What causes dry heaving. How can dry heaving be treated effectively. What are the best ways to prevent dry heaving. Is dry heaving dangerous. When should you seek medical attention for dry heaving.

Understanding Dry Heaving: What It Is and Why It Happens

Dry heaving, also known as retching, is the body’s attempt to vomit without producing any actual vomit. It involves going through the motions and sensations of vomiting, including contractions of the abdominal muscles and diaphragm, but without expelling stomach contents. This phenomenon often occurs after periods of vomiting when the stomach is already empty, or it can happen on its own as a symptom of various conditions.

Why does dry heaving occur? The body’s natural response to nausea or certain stimuli is to prepare for vomiting by reversing the movement of contents in the stomach and esophagus. In some cases, the brain may continue to send signals to clear the stomach even when it’s empty, resulting in dry heaves. This process involves the contraction of abdominal walls and the diaphragm, allowing the lungs to expand while the stomach and esophagus relax, forcing any remaining contents upward.

Common Causes of Dry Heaving

• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Pregnancy (morning sickness)
• Certain medications
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Anxiety or stress
• Motion sickness
• Food poisoning
• Intense physical exertion

Can dry heaving be a sign of a more serious condition? While most cases of dry heaving are not cause for alarm, persistent or severe episodes may indicate an underlying medical issue. If dry heaving is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, fever, or signs of dehydration, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.

Effective Home Remedies for Mild to Moderate Dry Heaving

For many individuals experiencing mild to moderate dry heaving, several home remedies can provide relief. These strategies focus on rehydration, relaxation, and gradual reintroduction of foods.

Hydration Techniques

Proper hydration is crucial when dealing with dry heaving. How can you stay hydrated when feeling nauseous? Start with small, slow sips of water or suck on ice chips. As tolerance improves, introduce electrolyte-rich beverages such as sports drinks or clear broths. Oral rehydration solutions can also be effective in replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes.

Rest and Relaxation

Creating a calm environment can help alleviate dry heaving. Try lying down with your head elevated and practice deep breathing exercises. This approach can help minimize symptoms and promote relaxation.

Dietary Approaches

Once vomiting has subsided, gradually reintroduce foods that are easy to digest. What foods are best for recovering from dry heaving?

• Plain toast or crackers
• Bananas
• Rice
• Applesauce
• Clear broths

Remember to keep portions small and increase intake as tolerated. Ginger, known for its anti-nausea properties, can be consumed in various forms such as supplements, chews, or teas.

Aromatherapy and Alternative Methods

Some individuals find relief through aromatherapy or alternative methods. Inhaling the scent of isopropyl alcohol from a distance for short periods may help reduce nausea. Essential oils like ginger, spearmint, peppermint, or cardamom have shown promise in reducing post-operative nausea and may be beneficial for dry heaving.

Medical Treatments for Severe Dry Heaving

In cases where home remedies are insufficient, medical intervention may be necessary. What treatments do healthcare professionals use for severe dry heaving?

Intravenous Fluid Therapy

For individuals experiencing severe dehydration due to prolonged dry heaving, intravenous (IV) fluid administration can quickly replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. This treatment is typically performed in a medical setting under professional supervision.

Antiemetic Medications

Anti-nausea medications, also known as antiemetics, are often prescribed to combat severe dry heaving. These drugs work by blocking the neurotransmitters responsible for triggering nausea and vomiting. Common antiemetics include:

• Ondansetron (Zofran)
• Promethazine (Phenergan)
• Metoclopramide (Reglan)

It’s important to note that these medications should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as they may have side effects or interactions with other medications.

Managing Dry Heaving During Pregnancy

Dry heaving is a common symptom experienced by many pregnant women, particularly during the first trimester. How can expectant mothers find relief from pregnancy-related dry heaving?

Dietary Modifications

Adjusting eating habits can significantly reduce the occurrence of dry heaving during pregnancy. Consider the following strategies:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day
• Consume a high-protein snack before bedtime
• Have a few dry crackers or toast upon waking
• Stay hydrated with small, frequent sips of water or electrolyte solutions

Supplementation and Medications

In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend supplements or medications to alleviate severe dry heaving during pregnancy. These may include:

• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
• Antihistamines
• Dopamine or serotonin blockers

It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements or medications during pregnancy to ensure safety for both mother and baby.

Alternative Therapies

Some pregnant women find relief through alternative therapies, although scientific evidence supporting their efficacy is limited. These may include:

• Acupuncture
• Acupressure wristbands
• Acustimulation (mild electrical currents)

Always consult with a healthcare provider before trying any alternative treatments during pregnancy.

Preventing Dry Heaving: Lifestyle and Dietary Strategies

While it’s not always possible to prevent dry heaving entirely, certain lifestyle and dietary changes can reduce its frequency and severity. What steps can you take to minimize the risk of dry heaving?

Avoid Trigger Foods and Substances

Identify and avoid foods, beverages, or substances that tend to trigger nausea or dry heaving for you. Common culprits include:

• Spicy or fatty foods
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Strong odors

Practice Proper Hydration

Maintaining adequate hydration can help prevent dry heaving. Aim to drink water consistently throughout the day, rather than consuming large amounts at once. If you’re prone to nausea, try sipping on ginger tea or sucking on ice chips.

