the doctor diagnoses and determines the treatment required.Viscous hard-to-separate sputum is a sign of what?
Sputum is excreted in humans always. In the normal state, its amount is not large. This secret has bactericidal properties, destroying pathogenic microorganisms. Sputum also removes dust particles, dead cells of the epithelium and other substances trapped in the human respiratory system. Mucus with the help of the cilia of the epithelial layer and the energy of exhalation rises to the larynx and is swallowed by man. This process proceeds for him imperceptibly.
However, with inflammation, exposure to allergens, irritants or viruses, the composition, amount, color and properties of the sputum change, and the process of its elimination is disturbed. As a result, it stagnates in the bronchi, becoming the habitat of microorganisms.
The appearance of sputum can be associated with various diseases. Thus, viscous hard-to-separate sputum often becomes a sign of bronchial asthma, obstructive bronchitis or mucopurulent form of cystic fibrosis. In the latter case, the secret is the most stringy. To alleviate the condition of the patient and to remove stagnant slime, various medications and folk remedies, as well as methods of treatment, are used.
Dry cough with hard-to-recover sputum
Causes of dry cough with hard-to-recover sputum can be covered in inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system (larynx, bronchi, lungs and others), in the appearance of tumors, as well as in allergic reactions. Inflammatory diseases of the larynx can be expressed in dry barking cough, hoarseness of the voice, while a small amount of thick sputum can be released, usually after night coughing attacks. Such seizures in children can lead to the development of false groats, which poses a health hazard, as it can lead to suffocation and respiratory failure.
In some cases, a dry, excruciating cough can occur when breathing in foreign bodies, small food particles or dust. Another cause of severe dry cough with viscous sputum may be the inhalation of vapors of various chemicals, cosmetic or perfume products and other. Similar symptoms are often observed in heavy smokers.
Paroxysmal cough with hard-to-recover sputum
Causes of paroxysmal cough with difficultly separated sputum may include: pneumonia, bronchial asthma, whooping cough, tuberculosis and other pathologies.
A paroxysmal cough of a spastic character can speak of bronchial asthma. Most often, with this disease, the attack begins in the night or evening. The onset of an attack is associated with exposure to an allergen. In addition to a strong cough, there may be suffocation, as well as pain in the abdomen or chest. The duration of the attack may be different, but usually it lasts no more than an hour, after which the patient experiences a withdrawal of dark sputum.
Whooping cough is another common cause of paroxysmal cough. The onset of this disease is similar to a common cold, however, then the runny nose and fever disappear, and coughing attacks increase markedly, becoming painful. Drugs used to treat colds with pertussis are ineffective. Without proper treatment, the disease can persist for up to two months or more, it should be treated in a hospital under the supervision of specialists.
In some cases, the appearance of paroxysmal coughing indicates the development of complications of influenza or cold and respiratory damage. Coughing attacks can occur with bronchitis, pneumonia, tracheitis, laryngitis and other diseases. In this case, sputum is difficult to separate and practically does not depart. In addition to these symptoms, the patient may have: headache, fever, change in voice, weakness, runny nose. If the timely and full treatment, then after a couple of days sputum becomes lighter and begins to depart. After this, the patient begins to recover. With improper treatment or absence of his illness can become chronic.
Cough with hard-to-recover sputum: treatment
The main emphasis in the treatment of cough with hard-to-recover sputum is to identify and eliminate the factors that caused it. For this, a medical examination is performed and a number of analyzes are performed. Treatment in any case is appointed complex. It usually includes drugs that facilitate the phlegm. These include ATSTS, Lazolvan, Bromgeksin, Ambrogesal and others. In addition to taking medications, patients are often prescribed inhalation, warming and other procedures.
Preparations for cough with hard-to-recover sputum
For the treatment of cough from difficultly separated sputum, drugs are used whose active ingredient is carbocysteine, ambroxol, acetylcysteine or bromhexine.
Acetylcysteine is a sodium salt. When using the agent with this substance, the phlegm is diluted, its viscosity decreases, while increasing its volume. In addition, transforming in the body, acetylcysteine forms an active metabolite, which is a powerful antioxidant. Due to this, the drug with this substance also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Acetylcysteine-based drugs include Acestine, Mucobene, ACC, and others. All these medications should not be taken to people with hypertension, adrenal gland pathologies, peptic ulcer disease and the presence of blood in sputum.
