According to Ayurveda, a persistent cough that lasts for more than eight weeks is known as a “Kasa Roga”. It is caused by an imbalance in the “Kapha” dosha, which is responsible for maintaining respiratory health.
Various factors such as allergies, smoking, asthma, and certain medical conditions can aggravate the Kapha dosha, leading to a persistent cough.
Although a cough can be a symptom of many ailments, including minor ones, a persistent cough should not be ignored. Ignoring it can lead to severe health consequences. Therefore, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately to identify and treat the underlying cause of the cough.
In this article, we will discuss:
- Causes
- Symptoms
- Remedies
For a persistent cough and will also provide guidance on when to seek medical attention and what to expect during a visit to the doctor.
By understanding the warning signs and symptoms of a persistent cough and knowing when to seek medical help, you can take control of your health and start feeling better.
Table of Contents
Understanding Cough from an Ayurvedic Perspective
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, classifies coughs into five main types based on the dominant dosha (bioenergy) involved. These types are Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, Kshataja, and Kshayaja cough.
1. Vataja cough
Dry, spasmodic, and accompanied by chest pain, this type of cough is caused by an imbalance in the Vata dosha.
2. Pittaja cough
Characterised by a yellowish or greenish phlegm and a burning sensation in the chest, this cough is due to a Pitta dosha imbalance.
3. Kaphaja cough
With a heavy, thick, and white phlegm, this cough is caused by an imbalance in the Kapha dosha.
4. Kshataja cough
This type of cough results from an injury to the chest or lungs and is often accompanied by blood-tinged sputum.
5. Kshayaja cough
A persistent cough associated with chronic diseases such as tuberculosis, this cough is marked by a foul-smelling sputum and weight loss.
Ayurvedic treatments aim to restore balance in the doshas, addressing the root cause of the cough. Treatment approaches vary based on the type of cough and may include herbal remedies, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications.
Exploring the Common Causes of a Persistent Cough
Each person will experience their own unique causes of a persistent cough. It may occasionally be a sign of a minor disease, but it may also be a sign of a significant underlying ailment in other circumstances.
We’ll talk about a few of the more typical and uncommon causes of a persistent cough.
1. Allergies
A persistent cough is frequently caused by allergies. Your body responds to allergens by creating histamines, which can make you cough, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. Antihistamines and other allergy drugs can be used to treat allergies, which can be seasonal or year-round.
2. Asthma
Chronic asthma affects the lungs’ airways, making them constrict and swell with inflammation. Shortness of breath, a persistent cough, and wheezing may result from this. Exercise, allergies, and stress are just a few of the things that might cause asthma. Inhalers and other drugs are frequently used as part of asthma treatment.
3. GERD
In gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the oesophagus becomes inflamed and irritated when stomach acid runs back up into it. This may result in a lingering cough, heartburn, and swallowing issues. Changing one’s lifestyle and taking medications are frequently used as GERD treatments.
4. Smoking
The most common cause of a persistent cough is smoking. It may aggravate and inflame the airways, which can induce coughing. The best strategy to treat a persistent cough brought on by smoking is to stop doing it.
5 . Lung cancer
A persistent cough may, in rare instances, be a sign of lung cancer. Chest pain, breathlessness, and bloody coughing are some other indications of lung cancer. You must consult a doctor right away if you have a persistent cough and are at risk for lung cancer.
6. Tuberculosis
In addition to other symptoms, including exhaustion, weight loss, and fever, the bacterial illness tuberculosis can also result in a persistent cough. It’s critical to get medical help right away if you have a persistent cough and have recently been around someone who has tuberculosis.
Allergies, asthma, GERD, smoking, lung cancer, and tuberculosis are just a few of the conditions that can result in a persistent cough. If you have a persistent cough, it’s essential to identify the underlying cause to receive the appropriate treatment.
Recognising the Signs: Symptoms of a Persistent Cough
Depending on the implicit reason, a persistent cough can have a variety of symptoms. Chest pain, shortness of breath, and fever are occasionally present in those who have a persistent cough. These symptoms should be promptly assessed by a healthcare provider because they may be a sign of a more serious underlying disease.
1. Chest pain
The muscles in the chest or the lining of the lungs may become inflamed or irritated, which can result in chest pain that is accompanied by a persistent cough. Chest pain may also be a sign of more serious illnesses like lung cancer or pneumonia.
2. Shortness of breath
A sense of not being able to take a deep breath; shortness of breath can be brought on by a number of conditions, such as asthma, Cardiac diseases or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Moreover, more serious illnesses like pneumonia or pulmonary embolism can cause shortness of breath.
3. Fever
A common sign of an infection is a fever, which can also signal a more serious underlying disease. It’s critical to get medical assistance right away if you have a fever and a persistent cough since these symptoms could indicate pneumonia or other serious respiratory illnesses.
How These Symptoms Can Indicate a Serious Condition
If you have a persistent cough along with any of the aforementioned symptoms, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying disease. To identify and treat the underlying cause of your symptoms, you must instantly see a doctor. Pneumonia, lung cancer, and tuberculosis are a few of the illnesses that can produce a persistent cough along with chest pain, shortness of breath, and fever.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, and other symptoms can all be present in addition to a persistent cough. In order to identify and treat the underlying source of your symptoms, it’s critical to get medical assistance as soon as possible. These symptoms may be a sign of a more serious problem.
