Cough Up a Lung: Is It Physically Possible?

After a long coughing fit, you might joke about it by saying something along the lines of, “Wow! I almost coughed up a lung.”

Is it possible to cough up a lung? Since your trachea, also called the windpipe, is too small for one of your lungs to fit through, the answer is, no matter how violently you cough, no.

While it is physically impossible to cough up a lung, you can cough out a lung. A 2012 article in the New England Medical Journal describes a woman coughing so hard that her lung was pushed between two of her ribs.

The 40-year-old patient had asthma and had been coughing markedly for two weeks. Apparently, the coughing was vigorous enough to herniate her right lung by rupturing an intercostal muscle between two of her lower ribs.

Although you are not going to cough up a lung, you can sustain other injuries from frequent and violent coughing, such as:

• coughing up blood
• muscular pain
• damaging small blood vessels
• damaging throat tissue
• cracking ribs
• rupturing your diaphragm

Coughing up blood

Sustained coughing can result in blood in your lungs which can be coughed up. It typically appears as small amounts of bright red blood or phlegm and saliva streaked with blood. Along with persistent coughing, this could also be the sign of a chest infection.

Muscular pain

Strong pressure is generated every time you have a coughing fit. This pressure can strain muscles and cause pain. It follows that prolonged coughing can result in chronic pain.

Damaging small blood vessels

Fine blood vessels, such as those in your nose, eyes, and anus, can burst under the pressure of violent coughing.

Damaging throat tissue

The tissues of your throat can become inflamed due to a chronic cough. Sustained coughing can also lead to throat infections that can spread to other areas of your body.

Cracking ribs

Although a rib fracture caused by chronic coughing is more likely in people with lower bone density, it can happen to people with normal bone density. The ribs most likely to crack under the pressure of coughing are the fifth through ninth, and they are most likely to crack on the side.

Rupturing your diaphragm

When you cough, your ribs are pushed downward and inward. At the same time, your diaphragm is pushed upward. The combination of these opposing actions can result in a diaphragmatic rupture.

Coughing can be traced to numerous causes. Some of the underlying conditions that could be the reason for your coughing could include:

• whooping cough (pertussis)
• asthma
• bronchitis
• bronchiectasis
• pneumonia
• tuberculosis
• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
• lung damage, such as from smoke inhalation, trauma, drug use

If you have an unexplained cough that has been present for more than a couple of weeks, see your doctor.

Get emergency medical care if, along with the cough, you have other symptoms that suggest an underlying condition. These symptoms might include:

• fever
• chest pain
• racing heartbeat
• difficulty breathing
• severe abdominal pain
• excessive sweating or chills
• coughing up large amounts of blood

After a particularly vigorous coughing fit, repeating the old joke about coughing up a lung might get you a laugh. But that’s all it is: a joke that’s possibly funny because the suggestion is so outlandish.

It is not physically possible to cough up a lung, but there are a number of ways that violent coughing can hurt your body, from coughing up blood to cracking your ribs.

If you’ve had a persistent cough for more than a few weeks, call your doctor.

Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Paul Boyce, MD on August 19, 2022

• What Is Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)?
• Types of Pneumothorax
• Pneumothorax Symptoms
• Pneumothorax Causes and Risk Factors
• Pneumothorax Diagnosis
• Pneumothorax Treatment
• Pneumothorax Recovery
• Pneumothorax Outlook
• Pneumothorax Prevention
• More

Pneumothorax, also called a collapsed lung, is when air gets between one of your lungs and the wall of your chest. The pressure causes the lung to give way, at least partly.

When this happens, you can inhale, but your lung can’t expand as much as it should.

Sometimes, a section of your lung can collapse because of a blockage or a lack of pressure inside the lung, instead of pressure from outside the lung. That’s a condition called atelectasis.

There are several types of pneumothoraces.  You could have one or more at the same time:

• Simple, in which the tissues and organs between your lungs aren’t moved around
• Primary spontaneous, when it happens without any clear cause
• Secondary spontaneous or disease-related
• Tension, when air continues to enter the space between your lung and your chest wall, raising pressure in your chest
• Traumatic or injury-related

Symptoms can range from mild to dangerous. If your case is mild, you may not notice a problem. That’s why it’s important to tell your doctor what’s happening. Common symptoms include:

• Bluish skin
• Chest pain, ache, or tightness
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Fast breathing
• Fast heartbeat
• Shortness of breath

You can get a pneumothorax several ways. Causes include:

• Lung disease. Tissue that’s damaged is more likely to tear, allowing air to leak out. This is especially true with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Injury. A broken rib, knife wound, or gunshot wound can puncture your lung. In severe cases, the escaping air can build up pressure on your lung and heart, which might cause life-threatening problems such as loss of blood pressure.
• Mechanical ventilation. This machine that helps you breathe creates uneven pressure in your chest. As a result, your lung might collapse.
• Air blisters. Sacs full of air, called blebs, may form on the outside of your lung and then burst, creating pressure. This happens most often with tall men who are younger than 40 and who smoke.
• Your period. It’s rare, but cysts could form inside your chest. Within about 3 days before or after the start your period, the cysts release blood between the lung and chest.