Carbocysteine belongs to the group of secretolitics, it stimulates contractions of the respiratory muscles. This substance is contained in Bronhokod, Mukodin, Bronkatar, Mukosol and other preparations. All means with it make sputum less viscous and improve the condition of the mucous tissues of the respiratory system. However, they have contraindications, such as pregnancy, inflammatory diseases of the kidneys, digestive system or bladder.
In the treatment of diseases accompanied by abundant phlegm, drugs based on ambroxol or bromhexine are used. The first group includes: Lazolvan, Brontex, Flavamed, Ambrobene and others, and the second group includes Bronchosan, Mugotsil, Bromhexin, Bisolvon and others. Both groups have similar indications and contraindications, as well as the mechanism of action and possible side effects. Such drugs contribute to liquefaction and excretion of sputum. Contraindications of these drugs include peptic ulcer and the first trimester of pregnancy.
In addition, other drugs can be used to treat cough with difficult sputum. Widely known tablets for resorption Mukaltin, made on the basis of the extract of the root of the althaea. Pectusin and Bronchicum syrups are also used, which are also made on the basis of plant components.
Folk remedies
Traditional medicine offers many different recipes for the treatment of cough with difficult sputum. With the use of such folk remedies, the viscosity of phlegm decreases, and it is easier to remove from the bronchi.
- Decoction of figs. A tablespoon of dried and chopped fig fruits should be poured a glass of boiling water, and then cook over low heat for about a quarter of an hour. The resulting broth is cooled, filtered and taken after meals 4-5 times a day, while in the facility you can add a little bit of lemon juice.
- Radish with milk and honey. Radish juice 100 ml mixed with a mug of milk and a spoon of honey, preferably linden. The mixture is slightly heated and mixed thoroughly. Take it should be on a large spoon several times a day.
- Lemon juice with horseradish and honey. From one fruit of the lemon squeeze the juice, it is mixed with the same amount of diluted honey and gruel from the grated root horseradish. The product is stored in a refrigerator and drunk on a large spoon before eating.
- Rubbing. To facilitate breathing and better separation of sputum, you can rub the area of the chest and back with turpentine ointment or alcohol-based products. This procedure is best done before bedtime.
- Milk with honey. A mug of milk should be boiled, and then cool to about 45 degrees. Then there is added a large spoonful of honey and a small lump of propolis. The agent is drunk before going to sleep in small sips.
- Not bad help in the treatment of cough infusions of hawthorn, root of althaea, elecampane, licorice root and other medicinal plants.
However, before you start treatment with home remedies, it is worth to visit a doctor, find out the causes of cough with hard-to-recover sputum and discuss with him the course of treatment.
kashelb.com
How to withdraw phlegm from a child
Sputum in the child's throat
Cough is one of the most common manifestations of colds in a child. Children are often exposed to it, because their immune system does not yet have a sufficient degree of resistance to infection. When coughing occurs, the infection that caused the disease is removed from the body of the child, as well as all unnecessary that could get into his lungs. However, there are situations in which to take the necessary measures to rectify them. This applies to cases where coughing is delayed and his seizures become a hindrance to a child's sleep. In this case, complications in the bronchi of a child and his lungs are possible in the event that it is not possible to remove sputum from the lungs and throat in time.There are dry cough and cough with phlegm, also called productive.
How to withdraw phlegm from the bronchi in a child
The production of sputum is a completely normal reaction to inflammatory processes in the respiratory organs and is characteristic of people of all ages. The mucous secret of the cavity of the bronchi is an obstacle for various bacteria and viruses when they penetrate the body. The normal state of things is activation of the process of sputum production with the active functioning of epithelial cilia covering the inner surface of the bronchi. In this case, the mucus is removed to the outside and does not stagnate.
Sputum from the child's bronchuses can be removed with the help of milk with garlic. To do this, it is enough to drink milk without any additives, just slightly warmed up. When applied together with milk, mashed garlic in it, the effectiveness of the product is increased at times.
