Asthma Cough is frequently accompanied by a persistent dry cough. Quick-relief inhalers, oral medicines, and inhaled corticosteroids can all help reduce asthma symptoms, including coughing. Alternative therapies might also be beneficial.
There is a correlation between asthma and a continuous (chronic) cough, even though most individuals first associate wheezing or gasping for air with the condition.
Coughs that linger for at least eight weeks or more are considered chronic, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. One of the distinguishing characteristics of asthma is persistent coughing.
Find out more about asthmatic cough, including how to address its symptoms.
Identifying an asthma cough
There is a reason to cough. To get rid of foreign materials and bacteria and avoid any diseases, your body makes you cough.
Since coughing is one of the body’s natural defense mechanisms, it might be beneficial for persons with asthma.
Coughs can be divided into two categories: productive and nonproductive.
When a cough produces phlegm, it signifies that a significant amount of mucus is released. This makes it possible for the lungs to expel dangerous toxins. A vigorous cough from an asthmatic will clear the lungs of mucus and phlegm.
However, the cough associated with asthma is typically thought to be a dry, nonproductive cough. The bronchial tubes spasm or constrict as a reaction to the irritation.
Asthma is characterized by swelling (inflammation) and restriction of the airways, which results in this sort of unproductive cough.
In addition to wheezing, asthmatic coughs frequently accompany it. A restricted airway makes a high-pitched whistling sound.
Typical asthmatic symptoms
Symptoms associated with asthma cough
Coughing is a common asthma symptom. Coughing is sometimes the only obvious sign of the illness in some persons.
It may be beneficial to analyze any other associated symptoms you have while determining whether your cough is caused by asthma or not.
Other asthma symptoms may include:
- tightness in the chest
- wheezing weariness or waking up from nighttime coughing putting up with long-term diseases and infections
breathing difficulty - Coughing can be bothersome in those who have asthma, especially at night. It makes having a good night’s sleep difficult and occasionally necessitates medical attention.
- Night coughs are frequently associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma, and other breathing issues such as emphysema.
Symptoms not associated with asthma cough
It’s also critical to understand symptoms that aren’t related to asthma cough. Seek emergency medical assistance if you have any of the following symptoms in addition to your cough:
- Atypical chest pain or pressure in addition to the usual chest tightness associated with asthma
- Coughing up blood or having a long-lasting fever
- appetite loss
- sweating during night
- problems speaking due to respiratory difficulties
- Skin color changes as a result of trouble breathing
- Weight loss that was unintentional
- Walking shorter and shorter distances becomes increasingly challenging.
Diagnosis
A doctor will most likely perform a physical checkup before you begin any asthma cough treatments. Breathing tests to assess your lung function may also be ordered. These tests may be required on a regular basis to assess the efficacy of any medications you are taking.
These diagnostic methods work well in people aged 5 and up. If your doctor suspects allergens are causing your asthma cough, they may conduct allergy testing.
A doctor may also prescribe a steroid inhaler and examine your response to the treatment to diagnose asthma in some situations.
Treatment
Traditional treatments
Asthma and its associated cough have numerous therapeutic options.
Asthma controller drugs are a frequent technique of treatment. Inhaled corticosteroids aid in the reduction of lung inflammation, which is one of the causes of asthma cough. Unlike oral corticosteroids, which are only used for brief periods of time during severe flare-ups, they are taken on a long-term basis.
Doctors recommend having quick-relief inhalers on hand in case of wheezing or coughing flare-ups. The majority of these medications are short-acting beta-antagonists.
Quick-relief inhalers, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, should not be used in place of controller drugs and should be used no more than twice a week. A doctor may also prescribe them prior to exercise or during an illness.
If you find yourself using your quick-relief inhaler more frequently than recommended, consult your doctor.
Long-term oral medicines, such as leukotriene modifiers, may also provide relief with asthma cough. Montelukast (Singulair) is one such medication. Leukotriene modifiers relieve asthma symptoms caused by allergic rhinitis.
Alternative treatments
Alternative treatments are considered complimentary treatments even if they may be helpful for an asthmatic cough. In the event of a medical emergency, you should never resort to alternative treatments or substitute homeopathic medicine for prescribed medicines.
If you want to try any of the following choices to help with the coughing caused by your asthma, you should make an appointment with a doctor:
- acupuncture
- herbs, such as dried ivy and gingko
- hypnosis
- meditation
- yoga breathing (pranayama)
Prevention
Altering some aspects of your lifestyle, in addition to receiving medical treatment, may help you suffer fewer episodes of coughing due to asthma. For instance, using a humidifier in your bedroom can make coughing less bothersome while you sleep. If the air quality is poor, you can also be required to cut back on activities that take place outside.
Learning to recognize the things that set off your asthma attacks is one of the most useful preventative measures you can take if you have asthma.
You should avoid irritants and triggers as much as possible because they can make your cough worse. The following are some examples of popular triggers:
- cigarette smoke
- chemicals and cleaners
- cold air
- weather changes
- dust
- low humidity
- mold
- pollen
- pet dander
- viral infections
If allergies make your asthma worse, you may also need to prevent and treat allergen exposure before your asthma symptoms get better.