Often, someone who has a collapsed lung gets another within 1 or 2 years. Smoking can also make the condition more likely. And some types of pneumothoraces run in families.

Your doctor will probably start with a physical exam. They’ll listen to your breathing through a stethoscope and tap your chest to find out if it sounds hollow.

You might have tests including:

• X-rays, so your doctor can see the outline of your lung
• A CT scan, a series of X-rays that a computer turns into a detailed image of your lung
• Arterial blood gas or pulse oximetry, to measure how much oxygen is in your blood
• EKG, to check how well your heart is working

Your treatment will depend on the type of pneumothorax and how severe it is. You may have one or more of these:

Observation

Your doctor will probably want you to stay in the hospital so they can watch your progress. They treat a collapsed lung by getting rid of the pressure outside the lung so it can inflate again.

In minor cases without symptoms, the lung can expand again on its own. You may need to breathe oxygen from a container for a short time to help. Even if your case is mild, it’s important to have follow-up visits with your doctor so they can keep track of how you’re doing.

Needle aspiration or chest tube insertion

If your lung has collapsed further, your doctor may use a needle or a tube to release the extra air from your chest. The tube might be attached to a one-way valve. It could have to stay in place for hours or days.

Autologous blood patch

Your doctor can take blood from your arm and put it into your chest through a tube. This makes a patch on your lung that stops air leaks.

Surgery or pleurodesis

Cases involving lung disease, an accident, or repeated collapsed lungs may need surgery. Or you could have a procedure called pleurodesis. Your doctor uses a needle and tube to put medicine like doxycycline into your chest. It triggers inflammation, which helps your lung stick to the chest wall and stay inflated.

It usually takes 1 or 2 weeks to recover from a pneumothorax. But you have to wait for your doctor to say you’re OK. Until then:

• Go back to your routine a little bit at a time. Go for walks or do other low-impact activities.
• Monitor your symptoms. Watch for chest pains or other signs that you haven’t healed, such as a fever or coughing up blood.
• Lift only light objects. Don’t pick up anything heavier than a gallon of milk. Don’t vacuum or mow the grass.
• Be careful how you exercise. Don’t do anything that jars your body, such as running or biking. Don’t play contact sports.
• Remember air pressure. Don’t get on an airplane until your doctor gives the OK, usually about 3 weeks after your lung has been repaired. On land, don’t go more than 7,500 feet above sea level.

With treatment, many people don’t have long-term health effects from a pneumothorax. But it can happen again in up to 50% of cases.

If you’ve had a collapsed lung, you need to take extra care of yourself to keep it from happening again. Some tips:

• If you smoke, ask your doctor for help quitting.
• If you scuba dive, your doctor might tell you to stop.
• If you have a lung problem, keep up with your medical visits.

Top Picks

Emergencies

Cough

Cough is probably the most common problem parents face. Very often, a cough, even if it sounds scary, has a harmless cause and goes away on its own. Sometimes coughing is a serious symptom. Let’s try to figure out how to behave when a child coughs and when to start sounding the alarm.

What is a cough?

Cough is a protective reflex designed to clear the airways. During a cough push, the air abruptly leaves the lungs and forces everything that interferes with breathing – sputum and foreign bodies – to come out. If you think about the mechanism of coughing, it becomes clear that it is far from always necessary to “suppress” it.

What causes and what does a cough look like?

The most common cause of cough is a viral infection. Viruses can cause damage to the respiratory tract at different levels – from the nose (with a common cold) to the bronchi, bronchioles and lungs, and coughing is a common symptom in all these diseases. For example, sore throat and nasal discharge flowing down the back of the throat irritate the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract and stimulate the cough reflex. Due to irritation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, a dry, hacking cough occurs, which will definitely pass without treatment, but in the acute period it can be quite frequent and painful, and even disrupt night’s sleep. A runny nose and discharge along the back of the throat provoke a wet cough, while the child begins to cough when changing position of the body, especially in the morning and at night when he gets up, lies down or rolls over. If the virus infects the mucous membrane of the larynx, a false croup develops, that is, swelling and, as a result, narrowing of the lumen of the larynx, which is accompanied by a “barking” cough, hoarseness, and a characteristic noisy breath (the so-called stridor). With inflammation of the bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli – bronchitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia, respectively – sputum accumulates in the lumen of the respiratory tract, swelling of the mucous membrane occurs, resulting in cough and shortness of breath. Unlike viral bronchitis and bronchiolitis, pneumonia is more commonly caused by bacteria and is accompanied by fever in addition to coughing and shortness of breath. In bronchial asthma, bronchospasm and accumulation of thick sputum in them occur after contact with an allergen, which also provokes a cough.

When should an ambulance be called for a child with a cough?

the child’s lips turned blue.

If the child does not have the most severe symptoms, but the child is concerned, see a doctor. An important sign of trouble is the appearance of the child – if he is lethargic, looks sick and if you cannot attract his attention and catch his eye. Shortness of breath, that is, rapid breathing, accompanied by an effort of the respiratory muscles and retraction of the intercostal spaces and the jugular fossa (depression above the sternum), is a sign that indicates damage to the lower respiratory tract. If you notice shortness of breath in a child, be sure to consult a doctor. Increased body temperature, especially fever above 39- 40 ° C, also requires that the child be examined by a doctor, as cough and fever can be symptoms of pneumonia.