In addition, a sufficiently effective means is the use of warming inhalations involving the use of a nebulizer. With its application, direct administration of drugs into the bronchi is ensured. It is best to perform inhalation in the event of a cough with clear sputum, taking place without a rise in temperature.
How to withdraw phlegm from the lungs of a child
With abundant allocation of mucus in the child, parents should understand how they should behave. In no case do you need to expectorate the mucus that appears. Divert the attention of the child can be with a pair of cubes of sugar with drops of mint infusion. You can give the child a candy. Peppermint relieves breathing and reduces cough. After this, you can be taken directly for removing sputum from the lungs.
For this purpose honey, applied in combination with a radish and onions, is best suited. To get the juice you need to rub onions and radish on a grater, then squeeze them through a thick layer of gauze. The resulting mixture should be added to honey and take one teaspoon three times daily before meals. Concentration: 20 grams of mixture per a glass of honey.
You can also add fried figs to hot milk. The glass of the medicine is given to the child three times a day. Before going to bed, you should drink a glass of boiled water with a couple drops of iodine.
How to treat sputum in a child
When treating sputum, the child should understand the fact that mucus itself is only a symptom of a cold and it is necessary to treat it. It is necessary to strictly comply with medical prescriptions, you can independently carry out the child by inhalation with steam. This should be done at least for a couple of weeks, as often after the elimination of the disease, coughing continues in the child. It should also be understood that conducting thermal procedures is preferable to treatment with medications. The legs of the child and his chest require special effects of heat. Therefore, it should be kept warm and well-dressed.
In addition, a moist cough is good for the elimination of sputum and should not be treated specifically. If he is very bored, do not give the child any pills, they can be replaced with syrups and sugar candies.
How to get sputum from a child with folk remedies
The means of traditional medicine, which make it possible to effectively withdraw phlegm from a child, there are many. They are more effective than medicines and safer than them, since they do not cause side effects. You can recommend such an option to eliminate the situation. Honey in the amount of two tablespoons is mixed with a teaspoon of olive oil, half a banana and three drops of aloe juice. In this case, the banana must be pre-recoated through a sieve, after which it is mixed with all the listed components. In this case, honey should be preheated to about 40 degrees Celsius. Reception of the drug is carried out on one tablespoon three times a day. The taste is very pleasant and suitable for any child.
How to remove a phlegm from a child with a massage
Massage as a method of eliminating phlegm in a child is indicated in those cases when the child does not have a high temperature. It does not take much time, it will be ten minutes. Most of this procedure is suitable for infants. Before doing it, you need to give the child a remedy to facilitate expectoration. It is recommended to build a massage in the form of a game, then the baby will better perceive it.
The entire back of the child, from the waist up to the shoulders, is stretched, while redness of his skin should be achieved. Then the skin should be slightly pinched by fingers, then tap the ribs of the palm on the back of the child. The massage ends with weak pats and strokes.
Separation of sputum can begin immediately, so we should try to spit it. After that, the child's chest is rubbed and again one should try to expectorate sputum. As a result, sputum departs more quickly.
How to help cough phlegm
First of all, you should monitor the level of humidity in the child's room and regularly ventilate it. You can hang up towels on the batteries to improve his breathing, it helps a lot. If the baby can not clear his throat on his own, it is necessary to give him more drinks of warm milk, calming tea on herbs, with mint and chamomile. In addition, regular massages help.
How to get rid of sputum in a child with medicines
It is not recommended to take medications for infants, but at the same time some funds can be used by everyone. For example, the drug Ambroxol is indicated for admission to children under two years of age. It is available in the form of a syrup so it is recommended to very young children who are difficult to take tablets. Lazolvan is suitable for inhalation, and it is also effective in eliminating cough. Bromhexine is also available as a syrup and is a good cough remedy with sputum.
How to withdraw phlegm from an infant
There are many means for excreting sputum in a nursing baby. You can recommend some of them.
Herbal decoctions, in particular, cooked from mother-and-stepmother, thyme, St. John's wort, are very helpful. Applying them, you should carefully study the recommendations issued by the manufacturer. It is also necessary to find out exactly whether the child has an individual intolerance to such broths.
