HealthyLife Articles

Tag: coughing

  • The Causes Of Coughing

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Man holding his throat and head.

    It’s the season for colds and flu – and that means coughing. Coughing is an important function in your body. It helps clear your airways. Many times, a mild cough will go away on its own. But when should you see a doctor about a cough?

    Common cold

    A common cold may cause some coughing. When you have a runny nose, the fluids drain down your throat. This causes your cough reflex to kick in. It’s a way your body protects your lungs. Although a cough from a cold can be annoying, it usually goes away quickly. Antibiotics won’t help with a cough related to a cold.

    Bronchitis

    Bronchitis is an inflammation in the tiny tubes in the lungs. These tubes are called bronchioles. Viruses and bacteria can get into the bronchioles and make you sick. Chemicals and toxins like tobacco smoke can also invade the bronchioles and lead to bronchitis.

    Symptoms of bronchitis include:

    *  Coughing, especially with mucus

    *  Wheezing or feeling short of breath

    *  Low fever

    *  Chest pain

    Bronchitis is most often caused by a virus so antibiotics will not help. Rest, drinking more fluids and a humidifier can help you feel better.

    Pneumonia

    Pneumonia is an infection in the air sacs inside the lungs. These sacs are called alveoli. Pneumonia can range from mild to serious. If you have pneumonia, you may notice:

    *  Cough with greenish, yellow or bloody mucus

    *  Fever, sweating and chills

    *  Trouble breathing

    *  Stabbing chest pain that hurts when you cough or take a deep breath

    *  Loss of appetite

    *  Feeling weak or tired

    *  Nausea and vomiting (common in small children)

    Many times, a doctor will give you antibiotics for pneumonia. Be sure to take them exactly as your doctor tells you. Pneumonia can be life-threatening if it is not treated effectively.

    Pertussis (Whooping cough)

    Pertussis is very contagious. It may seem like a cold at first. People may have a runny nose or mild cough.

    As it gets worse, pertussis causes a severe cough that can last weeks or even months. The cough makes a high-pitched “whoop” sound. It’s especially dangerous for babies and people with weak immune systems.

    The best way to protect against pertussis is to get vaccinated. If you aren’t sure whether you’re vaccinated, ask your doctor. Pertussis is treated with antibiotics.

    Sources: American Lung Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • What To Know About Whooping Cough

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of man coughing.

    Pertussis, or whooping cough, is more than just an annoying cough. It is a serious and highly contagious disease. The coughing is so severe it causes those affected to gasp for air in between coughs, which make a “whooping” sound that can last for weeks or months. The cough may cause a person to stop breathing temporarily, turn blue, and even vomit. Many people are unable to eat or sleep due to the severe coughing spells. It can lead to complications, such as pneumonia, cracked ribs, and seizures. It can also be life-threatening.

    Whooping cough is on the rise in the U.S. Here’s what you should know to protect yourself and those around you.

    You can spread it before you even know you have it.

    Whooping cough may feel like you have a cold at first. This stage lasts one to two weeks. It often includes a runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, and a mild cough. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they have whooping cough during this stage and can spread it to others.

    Infants under 6 months of age are the most likely to die from pertussis.

    Babies are given whooping cough vaccine at two, four and six months of age. Until they have had all these vaccines, they are more likely to catch whooping cough. The Immunization Action Coalition says babies under six months of age are the most vulnerable because they don’t yet have strong immunity to protect against it.

    Adults are the most likely to pass the infection to young infants.

    The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) says adults are the most common source of whooping cough infection in babies.

    Even if you already had a whooping cough vaccine, you might need another one.

    Vaccines aren’t just for babies and kids. Recommendations for whooping cough vaccination have changed in recent years.

    The NFID says the following adults should be vaccinated:

    *  All adults age 19 and older need a whooping cough booster. This is called a Tdap vaccine. It also protects against tetanus and diphtheria.

    *  Pregnant women need a Tdap vaccine during the third trimester (between 27 and 36 weeks of every pregnancy).

    *  Adults of any age who may be in close contact with babies younger than 1 year of age should get a Tdap vaccine. It should be given at least two weeks before being around the baby, if possible.

    *  Health care employees in hospitals and health centers should get the Tdap.

    *  After getting the Tdap vaccine, all other adults should get the Td (tetanus and diphtheria) booster every 10 years.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine