Sore throat and want to cough - causes and treatment

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Green Elena Stanislavovna

Otolaryngologist of the second category

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A sore throat accompanied by a dry cough is one of the common symptoms found in infectious or allergic diseases. Both children and adults living in megacities can experience such ailments. The explanation for this is inhalation of dust, exhaust gases, smoke from factory chimneys and other unpleasant factors that irritate the mucous membrane of the pharynx, causing a sore throat and a dry, unproductive cough. A severe sore throat and dry cough cause significant discomfort to a person and interfere with their usual way of life, therefore, when such symptoms appear, it is important to take timely treatment measures, as well as determine the cause.

Why is my throat sore and coughing?

According to doctors, in 95% of cases these symptoms are associated with colds and inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract. They are caused by diseases such as ARVI, pharyngitis, laryngitis and other pathologies caused by pathogenic microbes.

However, a sore throat can occur for some other reasons. Often this symptom appears in smokers, a cough with a sore throat can be a side effect of taking certain medications, and even increased strain on the voice of telephone operators, lecturers or singers can provoke these unpleasant symptoms.

There are also a number of diseases that manifest themselves as cough and sore throat. For example, these symptoms may be the first signs of tuberculosis or indicate pathologies of nasal breathing (rhinitis, adenoids, deviated nasal septum). People with heart failure may develop a so-called “heart cough”, the distinctive feature of which is a sore throat. Sometimes a sore throat becomes a symptom of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular reflux esophagitis. Neoplasms in the bronchi, pharyngeal neurosis, syphilis, some endocrine disorders and even banal allergies - all these diseases can be accompanied by a cough and dry mucous membranes, which causes a sore throat.

Drugs that soften dry cough

How to deal with cough and tickle

It is quite obvious that unpleasant symptoms in the throat need to be dealt with. True, in order to eliminate them, you first need to find out the cause of their appearance. If “smoker’s cough” is to blame, you should give up this bad habit. When the cause of unpleasant symptoms is taking medications, you should ask your doctor to change medications; if a sore throat and cough are an allergic reaction of the body, you need to identify the source of the allergy and protect yourself from contact with it. As for diseases that provoke the symptoms described above, they must be dealt with under the supervision of a doctor. As soon as the disease subsides, the sore throat will disappear.

In this article I would like to focus on colds that cause a sore throat and a desire to cough. To eliminate this problem, doctors prescribe a variety of drugs.

For example, to combat an infectious agent, specialists prescribe antiviral agents, and in the case of a severe form of the disease, antibiotics. To ease the condition of the throat, anti-inflammatory and painkillers may be prescribed. Cough lozenges also help a sore throat. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe immunomodulators, which will strengthen the immune system and promote a speedy recovery. And if the symptoms described above are caused by pharyngeal neurosis, a neurologist will help to cope with the problem, who will prescribe sedatives, and in difficult cases, tranquilizers and antidepressants.

Folk remedies are a great help in the fight against dry cough and sore throat. Recipes based on natural ingredients perfectly disinfect, relieve pain and inflammation, and also dilute mucus, helping to transform a dry hacking cough into a wet one, which is much easier to cope with. And as the sputum thins, the sore throat goes away.

Topical preparations

To relieve inflammation in the throat, a product based on dry plant extract and essential oil, Sage lozenges from Natur Product, has proven itself to be effective. Sage lozenges from Natur Product is a combined preparation containing a complex of biologically active substances¹.

It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and expectorant effects, and also has astringent properties¹.

Sage lozenges from Natur The product has a herbal composition with few side effects¹´².

Sage lozenges from Natur The product is manufactured in Europe in accordance with international production quality standards¹.

THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS. BEFORE USE, YOU MUST CONSULT WITH A SPECIALIST

1. Instructions for medical use of the drug Sage lozenges

2. Allergic reactions - according to the instructions for medical use

Top 10 treatments for when you have a sore throat and want to cough

1. Salt and soda

The simplest, but at the same time extremely effective remedy for gargling for inflammation, cough, hoarseness and soda is a solution of salt and soda. Salt has excellent disinfectant properties, and soda softens the mucous membrane of the pharynx, helping to remove phlegm and speed up recovery. Preparing the rinse solution is very simple: dissolve ½ tsp in a glass of warm water. salt and ½ tsp. soda, then immediately begin the procedure. Remember, to achieve maximum effect, you should gargle at least 5 times a day.