Effective compresses, prepared from boiled potatoes, with the addition of a few drops of iodine, as well as some sunflower oil. They must be wrapped in cloth and applied to the baby's chest. Duration of application no more than two minutes. At the same time, the child is covered with a blanket, and his chest with a diaper, in order to avoid a burn.
You can also put the child mustard plasters, although for a short time and put them you need only breast and calves.
kashelb.com
Severe cough with phlegm
When there is a strong cough with phlegm, the first thing to keep in mind: the cough itself, and the significant, unintended norm, the volume of excretions with it is the response of the body to the presence of a foci of infection or irritation of the mucosa in the airways.
Causes of severe cough with phlegm
The most common causes of severe coughing with phlegm, that is, with pathologically increased education and secretion of mucous secretions, are diseases such as acute respiratory disease, acute bronchitis, pneumonia, exudative pleurisy and empyema of the pleura, bronchiectatic disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (collective name for chronic bronchitis and emphysema, usually caused by smoking).
For the chronic form of bronchitis due to the increased formation of mucus in the bronchi, their inflammation and pathological changes in the tissues of the bronchi and lungs characterized by a strong cough with phlegm and with blood, which appears due to damage to the blood vessels located in the mucosa. When the disease worsens, sputum may have purulent inclusions in its composition. However, doctors warn: the presence of blood in the sputum may indicate such pathologies as bronchiectasis or pulmonary tuberculosis. And in the case of a purulent foci (abscess) in the lungs during its breakthrough and the ingress of pus into the bronchi, the sputum, which goes away when coughing, will have a characteristic putrefactive smell and a greenish color.
In addition to shortness of breath, wheezing and attacks of weakening of respiratory functions of the bronchi, a strong cough with discharge sputum (often at night) accompanies bronchial asthma associated with respiratory reactions to allergens.
With edema of the lungs, there is also an intense productive cough. And with a pulmonary etiology of this state after coughing, it becomes easier for a person. And when the swelling of the lung tissue is caused by left-sided heart failure with stagnation of blood in a small circle blood circulation, coughing does not bring relief, and in severe cases, sputum is colored pink.
Also, a strong cough with sputum is one of the symptoms of cystic fibrosis - an incurable genetically determined disease that affects mucus-releasing organs. An indication of the respiratory form of this disease is an intense paroxysmal cough with mucopurulent sputum.
Strong cough with sputum
Sputum is a secretion that forms in the trachea and in the bronchi. They are produced by special glands of tracheobronchial walls together with goblet cellular structures. Such discharges are also characteristic of healthy people, but in a much smaller number. A healthy secret has bactericidal abilities and serves as a natural prophylaxis for many respiratory diseases. Normally, mucus helps to remove from the respiratory tract toxic products, exfoliated epithelial cells and dust particles trapped in the respiratory system during inspiration. The mucous secret is removed outwardly towards the larynx with the help of ciliated epithelium and exhaled airflow. The function of the cilia can depend on the temperature indexes, on the acidity of the medium, and on the mucus yield on the density and secretion properties.
A strong cough with hard-to-recover sputum is characteristic of bronchial asthma (sputum free of impurities, vitreous), for obstructive bronchitis or cystic fibrosis (sputum purulent-mucous character). The most severe excretion of sputum is observed with pulmonary cystic fibrosis.
A strong cough of sputum with blood in small amounts can mean that a small blood vessel in the airway burst during an attack. However, such a symptom may be a sign of a stagnant phenomenon in the lungs, an infectious inflammation such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, the presence of a neoplasm in the lungs. If the patient does not make serious complaints, and blood in the sputum is not a constant symptom, then, as a rule, there is no cause for concern. However, the repetition of secretions with blood, as well as the addition of other signs of disease can speak of a serious pathology. What should alert:
- increased body temperature;
- persistent prolonged cough that does not respond to conventional treatment;
- regular appearance of impurities in mucous secretions;
- increased sweating;
- appearance in the lungs of various wheezing, whistles, bubbling sounds.
If these symptoms appear, you should immediately contact the appropriate medical specialist - therapist or pulmonologist.
Who to contact?
