Some Asthma Cough Facts

There are numerous reasons surrounding chronic cough and one of them is that it could be related to asthma symptoms. Asthma cough is a term that is probably used a little too loosely however, don't ignore the symptoms if you, or someone close to you is exhibiting persistent and chronic cough symptoms.

Of the most common symptoms of mild asthma, chronic night time cough is one of the more recognisable. It's a condition that should be taken seriously, particularly with children and medical advice is a good idea.

Asthma cough has been shown by recent findings to be caused by irritants and allergens. It worsens at night and also during exercise but with proper treatment, can be controlled. When reacting to a stimulant, the muscle found in the air passage of the lungs contracts retarding the flow of air. The inflammation leads to coughing as well as shortness of breath.

There is still a lot to learn about asthma cough and it's cause and we'll look at some of the known facts in this article.

Asthma cough is a non-productive cough. It doesn't bring up any mucus. The sound of this cough is as if something is rattling, or there’s a wheeze at the end of it. If your child is coughing up mucus or sputum, chances are that it’s not asthma cough. Most of the times, this type of cough is followed by a cold and lasts for a week or two.

If the cough is not controlled, it may continue until the child is out of breathe and choke, or sometimes even until they actually vomit.

Asthma cough is a type of dry cough caused by bronchial spasms. Research shows that asthma cough is caused by excessive immune action against irritants or allergens.
The airways swell as histamine gets produced, and the muscles around the bronchial passages go into spasm and narrows up to attempt to force the irritant up through them. This narrowing cause symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing.

This disease is curable. Asthma cough responds to normal asthma medications such as bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids. Bronchodilators are very effective medicines to counter this cough, because it helps to loosen up the muscles around the bronchial tubes. Those muscles block the air passage and make it almost impossible for the movement of air. Relaxing these muscles can soothe the spasms and eventually the asthma cough.

Asthma cough also listens to natural remedies such as black or green tea, which contain theophyline and caffeine; known treatments for asthma. Other than that, honey would also help by soothing dry irritated throat.

There are a number of asthma triggers which we've explored more in depth in previous articles on this website with cold air, pollens and cigarette smoke just to name three. If you have a chronic, persistent cough, particularly at night, please don't ignore the symptoms and seek medical advice.