Common Cold: Causes, Symptoms & Quick Relief Tips

The Common Cold is a natural reflex that helps clear the airways of mucus, irritants, or foreign particles. While an occasional cough is normal, persistent coughing may indicate an underlying condition. Cough, Bronchitis, Treatment & Causes are interconnected topics that help in understanding respiratory health better.

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes that carry air to the lungs. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Recognizing the symptoms of cough and bronchitis, along with their treatment & causes, can help individuals manage symptoms effectively and seek timely medical intervention.

Did you know about cough (Bronchitis) and their treatment & causes? Being aware of these aspects can help in taking preventive measures and ensuring better respiratory health.

What Is Cough

Cough is a symptom, not a disease, Bronchitis is a forceful release of air from the lung it is sudden and often involuntary. The cough reflex is the best defense mechanism of the body.

A physiologically useful protective reflex that clears the respiratory tract of the accumulated mucus and foreign substances.

To ensure the removal of a noxious substance, mucus and infectious organisms from the larynx, trachea and large bronchi.

A cough is an explosive expiratory maneuver that is reflexively or deliberately intended to clear the airways.

Types of Bronchitis

1. Non-productive

This is also called a dry cough. There won’t be any mucus or purulent discharge from the respiratory tract along with the cough.

In this, whenever a person coughs, he or she finds difficulty in breathing. The dry cough produces more noise as compared to the productive cough, i.e. cough with discharge.

2. Productive Cough

As the name suggests, a cough with the same discharge, whether purulent or non-purulent or phlegm, is considered to be a productive cough. The color of the product may vary from person to person and condition to condition.

It would be white, yellow or bloody, which is dangerous, indicating some serious problem. All the time the person feels that the throat is getting irritated and needs something expelling out, which will not give any better result though.

3. Other Types of Cough

Coughs are generally categorized based on duration and cause. Understanding different types helps in identifying the underlying condition.

Acute Cough

Lasts less than three weeks.
Commonly caused by colds, flu, or bronchitis.
Often resolved without medical treatment.
The acute cough is usually being sudden and are often due to a cold, flu, or sinus infection

Chronic Cough

Persists for more than eight weeks.
Associated with conditions like asthma, GERD, chronic bronchitis, or allergies.
Requires medical evaluation and targeted treatment.
Chronic cough lasts longer than 8 weeks.

Causes of Cough and Bronchitis

Cough Causes

Respiratory infections: Common cold, flu, pneumonia, or COVID-19.
Allergies and irritants: Exposure to pollen, dust, smoke, or chemical fumes.
Chronic conditions: Asthma, COPD, GERD, or lung diseases.
Medications: ACE inhibitors used for high blood pressure can induce coughing.

Bronchitis Causes

Acute Bronchitis: Usually viral in origin, triggered by environmental pollutants or smoking.
Chronic Bronchitis: Long-term lung irritation due to smoking, air pollution, or occupational exposure to dust and chemicals.

Symptoms of Bronchitis

Bronchitis symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the type. Common symptoms include a persistent cough, mucus production, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and fatigue. In acute bronchitis, symptoms usually improve within a few weeks, while chronic bronchitis can cause long-term respiratory issues.

Did you know about cough (Bronchitis) and their treatment & causes? Understanding the symptoms early can help in seeking proper treatment and managing the condition effectively, preventing further complications.

Persistent cough producing mucus (phlegm).
Wheezing and shortness of breath.
Fatigue and chest discomfort.
Fever and chills (more common in acute cases).
Sore throat and nasal congestion.

Diagnosis of Cough and Bronchitis

To diagnose Cough and bronchitis, Treatment & Causes, doctors conduct various tests and physical examinations.

Physical Examination

Listening to lung sounds using a stethoscope.
Symptoms like wheezing, fever, and mucus production.

Diagnostic Tests

Chest X-rays: Help rule out pneumonia or other lung conditions.
Sputum tests: These identify bacterial or viral infections.
Pulmonary function tests assess lung capacity and function, especially in chronic bronchitis and COPD.

History Taking

Physical Examination.
Bronchoscope or laryngoscope
Lung Scan.
Pulmonary function test.
Sputum analysis (if the cough produce sputum)
X-ray of the chest.
End bronchial or transbronchial biopsy.

Cough can be either acute, subacute, or chronic:-

The acute cough usually suddenly and is often due to a cold, flu, or sinus infection
Subacute cough lasts 3-8 weeks.
Chronic cough lasts longer than 8 weeks.

Phases Of Cough

The mechanism of Bronchitis can be divided into four phases.

Irritation phases.
Inspiration phases.
Compression phases.
Expression phases.
Phase of irritation- Irritation of one of the sensory vagus nerve in the larynx trachea, large bronchi. afferent fibers from the pharyngeal branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve can cause coughing.
Phase of inspiration- Inspiration occurs quickly, so as air is quickly and in large quantities into the lungs.

The entry of air into the lung by the number of loss of benefits that will strengthen the expiratory phase resulting in faster and stronger and reduce the air cavity is closed so as to produce a potential cleaning mechanism. In the inspiration phase of the glottis is wide open due to reflex muscle contraction.

Phase of compression- This phase being with the closing of the glottis due to contraction of the adductors muscles arytenoid cartilage, glottis close to 0.2second. Coughing can occurs without glottis closure because of expiratory muscles to increase intrathoracic pressure although the glottis remains open.
Phase of expression- In this phase, the glottis opens sudden due to active compression or expiratory muscles so there was spending a large amount of air. High speed is accompanied by spending foreign object and other materials.

Diagnostic Evaluation

History Taking
Physical Examination.
Bronchoscope or laryngoscope
Lung Scan.
Pulmonary function test.
Sputum analysis (if the cough produces sputum)
X-ray of the chest.
End bronchial or transbronchial biopsy.

Treatment for Cough and Bronchitis

Treatment of cough generally involves addressing the condition causing

Antitussive- An antitussive is a drug used to relieve coughing. Antitussive depresses the cough center located in the medulla and is called centrally acting drugs. An antitussive is used to relieve a nonproductive cough. Codeine and dextromethorphan are examples of centrally acting antitussives.
Ex- Expectorant helps bring up mucus when patients have congestion in the chest and it is not cleared with the cough. These are the most useful when the patient has a wet, non-productive cough. Guaifenesin is an expectorant.

It may be useful in the symptomatic relief of dry, nonproductive cough and in the presence of mucus in the respiratory tract.

Bronchodilators– Bronchodilators are used to relax the smooth muscles that surround the bronchioles and allow the breathing tubes to dilate and allow more air flow.
The short-acting bronchodilators include the albuterol, theophylline and anticholinergic agent, ipratropium bromide. The long-acting agent includes salmeterol, formoterol, and tiotropium.
Nebulized local anesthesia– Nebulized local anesthesia can reduce dyspnea in some patient,s particularly those with bilateral diffuse disease lymphangitis.Topical Treatment- Coughing can be treated with topical medication which may be used to include such essential oils as menthol or eucalyptus, or camphor.
Topical Treatment- Coughing can be treated with topical medication which may be used to include such essential oils as menthol or eucalyptus or camphor.

This topical treatment is rubbed into the chest, and the vapors from the medication are then inhaled and enter into the respiratory tract.
Not only do these vapors help soothe the lining of the respiratory tract, but they also help loosen any mucus in the lung, making it easier for the mucus to be expelled.

Medical Treatment By Types Of Cough

There is no single cure for Cough, Bronchitis, Treatment & Causes, but treatment aims to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

For Cough
Antitussives: Suppress dry cough and help in nighttime relief.
Expectorants: Loosen thick mucus and make it easier to cough up.
For Acute Bronchitis
Rest and hydration.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen for fever and discomfort.
Avoiding smoking and exposure to pollutants.
For Chronic Bronchitis
Bronchodilators: Help open airways and ease breathing.
Inhaled steroids: Reduce inflammation in the bronchial tubes.
Pulmonary rehabilitation: Breathing exercises and physical activity to improve lung function.

Nebulized Local Anesthesia – Nebulized local anesthesia can reduce dyspnea in some patients, particularly those with bilateral diffuse disease lymphangitis.
Topical Treatment – Coughing can be treated with topical medication which may be used to include such essential oils as menthol or eucalyptus, or camphor.

This topical treatment is rubbed into the chest, and the vapors from the medication are then inhaled and enter into the respiratory tract.

Not only do these vapors help soothe the lining of the respiratory tract, but they also help loosen any mucus in the lung, making it easier for the mucus to be expelled.

Home Remedies For Cough

This is a very common problem which generally occurs along with the common cold. It is a type of irritation that occurs in the throat. It is not a serious disease if you ignore so it can cause big damage to your body.

Do you know? it can be treated by some home remedies Now I am sharing with you some home remedies for cough.

Ginger
Turmeric
Grapes
Onion
Orange juice
Almond
Black paper
Raisins

Ginger-

It is a very common remedy that is usually used in Indian homes for the treatment of cough. Ginger is also an effective remedy for bronchitis.

How to make ginger syrup- Take a ½ tablespoon of a paste of fresh ginger and mix it in ½ tablespoon of paper powder.
Now add both honey and vinegar in equal amount to it. Add 2-3 tablespoon of water and leave it as it is for some time.
How to take ginger Syrup- Take this syrup 2-3-times of day.

Turmeric

Use the root of the turmeric plant for the treatment of dry cough.

How to make turmeric powder: Roast the root and grind it to prepare power.
How to take turmeric powder- Take 3 grams of this power daily as it is an excellent home remedy for cough.

Onion

Raw onion act as an effective home remedy for coughing.

How to make onion juice – Take an onion and chop it fine and extract juice from it. Mix a teaspoon of honey in a teaspoon of that juice.
How to take onion juice- Take this decoction two times a day for a few days.

Grapes

Grapes are helpful to tone up the lungs. It is also an expectorant that easily relieves the cough.

How to make grape juice – In a cup of grapes, juice adds a teaspoon of honey.
How to take grape juice- Now drink this decoction for a couple of days as it is a wonderful home remedy for cough.

Almond (Badam)

Those who are suffering from dry cough can get relief from almonds.

How To Make Almond – Soak some kernel in water and leaves it overnight. Next morning remove the brown skin from soaked almonds. Grinds them well to prepare a fine paste. Add 20 grams of both butter and sugar to the paste.
How To Take Almonds Paste- Take this paste both in the morning and in the evening.

Black Paper

Black paper is known in the medical world for helping the blockage of the chest.

How To Make Black Paper – Take the 2-3 seed of black paper and chew it properly. Those who are unable to bear the bitter taste of paper can take it with a glass of warm milk.

Orange Juice

Those who are suffering from severe coughing can get benefit from orange juice.

How to make orange juice- Take a cup of orange juice and mix it with a cup of warm water.
How to take orange juice- Take at the gap of every two hours between 8 am.to 8 pm.

Raisins

How to make raisin: raisin Take 100 grams of raisins and crush them with water. Now add 100 grams of sugar in it. Put this mixture over flame. After some time, the mixture will change into sauce-like liquid. Now, 20 grams of this sauce should be taken at night before g

Prevention of Bronchitis and Cough

Preventing Cough and bronchitis, Treatment & Causes involve lifestyle changes and vaccinations.

Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke exposure.
Practice good hygiene: Wash hands frequently to prevent infections.
Get vaccinated against flu and pneumonia.
Use air purifiers to reduce exposure to allergens and environmental pollutants.
Stay indoors during high-pollution days.

Complications of Untreated Cough and Bronchitis

Ignoring Cough, Bronchitis, Treatment, & Causes can lead to severe complications.

Chronic coughing: This may cause rib fractures or hernias due to excessive strain.
Bronchitis progression: Untreated bronchitis can develop into pneumonia or COPD.
Breathing: Long-term inflammation can permanently damage lung tissue.
Weakened immunity: Frequent infections can compromise overall health.

Lifestyle Tips for Managing Chronic Cough and Bronchitis

Maintain a balanced diet: Include foods rich in antioxidants to boost lung health.
Regular exercise: Strengthens respiratory muscles and improves lung capacity.
Avoid triggers: Identify and minimize exposure to allergens, cold air, and pollutants.

Conclusion Of Cough, Bronchitis, Treatment & Causes

Understanding Cough, Bronchitis, Treatment, & Causes is crucial for managing symptoms and preventing complications. Whether caused by infections, allergens, or chronic conditions, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can improve quality of life.

Preventive measures, including lifestyle changes, vaccinations, and good respiratory hygiene, play a key role in reducing the risk of cough and bronchitis.