PulmonologistDiagnosis of severe cough with phlegm
The wording "symptoms of a strong cough with phlegm" from a medical point of view is not entirely correct, since the cough itself - slight or strong, dry or with phlegm - is a symptom. Developing symptoms of a strong cough with phlegm combined with other symptoms and taking into account the nature of the cough phlegm enable doctors to establish a diagnosis.
So, with bronchitis and pneumonia, phlegm first mucous, and then mucopurulent (with croupous pneumonia - the color rust); With bronchial asthma, thick mucous sputum, as a rule, does not have a definite color. If the consistency of the cough secretion is liquid and foam is formed, then it is most likely due to the swelling of the lung tissue. About a sputum with a blood already it was spoken above.
Diagnosis of a strong cough with phlegm - determining the cause of its occurrence - includes the mandatory general and biochemical a blood test, as well as the study of blood serum for tuberculosis, antigens, eosinophils, mycoplasma. Sputum examination on the microflora should be carried out without fail.
The diagnostic standard is the use of an X-ray examination of the organs of the chest in patients with complaints of severe cough with sputum, and the removal of an electrocardiogram. Spirometry is indispensable for determining the functional level of the respiratory system, and for the purpose of examination Bronchial bronchus is used to diagnose bronchial conditions - bronchoscopy with contrast agent. If necessary, endoscopic examination of the bronchi (bronchoscopy), ultrasound and computed tomography of the bronchi and lungs.
Treatment of severe cough with phlegm
In practice, the treatment of a strong spit with sputum means symptomatic therapy aimed at reducing the viscosity of sputum and removing it from the respiratory tract. For this, medicines with an expectorant effect are used.
Acetylcysteine (Acestin, ACTS, Fluimutsil, Tussikom, Mukobene, Mukoneks, etc.) - adults and children after 14 years, 0.2 g 3 times a day. Effervescent tablets ATSTS - 1-2 pieces twice a day. Tussikom (20% solution) is designed for inhalation - 2-5 ml per procedure, which is recommended for a quarter of an hour up to four times a day.
Bromhexine chloride (Bromhexine, Bisolvon, Mugotsil, Mukovin, Solvin, etc.) in tablets of 8 mg - adults and children over 14 years 1-2 tablets three times a day; children 6-14 years - one tablet three times a day, 3-6 years - 4 mg three times a day. There is a solution for inhalations, which should be carried out twice a day: adults - 4 ml, children 10 years and older - 2 ml, 6-10 years - 1 ml, 2-6 years - 10 drops, under 2 years - 5 drops per procedure.
Mucolytic preparation Ambroxol hydrochloride (Ambroxol, Ambrohexal, Lazolvan, Bronhopron, Mukozan, Mukovent, etc.) - adults and children over 12 years, one tablet 2-3 times a day, after eating; in the form of syrup - 10 ml 3 times a day. Children 6-12 years of age, the dose is reduced by half, 2-5 years - the fourth part of the adult dose twice a day. Pregnant drugs based on ambroxol hydrochloride should not be used in the first trimester. This remedy can cause dry mouth, heartburn, pain in the stomach, nausea. It should also be taken into account that all preparations containing this active substance increase the absorption of antibacterial agents of bronchial mucosa.
Muciltin tablets are prescribed at , 5-, g 2-3 times per day (before meals); Tablets Terpinhydrate - 0.25-0.5 g three times a day. Potassium iodide (1-3% solution of potassium iodide) for the expectoration of sputum, doctors recommend taking two tablespoons 3-4 times a day. This drug is contraindicated for pulmonary tuberculosis.
In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma, a strong cough with sputum is treated with inhalations with drugs group of blockers of m-holinoretseptorov, which expand the bronchi and reduce the production of mucus. For example, Atrovent (an aerosol with an active ingredient ipratropium bromide) is prescribed 3-4 inhalations per day.
In cystic fibrosis, drainage of bronchial tubes, inhalation with corticosteroids, administration of drugs, for example, Pulmozima in the form of daily inhalations (using a nebulizer) - 2.5 mg once a day.