Special attention should be given to children in the first months of life, because in young children, serious illnesses can be erased, and the condition may worsen suddenly. If you have a fever (that is, if the child’s rectal temperature is > 38 ° C) in children under three months old, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Should yellow or greenish sputum cause concern?

Yellow or green sputum does not always indicate a bacterial infection. With viral bronchitis and bronchiolitis, the yellow-green color of sputum is associated with the fact that cells of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, which the virus has damaged, enter the sputum. As a new mucous membrane is formed, the desquamated cells come out with sputum, so there is no need to be scared if the child coughs up yellow or even greenish sputum, since in most cases this is a normal manifestation of a viral infection that does not require antibiotics.

What should I do if my child coughs at night?

Most often, nocturnal cough is associated with the fact that when the child lies in bed, discharge from the nose and paranasal sinuses drain into the throat and cause a cough reflex. When a child rolls over in bed or gets up from a horizontal to an upright position, a coughing fit occurs. In such cases, the doctor will prescribe a topical treatment for the child to reduce the runny nose and, as a result, reduce the cough.

Night cough also occurs with pathology of the lower respiratory tract. Therefore, if your child is concerned about a nighttime cough, consult a doctor.

What if the child coughs to vomit?

If your child has a paroxysmal cough before vomiting, contact your pediatrician as this may be a symptom of whooping cough. Whooping cough is especially dangerous for children in the first months of life. Sometimes whooping cough develops even in children who were vaccinated against it, but a lot of time has passed since the last revaccination.

Some children have a very easy gag reflex and may vomit when they cough, even if the cough is simply due to a runny nose. If vomiting occurs against the background of coughing, feed the child more often, but in small portions.

Prolonged cough

It is not uncommon for a prolonged cough to be caused by several successive viral infections. The child does not have time to recover from one infection and picks up another. In this case, the cough can last for several weeks and greatly frighten parents, although its cause is trivial.

However, a prolonged cough may be associated with allergies, including bronchial asthma, as well as whooping cough and other diseases of the respiratory tract and ENT organs (a chronic cough may even be due to earwax plugs in the ears!), so in case of persistent cough, consult your doctor.

How to treat a cough?

Cough can have many causes, and each case is treated differently. Show the child to the doctor to understand what the cough is connected with and how to help the child.

If the cough is accompanied by sputum production (wet, productive cough), sputum production should be stimulated to facilitate expectoration. Give your child more fluids (for example, apple juice or warm chicken broth can be given if age-appropriate and not allergic to these foods). If the air in the children’s bedroom is dry, install a humidifier.

Fight nonproductive (dry) cough by reducing upper airway irritation. To soften the cough and soothe the airways, give the child a drink of water or apple juice, this also helps with a coughing fit. Avoid giving carbonated drinks or citrus drinks as they can irritate inflamed mucous membranes. If the child is intolerant of honey, try giving it. Children over 6 years old can suck on cough drops. If a cough interferes with sleep, going to kindergarten and school, consult a doctor, he will prescribe an antitussive.

Steam in the bathroom can help with a fit of coughing. Go into the bathroom, close the door, turn on the hot shower and wait a few minutes. After the bath is filled with steam, go there with the child, sit for about 20 minutes. Try reading a book or playing with the child so that he is distracted.

Smoking is strictly prohibited at home! This contributes to frequent respiratory infections in the child and aggravates their course.

Medicines such as antibiotics and inhaled bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory and mucolytic drugs are prescribed only by a doctor and are not required in every case.

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Fever

Fever is an increase in body temperature of more than 38 ºС. Some symptoms and laboratory and instrumental studies help to understand the cause of the fever and prescribe the necessary treatment.

If the fever is accompanied by a runny nose, cough, and “red throat”, the most likely cause is a viral infection. Since antibiotics have no effect on viruses, antibiotic therapy in case of a viral infection is not prescribed.

High fever (greater than 39°C) with chills should alert. Other symptoms that require immediate medical attention are the refusal of the child to eat and drink, severe lethargy, lack of “eye” contact with the child.

Parents should know how to help a child with a fever .

Only ibuprofen (10 mg/kg per dose) and paracetamol (15 mg/kg per dose) are allowed for use in children. From drugs based on ibuprofen in a pharmacy, you can buy nurofen, and from drugs based on paracetamol – panadol, cefecon, efferalgan. Metamizole sodium (or analgin), including as part of a “lytic mixture”, can cause severe blood complications, and nimesulide (nimulide, nise) can cause life-threatening liver damage. If the child does not have a severe background pathology, such as heart disease or epilepsy, and if he satisfactorily tolerates fever (is interested in others, does not refuse to drink, does not complain of pain), antipyretic drugs are given at a temperature of 38.5 – 39ºС and above.