Recognising When It’s Time to Seek Medical Attention
When a cough lasts for an extended amount of time or is accompanied by additional symptoms, it might be worrying.
The intensity of symptoms, red flag signs that demand immediate medical treatment, when to seek medical help for a persistent cough, how long a cough should remain before seeking medical help, and what to expect during a doctor’s appointment for a persistent cough will be discussed below.
When a Cough Becomes a Cause for Concern?
A cough can be a sign of a variety of illnesses, from minor to serious. A cough occasionally signals a more serious underlying illness that needs medical care. Knowing when to seek medical attention for a persistent cough is crucial to avoiding complications and ensuring prompt treatment.
How Long Should a Cough Last Before Seeking Medical Attention?
Generally speaking, a cough that persists for longer than eight weeks ought to be evaluated by a medical practitioner. But, you should get medical help right away if you have a cough that is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
When to Seek Medical Help Based on the Severity of Symptoms?
It’s crucial to keep an eye on how severe your symptoms are if you have a persistent cough. In general, if your cough is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Blood in your mucus or phlegm
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
If your symptoms are severe, you should consult a doctor right away because they might be a sign of a more serious underlying problem. Your healthcare provider needs a thorough understanding of your symptoms in order to make an accurate diagnosis and administer an appropriate course of treatment.
Red Flag Symptoms That Require Immediate Medical Attention
The following warning signs should prompt you to seek immediate medical attention:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Bluish lips or face
- Confusion or disorientation
- Loss of consciousness
These symptoms should be treated by a doctor right away since they may be a sign of a serious condition like pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, or heart attack.
Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Cough Relief
1. Herbal Teas
Herbal teas made from Ayurvedic herbs like tulsi (holy basil), ginger, licorice, and cinnamon can help soothe a cough and boost the immune system. Drink these teas two to three times a day for relief. 1
2. Warm Saltwater Gargle
Gargling with warm salt water can help alleviate throat irritation and reduce coughing. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat this process several times a day. 2
3. Steam Inhalation
Inhaling steam can help relieve congestion and reduce coughing by loosening mucus in the respiratory tract. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or menthol to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes. Repeat this process two to three times a day for relief. 3
4. Honey and Lemon
Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, while lemon is rich in vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system. Mix one tablespoon of honey with the juice of half a lemon and take this mixture two to three times a day to soothe a cough. 4
Ayurvedic Dietary Recommendations
According to Ayurveda, certain foods can help balance the doshas and alleviate a persistent cough. Some recommendations include:
- Consume warm, well-cooked, and easy-to-digest foods like soups, stews, and porridges.
- Avoid cold, dry, and hard-to-digest foods like raw vegetables, fried foods, and processed snacks.
- Include spices like ginger, turmeric, and black pepper in your diet to stimulate digestion and reduce inflammation.
- Stay hydrated by drinking warm water throughout the day, which can help thin mucus and soothe the throat.
- Limit your intake of dairy products, ainly curd as they can increase mucus production and aggravate a cough.
- Avoid or reduce the consumption of caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate the body and worsen cough symptoms.
Wrapping Up
If a persistent cough persists for more than a few weeks, it is crucial to seek medical treatment as it may be a sign of a number of underlying health problems. When to seek medical attention for a persistent cough has been emphasised in this article, along with warning signs to watch out for and possible causes.
If you are worried about your cough, it is best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention because an early diagnosis and course of treatment can improve outcomes.
Keep in mind that your health is essential and that, when necessary, receiving medical attention can help you stay healthy and avoid subsequent difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs that indicate if my cough is severe?
The presence of a cough may indicate a dangerous underlying ailment. If you experience a persistent cough that is accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, or coughing up blood, get medical treatment.
What steps can I take to put an end to a cough that won’t go away?
Finding the underlying reason for a chronic cough, which may include allergies, respiratory infections, or acid reflux, is the first step in treating it. Timely consultation with your physician is a must to find out the cause and alleviate it.
References
- Chang, J. S., Wang, K. C., Yeh, C. F., Shieh, D. E., & Chiang, L. C. (2013). Fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) has anti-viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus in human respiratory tract cell lines. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 145(1), 146-151. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.10.043[↩]
- Singh, M., & Das, R. R. (2013). Zinc for the common cold. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (6), CD001364. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001364.pub4[↩]
- Zhu, J., Luo, X., Guo, Y., Guo, Y., & Qin, Z. (2018). Effect of steam inhalation on nasal patency and nasal symptoms in patients with the common cold. American Journal of Otolaryngology, 39(4), 441-445. doi: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2018.04.010[↩]
- Paul, I. M., Beiler, J., McMonagle, A., Shaffer, M. L., Duda, L., & Berlin Jr, C. M. (2007). Effect of honey, dextromethorphan, and no treatment on nocturnal cough and sleep quality for coughing children and their parents. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 161(12), 1140-1146. doi: 10.1001/archpedi.161.12.1140[↩]
