Coughing can be a reaction to stress.
Dry cough occurs not only as a symptom of a disease of the respiratory system. For example, an excruciating cough without phlegm can be troubling with heart failure. A dry psychogenic cough manifests itself as a reaction of the body to a stressful situation. In diseases of the respiratory system, several types of dry cough are distinguished.
A dry cough is a very difficult symptom. We are used to considering it a sign of ailments of the respiratory system. But it is also a sign of diseases of the heart, stomach, intestines and other vital organs. Dry psychogenic cough is also noted as a reaction of the body to stress.
Dry cough is a sign of dangerous ailments
A debilitating dry cough can cause various complications:
- heart rhythm disorder;
- hernia formation;
- cerebral hemorrhage;
- sleep problems;
- hemodynamic failures;
- headache.
What diseases can a dry cough indicate? Dry cough with heart failure
Heart cough is episodic, usually overcomes during physical exertion. It also has the following manifestations:
- The cough is worse lying down. It is typical for night time.
- Shortness of breath and feeling of lack of air are possible.
- Patients choose to sleep while sitting.
- It is possible that the skin turns blue in the area of the nasolabial triangle, earlobes, and the ends of the phalanges of the fingers may have the appearance of drumsticks.
- Veins in the neck swell when coughing.
- Heart pain, dizziness, palpitations may occur.
A dry cough is typical of all ailments that form heart failure:
- heart defects;
- arterial hypertension;
- Ischemic heart disease;
- arrhythmia;
- myocarditis;
- cardiomyopathy;
- mitral stenosis;
- aortic aneurysm.
What to do?
- If this is your first time with a dry cough (especially at night), as well as shortness of breath, then it makes sense to make an appointment with a family doctor who will write out a referral for a comprehensive examination.
- If you have a cardiological history and have the above symptoms, it is important to immediately make an appointment with a cardiologist to review your treatment regimen and change your lifestyle.
Psychogenic cough
It is considered a symptom of increased anxiety, a reaction to stress. Its features:
- cough with a metallic tinge;
- noted during wakefulness and disappears during sleep, eating, talking;
- it is accompanied by fear, anxiety, tension in the body, sore throat.
What to do?
Antitussive medications will not work in this case. You need to minimize stress, do breathing exercises. And to prescribe medication to reduce anxiety, it makes sense to see a psychotherapist.
Dry cough with respiratory problems
Viral pneumonia. This is a serious ailment that accompanies a harsh cough.
Other symptoms:
- lethargy;
- dyspnea;
- headache;
- muscle pain;
- body temperature 39 degrees. and higher.
What to do?
It is important to urgently call emergency care, as hospitalization and clinical examination will be required.
Bronchial asthma. Characterized by a persistent dry cough in the form of attacks. Its features:
- overcomes at night;
- with the smallest physical exertion and acute respiratory infections;
- caused by harsh odors, cold air, interaction with allergens.
What to do?
Make an appointment with a doctor for diagnostics.
Cough against the background of problems of the upper respiratory tract (URT). Dry cough manifests itself in almost all diseases of the upper respiratory tract. By the nature of the cough, a disease can be assumed.
- Laryngitis. The cough occurs against the background of a sore throat — dry and paroxysmal. The condition is accompanied by a high body temperature, headache and weakness.
- Acute tracheitis. Coughing fits are usually at night. At the end of the attack, when inhaling, pain is felt behind the sternum.
- Pharyngitis. A dry cough is accompanied by a sore throat. The unpleasant sensations are aggravated by swallowing. The condition is accompanied by lethargy, fever, lowering of the timbre of the voice.
- Dry pleurisy. Obsessive cough without phlegm, which is worse lying on the affected side / taking a deep breath. It is accompanied by shortness of breath, lethargy, sweating.
What to do?
See an otolaryngologist.