2. Onion oil

Onions will help eliminate unpleasant symptoms in the throat. For this purpose, take a couple of large onions, peel them and chop them finely. Pour a glass of unrefined oil into the frying pan and heat it thoroughly. Place the chopped vegetables in a frying pan and fry them until golden brown, then remove from the heat and strain the oil using gauze. After allowing the product to cool slightly, use it as a gargle 4-6 times a day until the problem goes away.

3. Sage decoction

Sage is famous for its bactericidal and wound-healing properties. In addition, this medicinal plant eliminates inflammatory processes and softens the mucous membrane of the throat, alleviating the patient’s condition. To feel the healing power of sage, you should prepare the following decoction: pour 1 teaspoon of the plant’s dry leaves with a glass of boiling water and cover with a lid and leave for 15 minutes. After the allotted time, strain the liquid and use it to gargle. If you carry out procedures every 2-3 hours, relief can be felt already on the second day.

4. Chamomile tea

Medicines based on chamomile are among the first to come to the rescue in case of a dry cough and sore throat. This is not surprising, because nature has not yet come up with a better remedy that can remove pathogenic microbes and cope with inflammation. To help the throat 1 tbsp. Pour a glass of boiling water over dried chamomile flowers and let the product brew for half an hour. After the allotted time, dissolve a teaspoon of honey in the chamomile mood and drink a cup of it at least 3 times a day. To enhance the effect of chamomile tea, gargle your sore throat with this mixture throughout the day.

5. Garlic

When going to bed, put one peeled garlic clove in your mouth and suck on it, biting a little so that the vegetable releases its juice. How it works? It's no secret that garlic is rich in allicin, which has antimicrobial properties and quickly destroys microbes that cause throat diseases. Moreover, when mixed with saliva, garlic juice becomes exactly the remedy that can quickly relieve inflammation and swelling in the throat. Practice shows that literally 1-2 procedures, which can be performed not only before bed, but also in the morning, will help alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of upper respiratory tract diseases.

6. Apple cider vinegar

Natural apple cider vinegar will help you cope with a sore throat and other unpleasant symptoms. The acetic acid contained in this product destroys bacteria and viruses no worse than allicin, and also relieves a sore throat that interferes with swallowing food and talking. To obtain this healing composition, you need to dissolve 1 tbsp in a glass of warm water. l. vinegar and 1 tbsp. liquid honey. First, gargle three times with the prepared solution and drink the remaining liquid.

7. Carrots with beets There is another useful recipe that acts in several directions at once, eliminating cold symptoms and normalizing the condition of the pharynx. Moreover, the ingredients for its preparation can be found in any kitchen. To do this, mix beet juice and carrot juice in equal proportions. Dilute 1 tbsp in 250 ml of the prepared mixture. honey and you can take it a glass in the morning and evening, drinking in slow sips.

8. Mint and lemon balm

Inhalations are an excellent remedy for a sore throat and dry cough. The procedures can be carried out with medicinal formulations purchased at the pharmacy, or you can use 1 tbsp. lemon balm and 1 tbsp. Pour boiling water (1 cup) over mint leaves. After 30 minutes, when the product has infused, you can fill a kettle or inhaler with it and inhale the healing vapors. Carry out the procedures 2-3 times a day, and soon you will feel the long-awaited relief.

9. Fir oil

There is another recipe for preparing an inhalation product. It will be especially useful for people who, in addition to a dry cough and tickling, suffer from hoarseness. To prepare the solution, dissolve 10 drops of fir oil and a piece of “Zvezdochka” balsam (literally the size of a match head) in a glass of boiling water. Inhale the healing vapors for 15–20 minutes through an inhaler or a regular teapot.

