Many of us understand that dry bronchospasm indicates some kind of malfunction in the body, and look for the reasons in colds, diseases of the bronchi and lungs. The worst thing is when a patient, without consulting a doctor, begins to take antitussive pills, preventing the body from freeing itself from infection or harmful substances that have entered the body. Such an approach, when everyone is “his own doctor,” can be dangerous: with thoughtless therapy, dry cough and chest pain become more and more troubling.
The most common causes of bronchospasm
If, with an unproductive cough, when a person cannot clear his throat, chest pain appears, the cause of the symptom most often lies in the pathology of the respiratory tract. Airway inflammation is also indicated by:
- high temperature;
- a sore throat;
- headache;
- muscle pain;
- aching bones and joints;
- weakness in the whole body.
Among the ailments of the respiratory system, pneumonia is considered one of the most severe. With pneumonia, the temperature rises sharply and can reach 40 ° C, and the cough is dry only at the very beginning of the disease. After a few days, the situation changes: during an attack, sputum is released. The development of inflammation is accompanied by aching bones and muscles, a feeling of weakness, it becomes difficult for a person to breathe, he has chest pain.
Explaining dry cough and pain from it in the chest, many experts call dry pleurisy (damage to the membrane inside the chest cavity and on the lungs) the first reason. This is one of the complications of pneumonia, its symptoms are almost the same, but it can also be noted:
- wheezing;
- deaf and barking cough;
- shortness of breath;
- chills;
- heavy sweating, especially at night.
In addition, acute chest pain increases with inhalation, during coughing, when the patient rests on the affected side.
Pain, literally compressing the chest, a feeling of heat in the tracheal region, a severe cough, a runny nose and fever indicate the development of tracheitis. Due to untimely treatment, the disease becomes chronic, and the attacks are repeated at any time of the day. Sometimes, for the appearance of bronchospasm, it is enough to laugh or breathe in air sharply.
If the inflammatory process has affected the lower region of the respiratory tract, bronchitis is diagnosed, which is characterized by attacks of hacking cough without sputum production at the very beginning of the disease. In this case, the pain in the sternum resembles the sensations after a bruise.
The onset of shortness of breath is often associated with damage to the small bronchi. During treatment, sputum begins to come out during an attack, the patient's condition gradually improves.
Additional examination
Pressing cough acts as one of the symptoms of heart and vascular disease. The pain, appearing in the sternum, spreads to the left side of the body, gives it to the arm and under the scapula, and is felt in the neck. If these sensations do not go away for a long time, the examination may reveal inflammation of the heart membrane. Other symptoms also help to suggest this pathology: the pain intensifies when lying down, when inhaling, swallowing, and especially when coughing, and weakens if a person takes a standing position. Because of these sensations, the depth of breathing is disturbed, and shortness of breath increases.
The spread of pain from the sternum over the entire left side of the body is typical for myocardial infarction. There is an increase in discomfort during an attack, during movement, and a stabbing pain can sharply arise even in the little finger of the left hand. The appearance of dizziness, pale skin is also characteristic. You can relieve these symptoms with the help of analgesics and "Nitroglycerin". Similar symptoms are accompanied by a pulmonary infarction, but in this case, when coughing, blood may appear, and the patient loses consciousness during the attack.
Serious disturbances in the activity of the gastrointestinal tract are also accompanied by bouts of painful dry cough. One of the most common diseases with such symptoms is gastroesophageal reflux, when the contents of the stomach pass back into the esophagus to the larynx. In this case, irritation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory system leads not only to the appearance of cough and chest pain, but also belching, a feeling of bitterness in the mouth, hoarseness. Similar symptoms, supplemented by discomfort in the left side of the back, closer to the spine, occur with stomach ulcers. If we are talking about this disease or other pathology of a non-inflammatory nature, then as a result, as a rule, irreversible tissue changes occur.
As a result of the examination, it may turn out that the pain is provoked by the usual overexertion of the muscles of the diaphragm. During prolonged bronchospasm, the diaphragm "gets tired", which leads to severe pain with each contraction.
Starting treatment
If you have a cough and chest pain, you should contact a therapist who will refer you for examination. It is possible that you will need the professional help of another specialist - a neuropathologist, cardiologist, surgeon, gastroenterologist. If during the diagnosis it turns out that the disease is caused by respiratory infections, the doctor will prescribe antiviral drugs. These are, as a rule, drugs based on interferon (Cycloferon, Kipferon, Viferon) that can stop the multiplication and spread of the virus. To relieve fever and inflammation, "Paracetamol" or "Ibuprofen", one of the antihistamines, can be prescribed, and for the separation and removal of sputum - "Lazolvan", "ACC" or "Ambroxol".
When tracheitis is detected, the drug treatment includes aerosols that have the ability to penetrate to any part of the trachea and bronchi ("Sinekod", "Bioparox"). Erespal can be appointed, which is prized for its wide range of effects. "Sumamed" is a universal drug, since it destroys all known types of respiratory pathogens. If inhalations are indicated, Berodual is often prescribed for them with the help of a nebulizer.
Therapy for myocardial infarction involves a number of measures, and they are prescribed by a doctor. Sedatives, Nitroglycerin, and beta-blockers (Metaprolol, Atenolol) are suitable as first aid before the ambulance arrives. To reduce pain, take "Baralgin" or "Analgin".
The main treatment is aimed at restoring and maintaining blood flow in the affected area of the heart. At the first suspicion of a heart attack, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor and get qualified help.
Acceptable self-therapy
Sometimes tilting or positioning the pillow is enough to relieve symptoms such as cough and sternum pain at night. We also recommend hot tea, herbal decoction, warm milk with honey, dried fruit compote. You also need to ventilate the room and humidify the air.
In order to prevent the next occurrence of pain, it is better to take a comfortable position so that the body is in a relaxed state.
Painful coughing fits are reduced with a remedy based on 1 teaspoon of honey with the addition of 2 tablespoons of anise seeds and a pinch of salt. The mixture is poured over 250 ml of water and brought to a boil. You can drink the broth after it cools down a little. The interval between doses of the medicine is 2 hours. A single serving is 2 tablespoons for an adult and 2 times less for a child. Note that thanks to the seeds of anise, you can restore the vocal cords, remove hoarseness.
It has long been known a kind of dessert based on 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 dessert spoon of flour or starch, 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 raw egg yolks. All ingredients should be mixed and taken 2 teaspoons 4-5 times daily before meals.
If a stomach ulcer is diagnosed, fresh potato juice helps relieve pain and reduce inflammation of the mucous membrane. It is recommended to take it 20 g half an hour before meals. For effective treatment, the following dosage regimen must be observed: in the second week of therapy, the portions are doubled, in the third - by 3, and in the fourth, a single portion should be 100 g.
You can also drink warm, freshly prepared berry or fruit juice to reduce and prevent painful coughing fits. It will become an excellent source of vitamins and an effective remedy for strengthening the immune system.
Applying traditional methods and means, do not forget that they are intended for additional effects on the affected organs and systems. See a doctor in time, follow his recommendations and be healthy!