And there is no need to achieve a decrease in body temperature immediately to 36. 6 ºС! A good effect is considered to be a decrease in fever to 38 ºС. Safe and effective methods of physical cooling are rubbing with water at room temperature (not alcohol or vinegar!), which allows you to reduce body temperature by 0.5 – 1.0 ºС in a few minutes. However, if the child has chills, if he has cold hands and feet, rubbing will not be effective. In such cases, massage of the hands and feet helps, which reduces vasospasm and improves peripheral circulation, and antispasmodic drugs, such as no-shpa, are also used.

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False croup

In babies, false croup occurs quite often, so mothers need to know about it. Only parents can notice the first signs of narrowing of the larynx in time and help the child in time. The reason is viral infections. In children under 5 – 6 years of age, the airways are narrower than in adults, and therefore croup develops much more often.

If a baby with a cold has a “barking” cough and a hoarse voice, it is necessary that he breathe steam over hot water in the bathroom. If this does not help, and the breath becomes noisy and difficult, call an ambulance without stopping the inhalation of steam.

What is false croup?

Croup is difficulty in breathing due to constriction of the larynx. To feel where the larynx is, you can put your hand on the front of the neck and make any sound – the larynx will vibrate.

This part of the airway is quite narrow, and if the mucous membrane swells, it can completely block the lumen of the larynx, and air will not enter the lungs. In children under 5 – 6 years of age, the airways are narrower than in adults, and therefore croup develops much more often.

Unlike false, true croup begins with diphtheria, when the lumen of the larynx is blocked by dense films. Thanks to vaccinations (DPT, ADS-M), this disease, fortunately, has become rare.

Pseudocroup is caused by acute viral infections (eg parainfluenza virus or respiratory syncytial virus). The mucous membrane becomes inflamed, swells, and although films do not form, as in diphtheria, the result is the same – it is difficult for the child to breathe.

How does it all start?

Usually, the usual symptoms of acute respiratory infections appear first, i.e. runny nose, cough, fever. The first signs of the proximity of a false croup appear or intensify in the evening – this is a growing dry “barking” cough and a hoarse voice.

Then the breath becomes “noisy” – at first only during crying or anxiety, that is, when the baby breathes deeper and faster. After a while, these symptoms persist even in a calm state.

With croup, it is difficult for the baby to inhale exactly, that is, the inhalation turns out to be noisy, with effort, and the exhalation remains normal. During inhalation, you can notice how the jugular fossa (depression in the lower part of the neck between the collarbones) is drawn inward.

Is it possible to prevent false croup?

There are pathogens that most often cause croup: parainfluenza virus, influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus. If a child has contracted this particular infection, the risk of developing croup is high, and, unfortunately, there are no remedies that protect against it.

There are children who get colds without this complication, but in some the mucous membrane is more prone to swelling, and if one episode of difficulty breathing with acute respiratory infections has already been, it is likely that such conditions will recur. Parents need to be ready for them – until the child grows up, and the croup ceases to threaten him.

What to do with false croup?

If you notice its signs, first of all, you need to calm yourself and the child, because when you are excited, the muscles of the larynx contract, and it becomes even harder to breathe.

For a “barking” cough, as long as breathing is silent and not labored, steam inhalation may help. Turn on hot water in the bathroom, let the child breathe in moist air for a few minutes.

If this does not help and breathing becomes difficult (noisy breathing, indrawing of the jugular fossa), call an ambulance and continue to do steam inhalation until it arrives. The doctor will prescribe special inhalations with a local hormonal preparation for croup. Don’t let the word “hormonal” scare you, because this drug works only in the respiratory tract, eliminating inflammation, and no other medicine for false croup will not be so effective. In severe cases, the doctor will inject a hormone (prednisolone or dexamethasone) intramuscularly. Don’t worry about side effects because short cycles of hormones are safe and life-saving in these situations.

If you are offered to hospitalize your child, do not refuse, because after temporary relief, breathing problems may recur.

There are conditions that can be confused with false croup, such as inflammation of the epiglottis (cartilage that closes the larynx when swallowing). This disease is called epiglottitis: the child’s temperature rises above 39 degrees, there is a severe sore throat, the mouth is difficult to open, and hormonal preparations do not help the child.

If the epiglottis is inflamed, the child is admitted to the hospital and treated with antibiotics. But this disease is rare, and false croup is caused by viruses, so it makes no sense to take antibiotics.

Is it possible to stop an attack of croup on your own?

If it is not the first time that a child has false croup, you can take home a special device for inhalation – a nebulizer (choose a compressor model, since ultrasound can destroy drugs used for croup). Your doctor will tell you what medication to have at home and how much to use if needed.

The child can return to kindergarten as soon as the body temperature returns to normal and the child feels well.

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Vomiting and diarrhea

Acute gastroenteritis is characterized by an increase in body temperature (from subfebrile condition to high fever), vomiting, stool thinning. Rotavirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis. The most severe is the first episode of rotavirus gastroenteritis in children from 6 months to 2-3 years. The peak incidence of this infection occurs in the winter – spring.

The danger of viral gastroenteritis is associated with rapid dehydration and electrolyte disturbances due to loss of water and salts in loose stools and vomiting. Therefore, feeding the child is of fundamental importance. In order not to provoke vomiting, you need to drink fractionally (1 – 2 teaspoons), but often, if necessary, every few minutes. For convenience, you can use a syringe without a needle or a pipette. In no case should you drink the child with just water, this only exacerbates electrolyte disturbances! There are special saline solutions for drinking – rehydron (optimally ½ sachet per 1 liter of water), Humana electrolyte, etc.

