Cough plays an important physiological role in clearing the airways from pathological congestion. It helps clear mucus, pus, pathogens and foreign bodies from the respiratory tract.
However, with a long-lasting cough, the throat begins to sore and hurt - this symptom is especially pronounced with ARVI or a bacterial respiratory infection.
It is much more difficult for a patient suffering from obsessive cough to deal with discomfort in the oropharynx, to eat, to talk.
To alleviate the condition, you need to start treatment on time, one of the types of which is rinsing a sore throat when coughing.
Do I need to rinse
The need to gargle, as a rule, occurs with viral and bacterial infections, which are widespread among patients of all age groups. This method of treatment has several advantages:
- availability;
- low cost;
- ease of use.
Rinsing is really useful for inflammation of the mucous membrane of the oropharynx, since it prevents it from drying out; the presence of anti-inflammatory components helps to reduce the brightness of the manifestations of the inflammatory process. However, what can you achieve by gargling your throat in the event of a cough?
A cough is not only a symptom, but also a defensive reaction. There are several main types of cough that should be considered when assessing the pathological process. First of all, productive (with sputum production) and unproductive (dry). The productive variant is more typical for the defeat of the lower respiratory tract, it is a relatively favorable sign. During cough shocks, pathological accumulations called sputum are eliminated. Rinsing with any drugs in this case play only an auxiliary role and, in fact, do not affect the quality or duration of the cough.
When it comes to an unproductive cough, the situation is different. The named symptom often characterizes the inflammatory process within the upper respiratory system (usually pharyngitis).
During cough shocks, sputum is not released, sometimes the patient spits out a meager amount of mucopurulent secretion.
Such a cough occurs due to irritation of the cough receptors and does not have a useful function, since it does not contribute to the evacuation of pathological discharge.
On the contrary, it exhausts the patient, intensifies the pain syndrome, and can cause sleep disturbances. It is necessary to gargle the throat - to eliminate inflammation and, along with it, the factor of irritation of the mucous membrane.
It should be emphasized that gargling is not a cough treatment.
This method of therapy, as mentioned earlier, is intended to affect the main process - the cough is only a symptom and disappears when the patient recovers. It is not the manifestation that should be treated, but the patient, therefore, attention is paid to all pathological signs without exception.
Choice of means
The modern pharmacy offers dozens of drug options for the same purpose. The compositions of the drugs often coincide, sometimes only the names differ. Many patients prefer to use home remedies - considering that it is easier, more reliable, safer. However, whatever drugs are discussed, it is better if they are used in accordance with the criteria for the appropriateness of the appointment in a limited amount. This narrows the spectrum of possible side effects, reduces the likelihood of overdose and, importantly, is convenient for the patient. The ideal option is means that combine several types of action at the same time.
To choose the right medicine, you need to understand why it is being used. Gargling does not cure a cough - but it can help eliminate the underlying inflammation. Inflammation, in turn, is the result of an infectious process. Cough tremors are provoked by irritation of the mucous membrane - in particular, due to its drying out and drying of the pathological discharge on its surface. Therefore, the mouthwash should:
- Moisturize.
- Act as anti-inflammatory.
- Reduce the number of pathogenic agents.
Moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects are relevant for treating any type of infection. But when it comes to reducing the number of pathogenic agents, it is important not to overdo it. If the patient has ARVI, he does not need strong antiseptics and local antibiotics (Gramicidin C, Miramistin), which are required in case of bacterial pharyngitis. It should be remembered that they are prescribed only by a doctor and are not suitable for self-medication.
What is the best way to gargle when you cough? It is worth paying attention to products that contain salt and herbal ingredients with anti-inflammatory effects - chamomile, calendula, sage.
For moisturizing
For the purpose of moisturizing, simple solutions are used that everyone can prepare at home. It should be understood that neither the cough nor the discomfort in the throat will disappear after the very first procedure. Rinsing as a method of treatment requires patience and frequent repetition of manipulations. Saline solutions, the recipes for which will be given below, are applied at least 8 times during the day. They can be alternated with other rinses.
Kitchen salt
For 200 ml of water, you need to take a teaspoon of ordinary table salt, wait until it is completely dissolved. Use the solution immediately after preparation.
Sea salt
Finely ground sea salt is dissolved in 200 ml of water - you need a heaped teaspoon. The solution is not intended for long-term storage.
The water should be warm, at a comfortable temperature. We use only boiled, clean and naturally cooled water to the required temperature.
Salt should not contain additional impurities. You can add a teaspoon of soda to the solution, but then the application should be reduced to 5 times a day (provided that you rinse with anti-inflammatory infusions as well).
Treating inflammation
In the presence of a cough, gargling is carried out mainly with herbal preparations. Herbal medicines are prepared:
- from dry raw materials;
- from extracts.
Dry raw materials must be grown and harvested under proper conditions. Such plant variants are used as:
- Eucalyptus leaves.
- Sage leaves.
Infusion of eucalyptus
For 500 ml of water, 2 tablespoons of dry raw materials are required. Pre-prepared leaves are poured with boiling water, kept for two hours.
Sage tea
Sage in the amount of 2 tablespoons is poured with boiling water (0.25 l). Insist for 30 minutes, then cool to a comfortable temperature and use.
How anti-inflammatory drugs can also be recommended:
- Romazulan.
- Rotokan.
- Eucalyptus tincture.
- Tincture of calendula.
Romazulan is used by diluting 1.5 tablespoon in 1000 ml of water. Rotokan and calendula tincture are added to 0.2 l of water in the amount of 1 teaspoon (one of the preparations is selected, they cannot be mixed). To prepare the medicine using eucalyptus tincture in 0.2 l of water, dissolve 20 drops of the agent. Medicines containing alcohol are contraindicated in pregnant women and children.
In order for gargling in case of a cough to be only beneficial, it is necessary to consult a doctor before use. When starting therapy on your own, it is better to abandon local antibiotics and active antiseptics, replacing them with safer means.
Rinsing is not able to cure a cough - a complex intake of medications is required, the choice of which depends on the type of disease.