A strong cough with sputum discharge can also be treated with traditional breast pills with such medicinal plants as licorice root, root althaea, herb oregano and coltsfoot, plantain large (leaves), black elderberry (flowers): a tablespoon of dry food for a glass of boiling water. Insist for 1-1.5 hours and take 3-4 tablespoons after meals several times a day. Coughing up sputum is also promoted by steam inhalations with a decoction of leaves of eucalyptus, sage, peppermint (50 grams per cup of boiling water) or with eucalyptus oil (4-5 drops per 200 ml of water).
Patients with chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease need functional treatment in the sanatorium conditions with the use of aerial and barotherapy, respiratory gymnastics, postural drainage of respiratory organs, chest massage, etc.
Herbs from strong cough with phlegm
Expectorant medications for reflex action can be a collection of medicinal herbs and extracts from them. Such medicines increase and activate the release of mucous secretions from the trachea and bronchi. The medicinal group of preparations based on herbs is quite extensive, because expectorant abilities are possessed by many herbs. Medicines based on licorice, thyme, thyme, althea, pine kidney, mother-and-stepmother, elecampane, thermopsis, oregano, anise, sundew, plantain, ledum, violet, etc. are known.
Plants and extracts from them are used in the composition of various chest charges and mixtures, as well as potions, tablets, syrups.
- Dr. Mom can be presented with tablets, lozenges or syrup based on elecampane, aloe, basil, pepper, ginger root, turmeric, licorice, nightshade. It is a combined anti-inflammatory and expectorant drug, bronchodilator, secretolytics. Pastilles and tablets are used from 14 years, and syrup is used for children from three years of age. Small children drink this syrup with pleasure, since it comes with various attractive fruit and berry flavors.
- Mukaltin is nothing more than an extract from an althea plant. This drug has long been known for its anti-inflammatory and expectorant action, in addition, mukaltin enhances the peristaltic movements of bronchioles and stimulates the secretory activity of the bronchi. In addition to the althaea, tablets contain baking soda, which liquefies mucus and increases the amount of secretions.
- Thermopsis - is part of the long-known "Tablets from a cough". These tablets are devoid of any additional harmful substances, since they contain only thermopsis and baking soda - the leading expectorant of traditional medicine.
- Other expectorants on a plant basis - they can include more expensive foreign drugs. These are such medicines as bronchicum, eucabal, gedelix. Such medicines are prepared on the basis of the above mentioned herbs and have a similar composition with similar domestic preparations.
Herbs when coughing help not only improve the condition of the patient, but also support its immunity. So the body will be easier to cope with the disease. The main thing is to remember that a strong cough with sputum should be treated as quickly as possible, without waiting for self-healing. If everything is done correctly, that is, to conduct competent and timely treatment, then recovery will come soon and without negative consequences.
Prophylaxis and prognosis of severe cough with phlegm
Prevention of severe cough with phlegm is the prevention of any diseases of the upper respiratory tract, and in the case of their occurrence - adequate treatment, so that the usual, at first glance, cold does not go to bronchitis or pneumonia.
Without observing the rules of personal hygiene, without proper care for residential and industrial premises is indispensable, because the infection and air polluted by harmful substances enter the body during its inhalation.
In order not to develop chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, it is first of all necessary to give up smoking. It is also necessary to comply with all the precautions provided for work in harmful production conditions: with increased dustiness of air with coal, cement, asbestos, flour dust, as well as gas contamination with ammonia, chlorine, etc. It is necessary to undergo fluorography once a year - for the timely detection of changes in the lungs associated with tuberculosis.
As banal as it may seem, but a healthy lifestyle - a sufficient number of vitamins in food (in winter - the use of vitamin complexes), physical education, rest in the open air, rejection of bad habits - the most accessible to each preventive measures of diseases accompanied by a strong cough with sputum discharge.
The prognosis of a strong cough with phlegm - with the timely and correct treatment of acute bronchitis or pneumonia - is absolutely positive. What can not be said about the protracted infectious diseases of the respiratory system, which pour out into the chronicle.
According to medical statistics, in Ukraine, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is present in almost 5% of adults and contributes to the disability of the population. And according to WHO, from 1979 to 2009 the lethality due to this disease on a global scale has increased by more than 160%.
If you or your relatives have a strong cough with phlegm within a month or more, please consult a pulmonologist or a therapist.
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