Many think cough is a mild disease that can heal by itself. In fact, coughing can sometimes be an early symptom of an acute respiratory infection or even COVID-19. Recognize the symptoms of cough to watch out for and how to treat it.
Coughing is the body's natural response to foreign objects entering the respiratory tract. However, coughing can also be a symptom of a serious respiratory illness that needs to be treated.
Coughs can be caused by a variety of things, from choking, irritation of the respiratory tract due to cigarette smoke and air pollution, to stress. Coughs caused by these things are not contagious.
Unlike the case with a cough due to a viral or bacterial infection. Splashes of saliva that come out of the mouth of a cough due to infection can transmit viruses or bacteria to other people.
Recognize the Symptoms of Cough and its Types
There are various symptoms that can accompany a cough, including dry and itchy throat, pain when swallowing, runny nose, joint pain, feeling weak, and even shortness of breath.
Based on the duration of symptoms, cough can be divided into several types, namely:
Acute and subacute cough
Cough that lasts less than 2-3 weeks is classified as an acute cough. Usually, an acute cough goes away on its own. Meanwhile, a cough that occurs continuously for 3-8 weeks is classified as a subacute cough.
Chronic cough
Cough is said to be a chronic cough if it does not go away after more than 8 weeks. Cough like this can be a symptom of a serious illness.
Relieve Cough with Herbal Cough Medicine
Coughs often go away on their own. However, the discomfort when coughing can be very annoying, sometimes even making it difficult for sufferers to rest. If you experience complaints like this, you can take cough medicine.
There are various choices of cough medicines that are sold over the counter without a doctor's prescription, including herbal cough medicines. Besides being effective in relieving coughs, the natural ingredients in herbal cough medicines can make the throat more comfortable.
Here are good herbal ingredients to treat coughs:
1. Ginger
Ginger is one of the herbs that is often used as a cough medicine. According to research, ginger is effective for relieving respiratory disorders with cough symptoms, such as bronchitis. Consuming warm ginger 3-4 times a day can also overcome a cough that is difficult to stop and a sore throat.
Benefits of ginger not only that. This herbal remedy is also useful for increasing the body's resistance so that it makes you recover faster from coughs.
2. Licorice
In order for a cough to heal quickly, you can also take cough medicine containing licorice root or licorice. A study shows that liquorice is effective for relieving chronic cough.
A recent study also stated that the content of glycyrrhizin in liquorice can inhibit the development of the Corona virus. Even so, its effectiveness in the treatment of COVID-19 still needs to be studied further.
3. Honey
If you want to use herbal cough medicine to relieve cough, make sure the medicine you are taking also contains honey. There have been many studies that say that honey is very effective for relieving coughs.
In addition, the antioxidant content in honey can also keep the immune system working and strengthen the body's resistance.
4. Mint leaves
The menthol content in mint leaves can soothe the throat and loosen phlegm. By taking cough medicine containing mint leaves, your breath will feel easier.
5. Leaves thyme
The next natural ingredient that is useful for relieving coughs is leaves thyme. The content of flavonoid compounds contained in this leaf is able to reduce inflammation and improve the work of the immune system, so that coughs can heal faster.
In addition to taking cough medicine, you need to get enough rest, eat healthy foods, and avoid cigarette smoke so that you can recover from a cough soon. Also make sure you drink enough water, which is at least 2 liters per day.
If your cough does not subside for more than 2 weeks or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as high fever, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood, you should immediately consult a doctor so that the cause can be identified and appropriate treatment given.