Manage Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can contribute to dry heaving in some individuals. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine, such as:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Regular physical activity

Proper Exercise Techniques

For those who experience dry heaving during or after intense physical activity, focus on proper warm-up and cool-down routines. Gradually increase exercise intensity and stay hydrated throughout your workout.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Dry Heaving

While most cases of dry heaving resolve on their own or with home remedies, there are situations where medical attention is necessary. When should you consult a healthcare professional for dry heaving?

Signs of Dehydration

Persistent dry heaving can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous if left untreated. Watch for these signs of dehydration:

• Extreme thirst
• Dry mouth and lips
• Decreased urine output or dark-colored urine
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Rapid heartbeat

Severe or Prolonged Symptoms

Seek medical attention if dry heaving:

• Persists for more than 24 hours
• Is accompanied by severe abdominal pain
• Occurs with a high fever (over 101°F or 38.3°C)
• Is accompanied by bloody vomit or stools

Pregnancy-Related Concerns

Pregnant women experiencing severe or persistent dry heaving should consult their healthcare provider, especially if it interferes with proper nutrition or hydration.

Understanding the Impact of Dry Heaving on the Body

While occasional dry heaving is generally not harmful, prolonged or severe episodes can have various effects on the body. What are the potential consequences of persistent dry heaving?

Physical Strain

The forceful contractions involved in dry heaving can put strain on various muscles and organs, potentially leading to:

• Sore abdominal muscles
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Chest pain (in severe cases)

Esophageal Irritation

Repeated dry heaving can irritate the esophagus, potentially causing inflammation or, in rare cases, small tears. This can result in discomfort or pain in the chest or throat area.

Electrolyte Imbalance

If dry heaving is accompanied by vomiting or reduced fluid intake, it can lead to electrolyte imbalances in the body. This can affect various bodily functions and may require medical intervention to correct.

Psychological Impact

Persistent dry heaving can be distressing and may contribute to anxiety or stress, potentially creating a cycle where stress exacerbates the symptoms.

Understanding these potential impacts underscores the importance of addressing persistent dry heaving and seeking medical attention when necessary.

Exploring the Connection Between Dry Heaving and Other Medical Conditions

While dry heaving can occur on its own, it’s often associated with or symptomatic of other medical conditions. Understanding these connections can help in identifying underlying causes and seeking appropriate treatment.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Several gastrointestinal conditions can manifest with dry heaving as a symptom:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Peptic ulcers
• Gastroparesis
• Inflammatory bowel diseases

In these cases, treating the underlying condition often helps alleviate dry heaving symptoms.

Neurological Conditions

Certain neurological disorders can affect the body’s ability to regulate nausea and vomiting reflexes, potentially leading to dry heaving. These may include:

• Migraines
• Vestibular disorders
• Brain tumors (in rare cases)

Metabolic Disorders

Metabolic imbalances or disorders can sometimes manifest with symptoms including dry heaving. Examples include:

• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Hypercalcemia
• Adrenal insufficiency

Psychological Factors

Mental health conditions can sometimes contribute to or exacerbate dry heaving. These may include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Eating disorders
• Depression

In such cases, addressing the underlying psychological factors through therapy or medication may help alleviate physical symptoms like dry heaving.

Understanding the potential connections between dry heaving and other medical conditions highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment. If you experience persistent dry heaving, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to identify any underlying causes and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Dry heaving: Causes, treatment, and prevention

Dry heaving is retching or going through the motions and sensation of vomiting without producing any vomit. Sucking on ice, eating a small amount of food, and resting with the head propped up are some ways to relieve it.

Dry heaves are extremely common and often occur after periods of vomiting. They can also occur alone as a symptom or side effect of an underlying medical condition or as the result of certain situations and medications.

Dry heaving is also considered the first stage of vomiting, though it does not always lead to vomiting.

Although it can be unpleasant, most cases of dry heaving only last for a short time and resolve with basic care.

For cases caused by excessive alcohol consumption, a person should immediately stop drinking alcohol and switch to clear fluids.

Moderate to severe cases of nausea and dry heaving, however, can cause serious dehydration and potentially damage the tissues and organs.

The most common medical treatment options for severe dry heaving are intravenous fluid (IV) fluids and anti-nausea medications (antiemetics).

If dry heaving is related to a specific condition, the underlying cause will also require specific treatment.

Common home remedies for mild to moderate cases of dry heaving include:

• Hydration. Taking very small, slow, sips of plain water can help a person rehydrate. It is often easier to start with ice chips or popsicles.
• Electrolytes. When the vomiting slows, a person should drink beverages rich in crucial hydration salts called electrolytes. These include many sports drinks and soup broths. Oral rehydration salt preparations can also be purchased premixed or prepared at home. Always start with small sips and increase the amount as tolerated.
• Relax and rest. If possible, a person can lie down with their head elevated and breathe deeply. Relaxing breaths can help minimize the symptoms of dry heaving.
• Food as tolerated. Once the vomiting has stopped, resume eating what appeals to you. Some find that plain foods such as porridge, toast, applesauce, broth, and bananas are easier to digest and reduce nausea. The key is to keep portions small.
• Ginger. Ginger supplements, chews, gums, and drinks have long been used to reduce nausea. Ginger is now an ingredient in some brand name anti-nausea medications, such as Gravol Ginger Tablets.
• Isopropyl alcohol. A 2015 study found that smelling a packaged alcohol pad from 2.5 centimeters away for up to 4 minutes may help reduce nausea.
• Plain carbohydrates. Saltines, dry toast, plain rice, and oatmeal are often relatively easy to digest.
• Antiemetics. Over-the-counter anti-nausea medications block the neurotransmitters that trigger nausea, dry heaving, and vomiting. Follow package instructions for use.
• Antacids. Over-the-counter antacids contain compounds, such as calcium carbonate, magnesium, and baking soda, that help neutralize stomach acids.
• Aromatherapy. One small study has shown that inhalation of essential oils with ginger or a combination of ginger, spearmint, peppermint, and cardamom may lessen nausea after surgery.