Daily fluid requirement is shown in the table:

Child weight Daily fluid requirement
2-10 kg 100 ml/kg
10 – 20 kg 1000 ml + 50 ml/kg for each kg over 10 kg
> 20 kg 1500 ml + 20 ml/kg for each kg over 20 kg

In addition, current fluid losses with loose stools and vomiting are taken into account – for each episode of diarrhea / vomiting, an additional 100 – 200 ml of fluid is given.

Intravenous rehydration (fluid replenishment with drips) is done only for severe dehydration and persistent vomiting. In all other cases, you need to drink the child – it is safe, effective and painless.

Smecta (but do not give smecta if it induces vomiting), espumizan or Sab simplex are used as adjuvants. Enterofuril is not recommended for use, as it is not effective either in viral infections or in invasive bacterial intestinal infections. In the diet during the acute period, fresh vegetables and fruits (except bananas), sweet drinks are excluded, and whole milk is limited only in older children.

Parents need to be aware of the first signs of dehydration – a decrease in the frequency and volume of urination, thirst, dry skin and mucous membranes. With increasing dehydration, the child becomes lethargic, stops urinating, thirst disappears, the skin loses turgor, and the eyes “sink”. In this case, there is no time to waste, it is necessary to call a doctor and hospitalize the child.

The appearance of blood and mucus in the stool in a child should be alerted, because this is typical for bacterial enterocolitis. Stool with such infections is not large (in contrast to copious watery stools with rotavirus infection), false urge to defecate and abdominal pain may be noted. Drinking water in such cases may not be enough, and, as a rule, antibiotics are required.

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Pneumonia

One of the serious diseases in children is pneumonia, or pneumonia. Pneumonia can pose a threat to a child’s life. Fortunately, modern medicine has learned to cope well with pneumonia, and this disease can be completely cured in most cases. Therefore, if your baby gets sick with fever and cough, contact your pediatrician. If pneumonia is suspected, a doctor may order an x-ray of the lungs to confirm the diagnosis.

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung tissue, that is, the deepest part of the respiratory system. Normally, gas exchange occurs in the lungs, that is, oxygen from the air enters the blood, and carbon dioxide is released from the blood into the environment. When part of the lung is inflamed, the breathing function in the affected lung is affected and the child develops shortness of breath, that is, rapid and labored breathing. Substances produced during the immune system’s fight against bacteria cause fever (if the body temperature rises above 38 ° C, this is called a fever). The accumulation of sputum in the alveoli and bronchi and swelling of the mucous membrane stimulate the cough reflex, and a cough occurs. If the focus of pneumonia is near the lining of the lung, called the pleura, chest pains may occur when breathing and coughing.

What causes pneumonia?

There are many infections that can cause pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of so-called “typical” pneumonia. Pneumococcal pneumonia is accompanied by fever, cough, shortness of breath, lethargy, and decreased appetite. Less commonly, pneumonia is caused by other pathogens – hemophilus influenzae (Haemophilus influenzae) type b, pyogenic streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) and Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus). “Atypical” pneumonia, which is usually milder and quite contagious, is caused by mycoplasmas and chlamydia. Less commonly, pneumonia is caused by viruses (adenovirus, RS virus) – such pneumonias are rare and can be very difficult. Pneumonia can develop suddenly or be a complication of the flu.

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

The most important symptom of pneumonia is fever. In a young child, fever may be the only manifestation. Fever above 39.5°C with chills and fever that is poorly reduced after taking antipyretic drugs should be especially alert. Although not always a high fever that does not respond well to antipyretics is a symptom of pneumonia. This may be a manifestation of a respiratory viral infection.

The second important symptom of pneumonia is a cough. The nature of the cough matters. Particularly alarming are the “deep” cough, cough at night and cough before vomiting.

Severe pneumonia is usually accompanied by shortness of breath, that is, rapid and labored breathing. Sometimes a symptom of pneumonia is pain in the abdomen, which occurs due to irritation of the pleura (lung membrane) during inflammation of the lung area adjacent to the pleura and due to frequent coughing and, accordingly, tension in the abdominal muscles.

Very important signs that speak in favor of pneumonia are symptoms of intoxication, such as fatigue, weakness, refusal to eat and even drink. At the same time, unlike pneumococcal pneumonia, with mycoplasmal pneumonia, the child may feel well.
Coughing and wheezing in the lungs are symptoms not only of pneumonia, but also of bronchitis. It is very important that the doctor distinguishes pneumonia from bronchitis, since antibiotics are not always required for bronchitis and only if its mycoplasmal etiology is suspected.

What can happen if pneumonia is not treated?

This is fraught with complications that are more likely to occur if pneumonia is left untreated. Complications of pneumonia are inflammation of the pleura (pleurisy) and the formation of a cavity in the lung filled with pus (lung abscess). In such cases, a longer course of antibiotics will be required, and sometimes the help of a surgeon.

How to treat pneumonia?

