What's That Tickle in your Throat.........

THAT TICKLE IN YOUR THROAT……………

The cough is an important defense mechanism, it expels bacteria, mucus, foreign substances, dirt or food, and helps clear the windpipe.  A cough may be dry, or it may expel mucus from the air passage.  Some symptoms that may occur with a cough include fever, chest pain, wheezing, sinus congestion, and breathing difficulty.

Coughing can cause stimulation of nerves in the larynx and respiratory tract.  These nerves can be irritated by infections, allergies, cold air, smoke, and other items in the air.

Smoking is the leading cause of the chronic cough.  But, there are other reasons as well.  A nagging cough can be from: postnasal drip, asthma, bronchitis, gas re flux disease, and treatment with ACE inhibitors. 

Viruses, Colds and the Flu are also common causes for a cough.  When Do I Start To Worry?

Warning symptoms that would require a call to the doctor would include:

·         Fever, especially if it’s high and prolonged

·         Coughing up blood

·         Shortness of breath

·         Chest pain that is not caused by the cough itself

·         Weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite

There are others, but these are the ones that are most common to look out for.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?  WHAT CAN HELP?

Over the counter cough medicines can help break up the mucus in the air passage (wind pipe), and this will enable easier breathing.  Some home remedies, such as, drinking warm fluids, and inhale warm moist air; like from the shower.  You can add some honey to warm tea, but never give honey to a child under the age of one year, as it can make them very sick. 

CAN I PROTECT MY SELF?

Yes, there are many ways to protect yourself from other people when they are sick.   Always wash your hands completely from the wrists to the tips of your fingers.  Even washing your face can help, but remember to keep your fingers out of your eyes. If you can, avoid the infected areas when you know someone is sick.  There are many over the counter medicines that can help to protect your body from the air borne viruses that are in the air.

 WHAT IF I AM SICK?

Cover your mouth when you cough otherwise if you don't, you are spreading your illness around.  Dispose of all the tissues and other paper products properly that you use when you sneeze and cough.  You can also keep your hands clean by extra washing's (antibacterial soaps aren't necessary, just regular soap) so you will not spread the germs to your loved ones. If at all possible, keep yourself contained in one area of your home, as to keep the germs from flowing throughout the house.