It is essential to treat or resolve cases of dry heaving during pregnancy

to avoid dehydration, malnutrition, weight loss, and potential harm to the woman and baby.

The first line of treatment for dry heaving with pregnancy is typically hydration, eating a more balanced diet, and taking supplements.

Lifestyle changes, such as eating smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day may also help reduce symptoms.

Eating a high-protein snack before bed, or a few dry saltines first thing in the morning may reduce nausea and dry heaving during pregnancy.

For more severe cases, a doctor may also prescribe anti-nausea medications and vitamins. These can include:

• pyridoxine(vitamin B6)
• thiamine(vitamin B1)
• antihistamines
• dopamine or serotonin blockers

Though less supported by scientific study, several natural treatment options have been proposed and occasionally used to treat nausea, especially during pregnancy.

Alternative therapeutic options for nausea include:

• acupuncture
• acustimulation, which uses mild electrical currents
• acupressure or acupressure bracelets

Share on PinterestOver-exertion, such as exercising intensively without warming up properly, may cause dry heaving.

Dry heaving generally serves to prepare the body for vomiting by helping reverse the movement of contents in the stomach and food pipe (esophagus).

Dry heaving may also occur when the brain continues to send the signal to clear the stomach even though it is already empty.

Dry heaving involves the contraction of the abdominal walls and diaphragm, which allows the lungs to expand while the stomach and esophagus relax. This forces the contents of the stomach and esophagus upward.

When there is nothing left in the stomach to throw up, the body may continue to undergo the physical motions of vomiting but cannot expel anything except occasional mucous or clear fluid. This is dry heaving.

In some cases, dry heaving can also be triggered when there is no actual reason to empty the stomach, such as in response to a smell or a sight.

Dry heaving is often caused by a combination of factors. Vomiting and nausea often accompany dry heaving, so they share many of the same risk factors.

But there are medical conditions, medications, and certain situations that can specifically increase the risk of dry heaving.

Common situations associated with dry heaving include:

• excessive alcohol consumption
• dehydration
• low blood sugar
• intense exercise, especially after skipping a warm-up period or attempting exercise well beyond one’s normal level
• anxiety and stress
• motion sickness
• overeating

Other conditions known to cause dry heaving include:

Pregnancy

Pregnancy commonly causes nausea, vomiting, and may lead to dry heaving. Nausea is typically most severe during the early stages of pregnancy and is especially common early in the morning when the stomach is empty, but it can occur anytime throughout the day.

A 2016 study surveying more than 5,000 women during early pregnancy found that 33. 6 percent reported daily nausea and 9.6 percent experienced vomiting daily.

Researchers are not exactly sure why pregnancy causes nausea, but it is likely due to a combination of immune, hormone, and anatomical changes.

Gastrointestinal conditions

Conditions that interfere with digestion, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastritis, Crohn’s disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are common causes of nausea and dry heaving.

Dry heaving may be especially common during flare-ups when symptoms are more severe.

Acid reflux

Indigestion can cause stomach acids to travel back up the food pipe, which may be uncomfortable or painful. This sensation can also cause nausea.

Infection

Regardless of the location in the body, severe infection may cause the immune system to initiate nausea and vomiting in response to the problem.

The physical presence of parasites tends to cause the intestines and stomach to feel either very full or very empty, triggering unnecessary retching.

Food allergies or poisoning

Food allergens or toxins can cause intense, sudden vomiting and a complete emptying of the stomach contents and bowels.

This severe response often continues for some time after the allergen has been cleared from the stomach, resulting in dry heaving.

Liver, kidney, or pancreas disorders

Nausea and a loss of appetite are some of the most common early warning signs of chronic disease and liver, kidney, and pancreas disorders.

Migraine headaches

Migraine headaches are a well-known cause of nausea, vomiting, and dry heaving. This is often in response to severe pain, disorientation, and light-sensitivity.

Cyclic vomiting syndrome

An estimated 80 percent of children and 25 percent of adults with cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) also have migraine headaches.

The condition is characterized by seemingly random, sudden spells of intense vomiting, nausea, and physical exhaustion that occur every few weeks to months.

Medications

Share on PinterestCertain medications may cause dry heaving as a side effect, including antidepressants.

Some medications known to cause dry heaving include:

• antidepressant medications
• anti-anxiety medications
• cancer medications and therapies
• narcotics
• antibiotics
• anesthetic medications used during surgery
• insulin and metformin

Inner ear conditions

Infection, inflammation, or pain in the inner ear can cause vertigo, motion sickness, and nausea.

Severe pain or shock

The body may respond to severe pain or shock by causing nausea and often dry heaving.

