Asthma Cough – One Of The Symptoms Of Asthma

Asthma cough is one of the most common complaints that most people who suffer from asthma make. It manifests as a chronic and persistent night-time cough that is not productive. The cough is not accompanied by any sputum or mucus. It is one of the first signs that can suggest that a child has asthma. It can also be a sign that the asthma is worsening and that the asthma medication needs to be increased.

 

The asthma cough is due to the malfunctioning cilia which line the airways in our lungs. When the cilia fail to work at the normal rate, a person tends to cough. The asthma cough is accompanied by a rattling sound and bronchial spasms. The cough can be persistent to the point that it may cause difficulty in breathing and in some cases may end with the patient vomiting (especially children). In some cases the cough may occur due to a cold or a viral infection but such cough usually has mucus and disappears within a fortnight or so after the fever or cold.

Asthma cough occurs due to the excessive production of histamines due to an allergic reaction to an allergen. When the person comes in contact with an allergen the body starts to produce antibodies against the allergen. These histamines can cause the airways to get narrow, inflamed and constricted. They also get clogged with mucus produced in large quantities due to the allergen. This makes breathing extremely hard and also trigger coughing in an attempt to get rid of the allergen such as pollen or dust mite.

 

Asthma cough is most often brought under control by using bronchiodialators and inhaled corticosteroids. They help as they can dilate or loosen the muscles found around the bronchial tubes. The corticosteroids that are inhaled reduce swelling and clear obstructions making it easier for the person to breath.

 

Many have tried green and black tea taken in combination with honey as an effective medication that can control the cough.  The theophyline and caffeine present in them have been used since ages to treat the asthma cough. The diet has to be monitored carefully and possible allergens identified and avoided. People may also ensure that they eat plenty of banana and other foods that are rich in magnesium. People have also found relief using herbs such as coltfoot and asclepias tuberosa. Many have also tried herbs such as maidenhair fern and hyssopus officinalis.

 

Patients who suffer from asthma are also tired as their sleep is disturbed due to continuous coughing. If the coughing gets worse, it may be an indication of an imminent attack. So check your peak flow meter and consult your physician right away. If your child has been coughing a lot without any mucus accompanying the cough, it is time you consulted a physician. You may ease the condition by ensuring that the home is maintained neat and free from allergens such as dust mites, molds, animal dander and pollen. Do not smoke or be around those who smoke. Maintain a journal to identify possible allergens and stay away from them. This will help reduce the cough and improve your condition. Do not neglect the asthma cough but seek medical guidance in the event that it appears to worsen despite taking the recommended asthma medications.