If you have bacterial pneumonia, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. The doctor will decide which antibiotic to choose depending on the suspected cause of the pneumonia. In most cases, the child can be given the antibiotic by mouth (as a suspension or tablets) rather than by injection. The effect of the antibiotic occurs within 24-48 hours. If after 1 – 2 days the child does not feel better and the temperature rises, consult a doctor again.

Usually a child with pneumonia can be treated at home. Hospitalization is required for severe and complicated pneumonia, when the child needs intravenous antibiotics, supplemental oxygen, pleural punctures, and other serious medical interventions.
Give the child an antipyretic (ibuprofen or paracetamol) if the body temperature rises above 38.5 to 39°C. Antitussives, such as butamirate (Sinekod drug), are contraindicated in pneumonia.

Can pneumonia be prevented?

There are vaccines designed to protect against pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae, which cause the most severe forms of pneumonia (against pneumococcus – vaccines “Prevenar”, “Pneumo 23”, against Haemophilus influenzae – “Act-HIB”, “Hiberix”, a component against Haemophilus influenzae sticks are part of the Pentaxim vaccine, components against pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae are simultaneously part of Synflorix). Since pneumococcal pneumonia often develops as a complication of influenza, influenza vaccination is helpful. It is very important that parents do not smoke in the presence of a child, as secondhand smoke makes the lungs weak and vulnerable.

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Why cough gets worse in the evening: causes and remedies

Content

• 1 Why cough gets worse in the evening: causes and remedies
  • body
  • 1.3 Influence of time of day on cough
  • 1.4 Why the cough gets worse in the evening
  • 1.5 Types of cough
    • 1.5.1 Dry cough
    • 1.5.2 Wet cough
    • 1.5.3 Paroxysmal cough
    • 1.5.4 Nocturnal cough
  • 1.6 Cough as a possible symptom of diseases
  • 1.7 Signs of complications
    • cough
    • 1.7.2 Presence of bleeding
    • 1.7.3 Worsening of general
    • 1.7.4 Severe chest pain
    • 1.7.5 Rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath
  • 1.8 Methods for diagnosing cough
  • 1. 9 Main causes of increased cough in the evening
  • 1.10 Allergenic cough and its treatment
  • 1.11 Infectious cough and its treatment
  • 1.12 Post-mortem cough and its treatment
  • 1.13 Treatment of cough in children
  • 1.14 Treatment of cough for at home
  • 1.15 Cough prevention
  • 1.16 Tips for alleviating a cough
  • 1.17 When to see a doctor if your cough gets worse in the evening
  • 1.18 Related videos:

Find out why your cough gets worse in the evening, what causes it to get worse and how to deal with it most effectively . Advice from a doctor and folk recipes that will help improve the condition when coughing.

Cough is a symptom of many diseases such as SARS, asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia. However, many people notice that the cough becomes more intense and irritable in the evening.

In this article we will look at several reasons why the cough gets worse in the evening. We will also provide tips and tricks on how to deal with this problem and get better quality sleep.

Make sure you understand why the cough gets worse in the evening. This will help you choose the most effective ways to improve the quality of your sleep and your overall health.

Causes of cough

Cough is one of the most unpleasant symptoms of most respiratory diseases. It begins most often dry, irritating, but over time it can turn into wet, accompanied by sputum discharge. Despite the variety of causes that can lead to a cough, for most people it begins to worsen in the evening. Why this happens, we will consider in a little more detail.

Another reason for increased cough in the evening may be the deterioration of the bronchial tubes. Whether it’s bronchitis, asthma, or COPD, the disease causes the bronchial tree to narrow and produce large amounts of mucus that is harder to cough up. During the day, you can still somehow cope with this, but by the evening the lungs are tired and cannot function more efficiently, which leads to a strong cough.

• Conclusion: There are a number of reasons that lead to increased cough in the evening. It can be both natural processes in the body and diseases. If the cough worsens, then you should consult a doctor who will help determine the cause of the symptom and prescribe the correct treatment.

Physiological processes in the body

Various physiological processes in the body influence the causes of increased cough in the evening.

One of the main factors is the change in the state of the respiratory system as evening approaches. When darkness falls, the level of carbon dioxide in the air begins to rise, as all the breath of exhaled air does not go into the air, but is retained in the lungs. As a result, this can cause increased coughing as the body tries to rid itself of excess carbon dioxide.

In addition, in the evening the level of the hormone cortisol in the body decreases, which can lead to a decrease in immunity and a deterioration in the functioning of bronchial cells, causing increased coughing.

As a result, in order to reduce the increase in cough in the evening, it is recommended to ventilate the room more often, remove dust, humidify the air, as well as monitor the level of hormones in the body and take drugs that lower its level correctly.

Influence of time of day on cough

Cough is the body’s reaction to various factors. It can be dry or wet, regular or irregular, daytime or nighttime. One of the most common questions about coughs is why the cough gets worse in the evening.

In addition, in the evening the level of pollen, air pollution and allergens in the room may be higher, which can also cause increased coughing. The reason for the increased cough in the evening may also depend on the disease, for example, asthma, chronic obstructive bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis and other diseases that significantly impair the functioning of the respiratory system.