Intracranial conditions

Any injury or brain condition, such as trauma, bleeding, a tumor, or viral infection, can increase pressure in the brain and cause nausea and dry heaving.

If dry heaving continues for more than a 24 hours or is severe, a person should seek medical attention.

Moderate to severe cases of dry heaving can cause dehydration, which may require medical care and monitoring to prevent complications including kidney injury.

Reasons to seek immediate medical attention for dry heaving include:

• very high fever
• blood in vomit or mucous
• severe abdominal pain
• rash
• stiff neck
• unusual headache
• rapid pulse that continues even when not actively vomiting or dry heaving
• suspected head injury or infection
• presence of additional medical conditions, especially gastrointestinal conditions
• symptoms of significant dehydration, such as extreme thirst, dark-colored urine, and dry mouth
• confusion and disorientation
• loss of consciousness

While rare, persistent nausea and dry heaving may be a sign of more serious health conditions, such as an organ disease or infection. Anyone who frequently experiences dry heaving with no apparent cause should speak to a doctor.

Dry Heaving (Retching): Common Causes & Treatment

Vomiting is generally thought of as an unpleasant experience, but if your body is going through the physical motions of retching without actually throwing up, you may be wishing you could vomit—if only to get some relief for your stomach and muscles.

The experience of gagging without throwing up is called dry heaving, or retching. It’s often described as a feeling that you need to throw up but cannot.

Fortunately, retching is usually temporary and most people find success stopping it using at-home remedies or over-the-counter treatments.

What Is Dry Heaving?

Essentially, dry heaving or retching is the body attempting to throw up without any actual vomit.

When you dry heave, your diaphragm and abdominal walls contract, closing off your airway, expanding the lungs, and preparing your body to upheave contents from the stomach through the esophagus. You may experience gagging, feelings of nausea, and other sensations related to vomiting.

In some cases, retching can lead to actual vomiting, though in many cases the body lacks the actual substance needed to regurgitate. The brain may continue to send signals to empty the stomach, despite the stomach already being empty. In these cases, retching can become a very irritating and uncomfortable sensation that continues without the relief that’s normally felt after vomiting.

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Associated Symptoms

Dry heaving can come with all of the same symptoms as vomiting, as the process of retching is technically the first stage of vomiting. These symptoms may include:

• Gagging
• Nausea
• Feeling as if you need to vomit but cannot
• Chills
• Sweating
• Abdominal pain
• Indigestion
• Regurgitating bile after unsuccessful efforts to vomit
• Vomiting after ongoing retching

What Causes Dry Heaving?

Many people experience dry heaving immediately after bouts of vomiting as their body continues to go through the motions and contractions of throwing up. When the stomach is empty, a person may regurgitate mucus or clear fluid, or continue to gag without throwing up.

While the process of dry heaving occurs when your body wants to get rid of the contents of your stomach, there are a variety of medical reasons that may trigger it. Common causes of dry heaving include:

• Food poisoning: Food poisoning occurs when a person ingests food allergens, toxins, or contaminated foods, triggering the body to fully empty all contents of the stomach and bowels. Vomiting is the most common symptom of food poisoning, which is often followed by periods of retching after the stomach is already empty.
• Alcohol consumption: Drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short time can lead to gagging and retching, with or without vomiting.
• Excessive exercise: Excessive periods of intense physical activity can cause the diaphragm to contract and trigger dry heaving. Engaging in any kind of exercise on a full stomach can also cause retching.
• Stress: High levels of stress, especially brought on suddenly or intensely, can cause retching. Dry heaving can be a sign of anxiety, especially for people who suffer from mental health conditions.
• Pregnancy: Many pregnant women experience nausea to some degree during pregnancy. Dry heaving and vomiting are especially common during the first trimester, a condition that’s sometimes labeled morning sickness. Despite its name, pregnant women don’t only experience vomiting and dry heaving in the morning—it can occur at any time of day. These symptoms tend to disappear during the second trimester.
• GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disorder that causes acid reflux symptoms on a frequent basis. Along with heartburn, acid indigestion, and occasional regurgitation, GERD can cause dry heaving.
• Indigestion: Any conditions that interrupt the digestive process, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease, can lead to dry heaving.
• Migraines: The intense pain and light sensitivity that often comes with migraines can cause nausea, vomiting, and dry heaving.
• Certain medications: Medications known to cause nausea and vomiting as side effects can also cause dry heaving. These medications include ones for anxiety and depression, cancer therapies, antibiotics, and insulin, among others.
• Whooping cough: Whooping cough is an infection causes persistent bouts of coughing, which can become so severe that they lead to gagging, dry heaving, and vomiting. Childhood vaccines include vaccination against whooping cough.
• Infections: Any severe infection in the body, regardless of where it originates, can cause the immune system to trigger a vomiting response as a reaction. A person may experience retching as the body goes through physical motions of vomiting in an attempt to combat the infection.
• Disorders of the liver, kidney, or pancreas: Nausea and dry heaving, paired with loss of appetite, are common symptoms of diseases that impact the liver, kidney, and pancreas.
• Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS): This condition causes sudden and sporadic bouts of intense vomiting and nausea, sometimes accompanied by dry heaving. Many people with CVS also experience migraine headaches and extreme exhaustion.
• Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome: Although it’s still not well understood, daily heavy marijuana consumption can cause cycles of abdominal pain, vomiting, and dry heaving.

