Cough

Cough is a very tiring, annoying, mentally and physically stress thing to mention. Thanks to my never ending cough that I could not do my usual thing like exercise and even having a good night sleep. Indirectly makes me felt mentally tired due to stress and physically tired due to lack of rest. At times I really felt that I wanted to kill myself or cut the throat off to stop it from getting itchyL

I went to clinic to see doctor on the 2^nd day I catch the cough. As usual the doctor would ask whether it is a cough with phlegm or without phlegm and I answer with doubt because sometimes have and sometimes don’t have. He check whatever needed and provide me the prescribe medicine.

Two days later my cough still at the same state even though I take care of my daily diet like no drinking ice/cold water, no heavy food like fried food, but I did take spicy fried rice and I think that’s caused my cough condition to remain unchanged even with the medication taken on time without fail. After the medication finished, I’m desperately went back to the clinic to seek further advice. With the same diagnosis method and with my previous record 2 days ago, the doctor provides me with another set of medicine. Refer to him, this time the medicine is more powerful and if it’s still the same after I finish it, he ask me to come back and take x-ray for further diagnosis.

Well while I’m writing this, it is still the first day I’m taking the power medicine. Seems to feel a bit better with less cough and a bit relief for my throat and chest – hope I’ll get better soonest possible because Chinese New Year is just 3 weeks ahead and I do not want my cough to stop me from having my favorite snacks and foods;)

While I’m getting annoyed and frustrated and about cough, I’m curious about why the doctor always ask whether is it with phlegm or without phlegm. With the explanation below then I got to know the reason on why it is needed for him to ask that.

What Causes Coughing Mucus and Phlegm?

A cough that is accompanied with mucus or phlegm (sputum), commonly called a "productive cough," is usually a sign that an infection has developed in the lungs. Coughing up phlegm or mucus can be caused by various things and include the common cold, allergies, irritants (smoking, dust, pet dander, chemical fumes), gastro-esophageal reflux or bacterial or viral infections in the lungs such as acute bronchitis, pneumonia, whooping cough, croup in children. The mucus or phlegm often varies in consistency and color ranging from yellow, green, brown, grey or may even contain blood.

Coughing mucus and phlegm commonly occurs in the morning. If you are coughing up mucus and phlegm and it persists, consult your doctor. Constantly coughing mucus and phlegm can lead to nausea. Based on your cough symptoms, your doctor will perform a physical examination as well as certain diagnostic tests. Tests such as a chest x-ray, blood tests, sputum examination, ECG and CT exam may be ordered to rule out serious diseases such as TB or lung cancer.

Causes of Coughing, Mucus and Phlegm

Some common causes include:

·         Common cold

·         Irritants (e.g. smoking, dust, pet dander, chemical fumes, etc.)

·         Allergies (hayfever)

·         Gastroesophageal reflux

·         Bacterial or viral infections in the lungs

o    The flu

o    Acute bronchitis

o    Pneumonia

o    Whooping cough

o    Croup in children

o    Tuberculosis (TB)

·         Lung cancer

·         Acid reflux

·         Mono

·         Alcoholism

·         Chemotherapy

Reasons for Colored Mucus and Phlegm

Mucus any color other than white or clear is generally indicative of an infection or other problem. Consult your doctor or healthcare practitioner for more information.

·         Yellow – may be a sign of a lower respiratory tract infection or a bacterial infection, sinus infection, cold or flu, allergy, or bronchitis

·         Green – may be a sign of pneumonia

·         Brown – not uncommon for smokers; may be from inhaling dust or smog, or a sign of infection or blood

·         Grey – not uncommon for smokers; may be a sign of inhaling air pollution

·         Red / Pink – may be a sign of blood

Help for Coughing Mucus and Phlegm

Treatment of a persistent cough and phlegm involves using a good cough mixture recommended by your pharmacist or prescribed by your doctor. Avoid using over-the-counter cough suppressants as they may not be the most suitable product. Expectorants and mucolytics may be prescribed to break up mucus and phlegm thereby making it easier to cough up.

Do not combine an expectorant with an antihistamine, decongestant or cough suppressant as they may bring about negative side effects. Breathing steam from a hot shower or vaporizer has also shown to be quite effective in loosening mucus and phlegm and keeping the airways moist.

Foods to Help Break Up or Loosen Mucus and Phlegm

Certain fruits such as pineapple, oranges, grapefruits, and lemon have been shown to have beneficial effects on breaking up mucus. As far as veggies, asparagus, onions, cauliflower, celery and garlic can help eliminate mucus.

Also, avoid cold foods when suffering from excessive mucus and instead choose warmed foods, which help thin and open airways to allow for easier mucus elimination. Herbal teas are especially helpful , as are spicy foods, such as those made with hot chili peppers or horse radish.

Natural Remedies

Natural and holistic treatments have been used for centuries to treat various respiratory conditions. Homeopathic remedies are a safe and effective alternative for people of all ages and encourage the body’s healing response quickly. Carefully selected ingredients such as Kali mur, Kali sulph and Kali bich helps to control mucus production, soothes a clogged up chest and relieves coughing episodes without the risk of addiction or side effects.