To overcome the increase in cough, the necessary measures must be taken. Natural production of melatonin can be reduced by placing bright indoor lights. You should also avoid contact with allergenic substances, regularly ventilate the room and use air purifiers. In case of illness, regular treatment should be carried out, including taking medications prescribed by a doctor.

1. Avoid contact with allergens and harmful substances;
2. Ventilate the room and use air purifiers;
3. Take your doctor’s recommended medications;
4. To your consolation, in most cases a cough in the evening does not pose a health risk, but it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor for advice if symptoms persist.

Why cough gets worse in the evening

Cough worse in the evening can be caused by several factors. One of them is a change in the position of the body when taking a deep breath. During the day, the mucous membranes of the bronchi accumulate secretions, and then, when we go to bed and take a horizontal position, they flock to the walls of the bronchi, which causes irritation and, as a result, increases the cough.

To reduce the worsening cough in the evening, you can try the following:

• Drinks that keep the airways moist, such as tea with honey, warm beer, or a lemon drink;
• Avoid smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke;
• Take additional measures to keep the room humid, such as using a humidifier or creating a steam bath;
• Taking medicines as prescribed by a doctor;
• Good sleep and a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and exercise in accordance with the possibilities.

Types of cough

Dry cough

Dry cough is the type in which there is no discharge, mucus and sputum. It can be caused by allergies, infections, or certain medications. The sound of a dry cough looks like a rough, hoarse, similar to the barking of a dog.

Wet cough

Wet cough is a cough with mucus or phlegm. It can be caused by infection, allergies, or other respiratory problems. The sound of a wet cough is similar to noisy sniffs.

Paroxysmal cough

Paroxysmal cough is a type of cough in which profuse coughing fits occur, possibly until the entire air capacity of the lungs has been exhaled. It can be caused by infection, asthma, or allergies.

Nocturnal cough

Nocturnal cough can have various causes such as allergies, lean colds, bronchitis or asthma. The cough is aggravated by lying down, which can lead to insomnia and fatigue.

Cough as a possible symptom of disease

Cough is a natural reflex of the body that helps clear mucus, dust and other irritants from the airways. However, coughing can also be a symptom of various diseases. The main causes of cough include infectious diseases, viruses, bacteria, allergies, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

If the cough does not stop within a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chest pain or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention. He will conduct an additional examination and establish a diagnosis, as well as offer appropriate treatment.

Signs of complications

Duration of cough

If the cough continues for more than two weeks and does not improve, it may be a sign of complications. It is necessary to consult a doctor to identify the cause of the cough and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Presence of bleeding

If the cough is accompanied by bleeding from the nose or throat, this may be a sign of a serious problem with the respiratory system. You must immediately consult a doctor.

General deterioration

If the cough is accompanied by a deterioration in the general condition, such as fever, weakness, loss of appetite and weight, this may be a sign of complications. You need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Severe chest pain

If you experience severe chest pain when you cough, this may be a sign of a serious respiratory problem. You must immediately consult a doctor.

Rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing

If you experience a rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing when coughing, this may be a sign of complications. It is necessary to consult a doctor to identify the causes and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Methods for diagnosing cough

Cough can be a sign of different diseases, so its diagnosis may require different methods. The main methods for diagnosing cough:

• History taking – The doctor may ask questions about the nature of the cough, its duration, possible accompanying symptoms, and the patient’s habits (eg, smoking).
• Physical examination – Your doctor may examine your throat and lungs to check for inflammation, swelling, or other abnormalities.
• Complete blood count – allows you to identify signs of inflammation or infection in the body.
• Urinalysis – can help identify an infectious disease, as in some diseases, germs can be excreted in the urine.
• Chest x-ray – may show the presence of abnormalities in the lungs (for example, pneumonia or tuberculosis).
• Computed tomography of the chest – can help to identify the presence of pathologies in the lungs more accurately than x-rays.
• Histological examination of the biopsy – if necessary, can be performed to detect malignant tumors or other pathologies.

One method may be sufficient for diagnosis, but in some cases the doctor may prescribe more than one method to determine the cause of the cough. In any case, if you have a cough, it is recommended to consult a doctor for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

The main causes of increased cough in the evening

1. Age features

In children, cough often increases in the evening due to body fatigue after a long day. In adults, the most typical cause is age-related deterioration in the functioning of the respiratory system.

2. Allergy

Allergic cough may worsen in the evening due to the greater concentration of allergens in indoor air.

3. Chronic diseases

In people suffering from chronic respiratory diseases, coughing may worsen in the evening due to the accumulation of mucus and other secretions in the respiratory tract.

4. Exercising on the body

A busy day or physical activity can lead to increased cough in the evening, as the body uses this time to recover and rest, which makes breathing difficult.

Allergenic cough and its treatment

Allergenic cough is caused by contact with an allergen. It can occur at any time of the day, but often increases in the evening, when the amount of allergens in the air reaches a maximum.

To treat an allergenic cough, contact with the allergen must be eliminated. This can be achieved by ventilating the room, using air purifiers, and applying an allergen barrier on bedding and mattress.

• Regular ventilation of the room.
• Installation and use of the air purifier.
• Use of an allergen isolation barrier on bedding and mattress.