Diagnosing Dry Heaving

To diagnose the cause of dry heaving, a doctor will likely start by asking you about the onset of your symptoms, your diet and lifestyle, and any medications you’re taking. In some cases, this will be enough for a doctor to identify the source and give you instructions for treating dry heaving or retching.

If you’re experiencing dry heaving with no apparent cause, a doctor may order tests to check for underlying medical conditions. They may examine organs such as the liver, kidney, and pancreas, or look for signs of a viral infection in the body.

How to Stop Dry Heaving

No matter what’s causing dry heaves, you can usually stop or ease them with at-home treatments or over-the-counter medications. In many cases, dry heaving is temporary and isn’t dangerous, although it can feel extremely uncomfortable while it’s happening and may leave the body exhausted due to intense contraction of muscles.

If you begin retching due to consuming excessive alcohol, stop drinking alcoholic beverages and switch to drinking water or an electrolyte drink such as Gatorade or Pedialyte. If you begin dry heaving while exercising, stop physical activity and slowly sip water.

There are a wide variety of home treatments to stop dry heaving. Because each person’s body reacts differently, not all methods work for everyone—it may help to try more than one strategy to see what your body responds best to.

You can try the following at-home remedies to stop dry heaving:

• Drinking ginger tea or each ginger candies
• Ingesting peppermint, as an herbal tea or mint gum
• Eating plain carbohydrates, such as saltine crackers and plain toast
• Holding an alcohol pad, or other source of isopropyl alcohol, about an inch away from your nose, and inhale the scent
• Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation
• Taking an antacid to help neutralize stomach acid
• Taking an over-the-counter antiemetic (anti-nausea medicine)

Treatments for dry heaving during pregnancy

For pregnant women experiencing dry heaving, a doctor may also recommend that you try the following in addition to the at-home remedies listed above:

• Ingesting vitamin B6 and/or B1
• Inhaling the scent of lemon oil
• Taking prescription anti-nausea medications
• Acupuncture

To reduce the occurrence of dry heaving during pregnancy, it’s important to stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet. It may help to have smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, rather than a few large meals. To reduce dry heaving in the morning, try eating a high-protein snack before bed or a few plain crackers (like saltines) first thing after waking up.

How to Prevent Dry Heaving

If dry heaving is caused by an underlying medical condition or as a side effect of a medication, the only way to fully prevent this symptom is to treat the underlying condition and/or stop taking the medication.

In many other cases, you can prevent or greatly reduce your risk of retching by following healthy lifestyle practices related to eating, digestion, and exercise.

Here are some lifestyle tips for preventing dry heaving:

• Remain upright after eating—lying down on a full stomach increases the risk of stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus
• Avoid exercising right after eating
• Build your body’s tolerance for high intensity exercise gradually over time
• Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day
• Refrain from consuming excessive amounts of alcohol or caffeine
• Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach
• Limit consumption of foods known to cause acid reflux

If you already feel nauseous, try the following precautions to help reduce retching:

• Stop what you are doing and rest
• Stay hydrated by slowly drinking water
• Refrain from eating, or eat plain carbohydrates like saltines, toast, and plain rice
• Drink an herbal tea with ginger, lemon, or peppermint

Risk Factors and Complications

Most of the time, dry heaving isn’t dangerous. But in rare cases when drying heaving persists frequently and without an apparent cause, it may be a sign of organ disease or a serious infection.

You may be at higher risk for experiencing dry heaving if you:

• Recently experienced a bout of vomiting
• Regularly consume excessive alcohol
• Regularly exercise at very high intensity
• Are pregnant
• Have an anxiety disorder that causes panic attacks or similar symptoms
• Take medication or undergo treatment known to cause dry heaving
• Suffer from whooping cough or another viral infection
• Have a disorder of the liver, kidney, or pancreas

When to See a Doctor

While dry heaving alone is generally not dangerous, if it is accompanied by certain severe symptoms, it may be a sign of a serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment.

Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Severe headache
• Vomiting blood or what appears as coffee grounds: that’s old blood
• Vision problems
• Fainting
• Inability to eat or drink for over 24 hours

Speak to a doctor immediately or see a doctor in person if you experience the following symptoms, as these can indicate a more serious underlying condition:

• Severe chest or abdominal pain
• Dizziness or near fainting
• Severe muscle pain or weakness
• Increased heart rate
• Blood in urine, stool, or vomit
• Very little or no urination
• Difficulty breathing

If you aren’t experiencing the serious symptoms above, but your dry heaving isn’t resolving with at-home remedies, make an appointment with a doctor. They can help diagnose what factors may be triggering retching, and alleviate those factors if possible. They may also prescribe a stronger anti-nausea medication to help relieve your symptoms.

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How K Health Can Help

Dry heaving can be very uncomfortable.

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Check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed, text with a healthcare provider in minutes. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes retching without vomiting?

Dry heaving without vomiting can occur as a reaction to bad smells or choking. It can also be caused by some medications and underlying conditions. If you are experiencing retching without vomiting, speak to a doctor to understand possible causes and get a treatment plan.

Is retching a sign of anxiety?

