Dry Cough Infection | Medtick
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Dry Cough Infection

What is it?

A cough is a defence mechanism. It is simply trying to remove anything that is unknown to the body.

Why do we get these symptoms:

  • Fever, body aches, pain and fever and generally feeling grotty – Result of your immune system responding to the infection.
  • It has recognised the virus as a hostile invader and signals to the rest of the body something is wrong by releasing chemicals called cytokines.
  • Dry cough (one is not bringing phlegm up and have no chest congestion) – probably down to irritation of cells as they become infected by the virus.
  • Cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (eye infection) are common in viral cold and flu infection.
Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can be used under medical supervision, however Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs is not recommended in asthma or asthma type symptoms. Check with your Medical doctor/Pharmacist when one can have any type of fever reducing medication to make sure it suitable for you.

Diagnosis tests

Depends what is the cause of infection see diagnosis tests for conditions i.e.

Cause

  • Infection:
    • Viral: Parainfluenza viruses, Respiratory Syncytial virus, influenza viruses
    • Bacterial: M pneumonaie, C. pneumonie
    • Fungal:
      • Aspergillosis
      • Mucormycosis
      • Paracoccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection endemic to South and Central America, most commonly Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Venezuela
      • Other Fungal conditions (especially respiratory)
  • Allergies
  • Irritants (consider in children: Asthma)

Symptoms

  • Cough is longer than three weeks?
  • Cough worsening at night?
  • Wheezing with cough?
  • Losing bladder control when coughing?
  • Coughing up traces of blood?
  • Cough interfering with sleep affecting to point of work/social life?
  • Experiencing any sort of chest/heart pain (see your Medical doctor urgently)?
  • Chronic abdominal or lower chest pain?
  • High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72 hours?
  • Night sweats?
  • Smokers cough which has not changed or getting worse?
  • Symptoms are getting suddenly worse?
  • Tried cough mixtures and have not been effective?
  • Had a chest infection that will not clear, even with antibiotics?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Do not wait phone, for an ambulance if have or develop:

This can lead to:

  • Post infection cough:
    • A post-infectious cough is defined as coughing that persists 3-8 weeks after the onset of a upper respiratory tract infection in the absence of other clearly defined causes.
    • It normally occurs after a viral infection such as a rhinovirus or respiratory syncytial virus infection and results from extensive inflammation and disruption of the airways.
    • Chest x-rays should be considered.
    • The cough will usually resolve on its own and antibiotics do not usually help, a confirmed diagnosis is required.
    • This can make existing respiratory conditions worse and cause nose bleeds.

General tips

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

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