In addition to avoiding contact with the allergen, medications such as antihistamines can be used to reduce swelling of the airway mucosa and reduce the amount of mucus produced.

However, before starting treatment, it is necessary to consult an allergist and undergo the necessary tests to determine the specific allergen that causes coughing. Only the right approach to treatment will help stop the allergic reaction and prevent the development of complications.

Infectious cough and its treatment

Infectious cough is a cough caused by a bacterial or viral infection in the upper respiratory tract. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as throat and nasal congestion, chest pain, and fever.

In the case of a viral infection, treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms such as exhaustion and fatigue, reducing fever and coughing. This may include taking vacation drinks, hot drinks, humidifiers, and cough syrups to help reduce irritation in the airways and ease a cough.

• In case of an infectious cough:
• Make sure you rest and do not strain your body;
• Drink hot drinks such as tea with honey and lemon to ease your cough;
• Use a humidifier to make breathing easier;
• Try cough syrups to relieve your cough.

Cough after past illnesses and its treatment

Cough is the body’s reaction to various irritants such as dust, smoke, allergens, and respiratory tract infections. When a person comes down with a cold, flu, or other illness, the cough may continue long after recovery.

The main goal of treating cough after illness is to shorten its duration and reduce its intensity in order to minimize discomfort and prevent complications. It is important to choose drugs that correspond to the type of cough, the nature of the accompanying symptoms and the characteristics of the organism.

• Dry cough preparations: here we need medicines that will reduce irritation of the mucous membrane and relieve congestion. This group may include syrups and tablets with emollient and expectorant action, as well as inhalations with non-alcoholic solutions.
• Wet cough medicines: In this case, medicines that make it easier to cough up sputum and clear the airways can be useful. These include mucolytics and expectorants. You can also use hot drinks to help thin the mucus and improve its release.

It is important to remember that cough treatment should be complex and combined with strengthening the general condition of the body. It is recommended to monitor the daily routine, proper nutrition, humidification of the air in the room and ventilation. If you cannot cope with a cough on your own, you should consult a doctor to prescribe a suitable treatment.

Treatment of cough in children

Cough in children is a common problem, especially during the autumn-winter season. It can be caused by various causes such as allergies, colds, and infections. It is necessary to start treatment immediately to avoid complications and improve the condition of the child.

If the cough is not a sign of a serious illness, it can be treated at home with folk remedies. For example, you can use warm milk with honey, as well as an infusion of thyme or chamomile. It is also allowed to use a collar based on essential oils, but only after consulting a pediatrician.

For colds, you can use special cough syrups for children, which are sold in pharmacy chains. It is also possible to use inhalation with a nebulizer. But before giving the child any medication, you need to contact the pediatrician for advice and the correct appointment.

Never give adult medicines to children and exceed the recommended dose. It is possible to use physical methods, such as the application of mustard plasters or compresses based on warming agents to the breast.

Thus, there are many ways to treat cough in children: home remedies, special syrups, inhalations and physical methods. However, all medications and methods must be prescribed by a pediatrician to avoid negative consequences and ensure a quick recovery.

Cough home treatment

Cough can cause a lot of discomfort and pain, so many people want to get rid of it as soon as possible. In such cases, you can use simple methods of cough treatment at home.

• Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking water, tea and other liquids helps to moisten the mucous membrane of the throat and reduce the intensity of coughing.
• Use pairs. Inhalation of vapors, such as herbal infusions, may improve breathing and reduce coughing.
• Take honey. Honey is considered one of the most effective home remedies for coughs. It has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces throat irritation.
• Use dry cough. For dry coughs, it is useful to drink herbal teas, such as thyme leaves or psyllium, to thin the mucus and make the cough moist.

However, if the cough does not go away for a long time, becomes more intense, and is accompanied by other symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Cough prevention

To prevent cough, it is important to maintain a correct daily routine and a healthy lifestyle. The key points in cough prevention are:

• Avoid contact with infected people. If this is not possible, wear a mask to reduce the chance of infection.
• Drink enough water. This will help keep the mucous membranes moist and soft, which will reduce the risk of irritation and coughing.
• Strengthen your immune system. Eat healthy foods rich in vitamins and minerals, exercise and socialize outdoors.
• Maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Avoid overheating of the mucous membranes as this can cause irritation and coughing.
• Maintain respiratory hygiene. Use nasal wipes, do not smoke and avoid lung exposure to harmful fumes.

Compliance with these rules will help to avoid coughing and its worsening in the evening.

Cough Relief Tips

1. Drink plenty of fluids. Cough can cause dehydration, so drink plenty of fluids. It can be pure water, compotes, fruit drinks, herbal teas or broths.

2. Use moist air. Humidify the room where you are several times a day. This can be done with a humidifier or a conventional diffuser. It is also useful to ventilate the room several times a day.

3. Take cough medicine. If your cough is very bad and bothers you all day, you can ask your doctor for cough medicine. They will help reduce the intensity of the cough and make breathing easier.

4. Inhale. Inhalation helps clear the airways and reduce coughing. You can use special devices for inhalation or ordinary boiled potatoes.