High levels of stress, especially brought on suddenly or intensely, can cause retching. Dry heaving can also be a sign of anxiety, especially for people who suffer from mental health conditions.

Why do I keep retching?

Continuous retching could be a sign of several different things. Some people have a sensitive gag reflex that can be triggered easily. Others may experience retching as a result of an underlying condition. If you keep experiencing retching, chat with a doctor.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

why itchy throat and how to treat dry cough in adults

A cough is considered dry if sputum does not come out during an attack. In medicine, it is also called unproductive. This is one of the main symptoms of all respiratory infections, especially acute viral infections (ARVI). According to statistics, every second complains about it ¹
patient who visits a doctor. In the article we will tell you why malaise occurs, why it is dangerous, how to stop a dry cough and what studies you need to go through before taking antitussive drugs.

Cough – enemy or friend?

²

Cough protects the respiratory organs from foreign objects, mucus, dirt, microbes. The foreign body irritates the mucous membrane of the oropharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi. Sensitive cells in these areas pick up the danger signal and transmit the impulse to the medulla oblongata, to the cough center.

The central nervous system sends a signal that it is urgent to clear the airways. As a result, the muscles of the abdominals, chest and diaphragm contract, the glottis closes and reopens. The air stream rushes outward with a characteristic coughing sound, clearing the airways. This is the mechanism of a healthy physiological cough.

If the cough develops due to inflammation, a tumor, or a foreign body, events develop differently. The patient coughs until the airway is clear. What happens with influenza and respiratory syncytial infection, when the virus immediately affects the larynx, trachea or bronchi:

● Microbes enter the respiratory tract and release toxins. The immune system reacts to them with inflammation. In this case, the mucous membrane is irritated, swells. Nerve endings transmit an impulse to the brain, the patient begins a dry cough.

● Toxins of microbes damage the cilia of the ciliated epithelium, which clear the trachea and bronchi without coughing. And at the same time, mucus is produced in a larger volume, becomes thick and viscous, and sputum stagnates in the respiratory tract. This problem leads to severe bouts of dry cough. It can no longer be called useful: such a cough does not lead to relief, worsens the quality of life, and contributes to the development of a bacterial infection.

In the case of mild acute respiratory viral infections that affect only the upper respiratory tract, the mechanism for the formation of a cough reflex is different. Dry cough occurs as a result of inflammation of the back wall of the oropharynx or its irritation with mucus flowing from the nasopharynx.

Symptoms

³

Dry cough without sputum that occurs in the early stages of SARS is the most painful. It persists for several days, after which mucus begins to separate, and the patient’s condition is relieved. Typically, a cough

● comes from the depth behind the sternum or the surface of the pharynx, larynx;

● occurs as a short-term attack or is manifested by constant coughing;

● sounds loud or muffled;

● Appears predominantly at certain hours or spontaneously, regardless of the time of day.

Sometimes accompanying symptoms occur with cough:

● sore throat or chest;

● irritability, anxiety;

● insomnia.

The type of cough depends on the location of the infection, its type, the general condition of the patient before the infection. In some, it proceeds painfully, with a significant deterioration in well-being. Others cough lightly, so they do not attach much importance.

The cough remains unproductive for several days, then sputum begins to stand out. After the reflex subsides within 10-14 days. In some people, a prolonged cough remains for some time after the infection (up to three months) – the hyperreaction of the mucous membrane to the inflammatory process persists.

What diseases cause dry cough

⁴

Acute dry cough can be a symptom of a variety of diseases. Most often, it develops against the background of respiratory infections and their complications. Here are the main ones:

● The common cold is an acute respiratory viral infection with a mild course, caused, for example, by the rhinovirus. Cough in this case is accompanied by perspiration, pain and redness of the throat, sneezing, runny nose.

● Influenza. Cough is accompanied by high fever and other signs of intoxication – weakness, pain in muscles, bones and joints, a feeling of weakness, loss of strength, pain in the eyeballs.

● Chronic rhinosinusitis. This is an inflammation of the maxillary paranasal sinuses, in which coughing fits occur at night and in the morning. This is due to the fact that during sleep, mucus drains from the nasopharynx, and the person cannot swallow it. Other symptoms are headaches, pain on pressure near the nose.

● Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi associated with a viral or bacterial infection. Cough may be accompanied by a moderate deterioration in well-being, chest pain.

● Pneumonia. Inflammation of the lungs is one of the most frequent and dangerous complications of SARS. It proceeds with fever, severe weakness, night sweats, shortness of breath.

Also chronic dry cough can be a symptom (sometimes the only one):

● bronchial asthma;

● benign or malignant tumor of the lung, mediastinum, larynx;

● Cardiovascular pathology;

● gastroesophageal reflux disease;

● neurosis (psychogenic cough).

Diagnosis

⁵

If you are suffering from bouts of dry cough, consult a therapist. If necessary, the doctor will refer you to a specialized specialist: pulmonologist, otorhinolaryngologist, immunologist or other doctors.

To understand what the patient is sick with, and to choose effective and safe medicines, an examination will be needed.

In acute cough and mild or moderately severe infection, the doctor in most cases is limited to taking an anamnesis, examining the throat, listening to the lungs through the chest with a phonendoscope. If ARVI is severe or there is a suspicion of another disease or the development of complications, additional instrumental and laboratory studies are prescribed. These include:

● X-ray or CT scan of the organs of the chest cavity – to assess their general condition: size, shape, relationship with neighboring structures.

