Cough is a convulsive and audible movement of the respiratory system.
Cough is a loud and convulsive movement of the respiratory system of humans and animals . This phenomenon occurs due to the spasmodic contraction of the thoracic cavity due to the violent release of air from the lungs .
For example: "I'm going to take Marcos to the doctor: he has a bad cough and won't stop sneezing," "You have to take cough syrup and you'll feel better," "I'm tired because this cough hasn't let me sleep all the time." the night."
Origin of cough
Cough - a term from the Latin tussis - usually begins as a symptomatic or asymptomatic reflex mechanism . From a given stimulus, a deep inspiration is produced, which is followed by the closure of the glottis, the relaxation of the diaphragm and a muscle contraction. The pressure inside the chest causes the trachea to narrow and the glottis to open, with a pressure difference between the airways and the atmosphere.
The stimulation produced by cough, on the other hand, can be mechanical, thermal, inflammatory or chemical. The treatment , therefore, will vary depending on the origin and characteristics of each case. The use of nebulizers and the intake of expectorants or antibiotics are some of the mechanisms that help eliminate cough.
Cough causes discomfort.
Classification according to type
Violent, suffocating coughing attacks are known as whooping cough or whooping cough .
Whooping cough , on the other hand, is an infectious disease that is caused by a cold in the respiratory tract and that generates a convulsive cough with very intense characteristics.
Home and natural remedies to combat cough
- Sugarcane honey syrup : the effectiveness of sugarcane honey has been proven on more than one occasion to combat coughs and reduce throat inflammation. The most advisable thing is to mix it with lemon juice and coconut oil, although it is also beneficial without other ingredients. On the other hand, there are those who recommend accompanying honey with a shot of cognac or whiskey before going to sleep.
- Hot water bath : in this case, the secret does not lie in the water, but in the steam . To increase the effectiveness of this method, it is advisable to carry it out in a room without ventilation. The steam softens the respiratory tract, relieves nasal congestion and frees the lungs and throat of phlegm. It is worth mentioning that this treatment can be counterproductive for an asthmatic person.
- Drink plenty of fluids : this point is essential, since water itself in its natural state can help us combat cough effectively. The secret is that fluids help reduce mucus and keep the membranes moist.
- Black pepper tea : when the cough is wet , black pepper and sugar cane honey tea is recommended, as pepper is a good natural stimulant of circulation and helps move phlegm, and this is complemented by already mentioned action of honey. The recipe is very simple, since you simply have to place a tablespoon of pepper and two of honey in a cup, fill it with boiling water and let it sit, covered, for a quarter of an hour, before straining the infusion. This is not recommended for those who suffer from gastritis, since pepper can be harmful to them.
- Thyme Tea – Thyme is used by many people to treat coughs, bronchitis , and respiratory infections . In its leaves there is a powerful remedy that, in addition to calming coughs, relaxes the muscles of the trachea and helps reduce inflammation. Its preparation is as simple as putting two tablespoons of shredded thyme in a cup of boiling water and letting it sit for ten minutes, finally straining it and adding sugar cane honey and lemon.