10. Almonds

Almonds can be of great help in the fight against diseases of the upper respiratory tract. To quickly get yourself in order, soak a few almonds in water overnight, and in the morning grind them to make a paste. Take this remedy 1 tbsp. after each meal (at least 3 times a day). In addition, you can buy almond oil at the pharmacy, which is also extremely beneficial for a sore throat. Add 1 tsp to food. of this oil or just drink 1 tsp. three times a day.

Despite the fact that the above recipes have long proven themselves to be effective means for treating pathologies of the upper respiratory tract, be sure to consult a specialist before using them.

Inhalations

Treatment of a nagging cough with inhalations brings tangible results from the first procedures. These activities are divided into two types - natural or artificial inhalation. Both types of procedures are used to treat a hacking cough. Steam inhalations are more suitable for home use. To do this procedure, you need to throw a drug into boiling water, which will enter the respiratory tract along with steam microparticles. For such events, essential oils or herbal infusions are most often used.

Steam inhalations can be done using the following herbs:

• coltsfoot;
• sage;
• thyme;
• Linden blossom;
• St. John's wort.

You can take one of these plants, add one tablespoon and pour boiling water over it and let it brew for an hour. Inhalations can be carried out 3-4 times a day if you do not have a fever. You need to bend over a saucepan with broth, cover your head with a towel and breathe over it, inhaling medicinal vapors. It is recommended to carry out the procedure no longer than 25 minutes. Essential oils based on pine, fir, and eucalyptus also effectively combat coughing attacks. To prepare a solution for inhalation of these substances, you should take 10 drops of one of the oils, then add them to boiling water. Wait until the resulting product cools down and begin the procedure.

Read about what causes a tickling throat and cough in this article.

Recommendations for the treatment period

In addition, remember that for a speedy recovery, the use of medications and folk remedies alone is not enough. It is important to follow recommendations that will help strengthen the immune system and speed up recovery. In this regard, during treatment:

• completely give up spicy and salty foods, tobacco and alcohol, because... these harmful products can irritate the mucous membrane of the throat;
• try to talk less so as not to irritate your throat;
• drink more warm liquids: teas, fruit drinks, herbal decoctions.

If tickling and cough are caused by allergies:

• purchase an air ionizer to refresh and purify the air in your home;
• regularly carry out wet cleaning in the house, removing dust;
• get rid of dust accumulators: carpets, thick curtains, soft toys;
• Before going to bed, ventilate the sleeping area for at least 10–15 minutes;
• after a street walk, be sure to change your clothes;
• When you return from the street, rinse your nose and gargle with a weak solution of table salt.

When cough and tickling are symptoms of reflux disease, to reduce the load on the stomach:

• normalize your own weight;
• try not to overeat;
• avoid spicy and fatty foods;
• forget about alcohol and smoking;
• After eating, do not take a horizontal position.

All these tips will help you cope with unpleasant symptoms. Spare no time and effort, because in addition to recovery, you will receive strong immunity that will protect you from relapses. Good health to you!

The most dangerous symptoms

If a person has a sore throat and a dry cough, it is recommended to consult a pulmonologist, but there are even more alarming signs that should not be ignored:

• stable temperature maintenance within 38 degrees for three days;
• the appearance of whitish plaque and minor formations on the tonsils;
• an increase in the size of the cervical lymph nodes;
• the appearance of a rash on the body.

The presence of shortness of breath even with minimal physical activity, attacks of suffocation should in no case be ignored. The same applies to those cases when the general condition worsens - headaches, attacks of nausea and weakness appear.

How to treat at home?

Home therapy methods are widely used as an additional method of treating infectious diseases. To eliminate cough and tickling, compresses, inhalations, and rubbing are used. Treatment with such methods is recommended to be coordinated with a doctor. What to do at home if you have a very sore throat:

• rinse with herbal decoctions (sage, eucalyptus, chamomile, marigold, plantain) three times a day;
• pour mustard into cotton socks and put on warm socks on top;
• add a few drops of essential oil (lavender, eucalyptus, mint, fir) to 0.5 liters of hot water (about 70 degrees), breathe in the vapor until the liquid cools;
• Grind the lemon along with the zest, add a tablespoon of glycerin and 2 tablespoons of honey, mix and leave to brew for 2-4 hours, take a tablespoon three times a day.