● Bronchoscopy – to determine the condition of the bronchial mucosa.

● Analyzes of a smear from the nasopharynx and oropharynx, sputum. A study by bacteriological and PCR methods is necessary to identify the causative agent of infection, to determine sensitivity to antibiotics.

● Complete blood count – to monitor the dynamics of the infection.

To accurately determine the cause of a cough, it is better to consult a doctor – establishing the cause of the disease can be more difficult than it seems. For example, smokers with many years of wet coughs do not notice sputum production. Conversely, a number of patients with dry psychogenic cough believe that they are expectorating mucus. It is not easy to identify and rhinosinusitis with copious secretions, masking a dry cough under a wet one.

Treatment

⁶

The first task of treatment is to eliminate the cause of the cough. Severe cough in case of SARS is a consequence of infection. The sooner you manage to cope with it, the sooner the symptoms disappear. There are two main types of antivirals.

1. Specific antivirals. These are drugs that act on pathogens and suppress their activity. For example, against influenza, oseltamivir, zanamivir are often prescribed, and against a wide range of pathogens – umifenovir, enisamia iodide ⁷ .
2. Non-specific antivirals. They have less effect on the virus, but stimulate the immune system, which helps the body cope with the disease. These include imidazolylethanamide pentanedioic acid, riamilovir, tilorone, alpha and gamma interferons.

Enisamia iodide is a part of Nobasit ^® Forte. ⁸
Research on the basis of the Research Institute of Influenza. A.A. Smorodintseva showed that the use of enisamium iodide significantly reduces the severity of ARVI manifestations, including cough, from the second day of therapy. ⁹
This is due to the fact that enisamium iodide has an antiviral effect combined with an anti-inflammatory one. ¹⁰
In 2021, the leading specialists of the country in the areas of therapy, pulmonology, infectious diseases included Nobasit ^® Forte (enisamia iodide 500 mg) in the new clinical recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) in adults. ¹¹ For the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections or influenza, adults are recommended to take Nobasit ^® Forte 1 tablet 3 times a day. ⁸

If a bacterial infection has joined the virus, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. First, a broad-spectrum drug is prescribed. Then the treatment is adjusted according to the results of bacterial culture – you may have to switch to another medicine.

The second goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. To improve the patient’s condition, it is necessary to reduce the frequency and intensity of dry cough, reduce the viscosity of mucus. Therapy of cough as a separate symptom is prescribed only in cases where it seriously disturbs the well-being and worsens the patient’s condition.

Non-drug methods. How to relieve a cough without drugs:

● Humidify indoor air, especially during the heating season. This will help eliminate dry mucous membranes. The optimal values ​​​​of air humidity in a residential area are about 40-60%. Such conditions provide an easier course of ARVI and a quick recovery, and prevent infection. If you use a household humidifier, do not forget to frequently rinse the working part of the device, otherwise germs will accumulate in its parts.

● Drink more fluids. This will help reduce the viscosity of the sputum. The norm for an adult is at least 1.5 liters per day, including not only plain water, but also soups and drinks.

● Stop smoking. Tobacco smoke irritates inflamed mucous membranes, paralyzes the cilia of the epithelium, which remove mucus. If you smoke, give up this habit at least for the duration of your illness. Such a measure helps in 70% of cases to eliminate cough, in 17% – to significantly alleviate it.

Medical therapy. When conventional cough relief methods fail, medications are given. They are divided into two large groups:

1. Central action drugs. They suppress the cough reflex in the medulla oblongata. Previously, opioids (codeine and others) were used for this purpose. Today there are many effective non-narcotic drugs, safer, non-addictive (butamirate).
2. Peripherally acting drugs. Inhibit cough at the local level, reduce the sensitivity of nerve endings in the respiratory tract. They have a lesser therapeutic effect, but they do not depress breathing (a common side effect of central drugs). This group includes prenoxdiazine, levodropropizine.

With an unproductive cough, the doctor may prescribe mucoactive drugs that affect the quantity and quality of mucus, as well as stimulate its discharge:

Mucolytic preparations

effectively liquefy sputum without increasing its amount

– direct acting preparations that destroy mucus polymers : acetylcysteine, erdosteine

– drugs of indirect action change the biochemical composition, mucus production, adhesion of the gel-like layer: ambroxol, carboxymethylcysteine, bromhexine, etc.

Expectorants

– reflex-acting preparations irritate the gastric mucosa and increase the secretion of the mucous glands of the bronchi – preparations of thermopsis, marshmallow, licorice, terpinhydrate, etc.

– drugs of resorptive action are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, excreted by the bronchial mucosa and, increasing bronchial secretion, dilute sputum and facilitate expectoration : sodium bicarbonate, etc.

Bronchodilators. Often contains salbutamol. These drugs are more often used for bronchial asthma, but are often included in combination drugs for acute bronchitis caused by a viral infection.

Before prescribing antitussive and mucoactive drugs, it is necessary to conduct an examination to determine which remedy is more effective at this stage of the disease. They are usually taken in this order:

● At the very beginning of the infection, when there is little mucus, and dry cough is associated with irritation of receptors, antitussive drugs are taken

● When mucus accumulates in the airways and is not excreted, mucolytics, expectorants are prescribed

There are also combined drugs that combine several beneficial effects: antitussive, mucokinetic, antipyretic, antispasmodic, antibacterial, bronchodilator (expansion of the airways). All these funds can be used only as directed by a doctor.

