As the respiratory disease season approaches, more and more people are heard coughing in public places. Instinctively I want to move away from them, but is this symptom always dangerous? Experts tried to answer this question: Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Pavel Berezhansky, a specialist in childhood diseases at Sechenov University, pulmonologist, pediatrician, allergist-immunologist, as well as Candidate of Medical Sciences, pediatrician of the highest category Ekaterina Uspenskaya in an interview for KP.RU (18+).
In fact, we are afraid for good reason – after all, when you cough, sputum along with particles of viruses and bacteria flies out of the mouth at a distance of one and a half to nine meters! – said Pavel Berezhansky.
As a rule, a cough caused by an acute respiratory viral infection goes away on its own within one to two weeks. However, if the cough persists longer, you should seek medical help to rule out serious illnesses.
Ekaterina Uspenskaya emphasizes that cough is a natural mechanism in the acute phase of a respiratory infection, necessary to clear the airways of accumulated sputum, pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi), allergens and other foreign particles.
It is generally accepted that inhalations, especially those using heat and steam, can relieve coughs. Indeed, staying in a warm bath can temporarily reduce the intensity of your cough.
If a child has bronchitis, then thermal procedures and steam inhalations are contraindicated. And “breathing over potatoes” can be completely dangerous – hot steam can burn the mucous membrane, and if the child has a fever, then such a procedure will only provoke an increase in its temperature, emphasized Ekaterina Uspenskaya.
When to see a doctor immediately because of a cough:
- If the cough is accompanied by an increase in body temperature above 39 degrees, which is difficult to reduce.
- If the high temperature lasts more than five days.
- If the temperature does not decrease or continues to rise, severe weakness and refusal to eat and drink are observed.
- When shortness of breath and wheezing occur when breathing.
- In case of breathing problems accompanied by a barking cough.
- In case of cough in an infant.
Attention! The article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Contact your doctor.