Folk methods. The most commonly used herbs for the treatment of dry cough are:

● plantain;

● forest mallow;

Infusions and decoctions are prepared from plant materials, which are taken orally or used for inhalation. Many claim that these remedies are good for coughing. And theoretically, the action of the active substances of these herbs is justified. However, in practice, the effect of herbs has not been seriously studied, so it is difficult to talk about their effectiveness. Another method that helps relieve a cough is to regularly drink tea with honey and lemon.

Hot steam inhalations are popular as home treatments.

However, it must be borne in mind that hot steam injures and irritates the mucous membranes, which can aggravate a dry cough. Heat exposure contributes to the development of infection, and it can also spread down to the lungs and bronchi.

For inhalation, it is better to use a nebulizer. With it, you can inhale vapors of medicines or an aerosol of a salt solution (sea or table). This will alleviate the condition, moisturize the mucous membranes. Isotonic sodium chloride solution for inhalation can be bought at a pharmacy.

Complications

¹²

Acute cough that occurs against the background of SARS, as a rule, does not lead to serious consequences. But a strong dry cough with prolonged bouts can cause vomiting, short-term episodes of loss of consciousness.

If the cough remains dry for a long time and the sputum does not come out, this may indicate mucus stagnation in the airways. Because of this, inflammation can penetrate into the lower respiratory tract, and bacterial infection will be added to the viral infection. A serious consequence of this condition is pneumonia.

Often dangerous is not so much an acute cough as its irrational therapy, self-medication. The use of antitussive drugs with excess mucus in the respiratory tract or their simultaneous use with mucolytics leads to bronchial obstruction, respiratory failure. Abuse of mucolytics can aggravate dry cough – too thin sputum is excreted as difficult as viscous.

In chronic cough, complications often develop that significantly reduce the quality of life:

● sleep disturbance;

● hoarseness;

● chronic chest pain;

● Urinary and fecal incontinence.

Some patients develop depression amid constant anxiety about their health and well-being.

Prophylaxis

Most cases of cough are associated with seasonal respiratory infections. Therefore, first of all, it is worth warning SARS. Reliable protection of the body from the severe and complicated course of influenza is vaccination. Also, during the epidemic season, preventive use of antiviral drugs after contact with the sick person will help to avoid the flu.

There is no such powerful medical protection against other acute respiratory viral infections yet, but following simple rules will help reduce the risk of infection:

● Create a healthy microclimate at home and in the office: humidify the air in winter, ventilate the room more often, but try not to overcool or sit in a draft.

● Drink vitamins that protect against colds. Prevention should begin long before the SARS season.

● During epidemics, have less contact with other people.

● Walk outdoors daily.

● Move more – do exercises, do jogging, gymnastics.

Briefly about the main

➢ Cough is a protective reflex of the body, aimed at cleansing the respiratory tract from mucus and pollution. With a dry cough, sputum is not separated, even if there is a lot of it in the respiratory organs.

➢ Dry cough is a frequent companion of SARS, bronchial asthma. It can also indicate a tumor, disorders from other organs: blood vessels and heart, stomach, esophagus.

➢ In order for the treatment to proceed without side effects and complications, you need to correctly determine the nature and cause of the cough – a doctor will help you with this.

➢ To relieve a cough, drink plenty of fluids, humidify the air, give up tobacco. If you are sure that the cause of the disease is a virus, antiviral medicines, such as Nobasit ^® , will help alleviate the symptoms.
Forte. Antibiotics and antitussive drugs should be taken strictly as prescribed by the doctor.

¹ A.H. Maurice, L. McGarvey, I. Pavord, Recommendations for the management of adult patients with cough // Pulmonology – No. 2, 2007 – https://journal.pulmonology.ru/pulm/article/viewFile /1906/1403

² N.M. Shmeleva, Mucoregulatory therapy for respiratory diseases: the possibilities of ambroxol // Consilium Medicum – T.14, No. 11, 2012 – https://omnidoctor.ru/upload/iblock/300/3006779d28467f035f225ced0a981331. pdf

³ Antitussive drugs in pediatric practice // Medical Council – No. 9, 2017 – https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/88660657/1943-libre.pdf?1657987461=&response-content-d…uQ3tim12AFGvvGTqstrmHGQD KOXAehuOfqC1E9OM7ERw__&Key- Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA

⁴ Tactics of treatment of unproductive cough in children with diseases of the respiratory tract of viral etiology / Selkova E.P. (and other authors) // Attending physician – No. 8, 2013 – https://www.lvrach.ru/2013/08/15435792

⁵ A.H. Maurice, L. McGarvey, I. Pavord, Recommendations for the management of adult patients with cough // Pulmonology – No. 2, 2007 – https://journal.pulmonology.ru/pulm/article/viewFile /1906/1403

⁶ Okovity S.V., Anisimova N.A., Pharmacological approaches to antitussive therapy // BC – No. 23, 2011 – http://www.pharm-spb.ru/docs/pub/2011_Pharmacological%20approaches%20to %20antitussive%20therapy.pdf

⁷ Possibilities of etiotropic therapy in reducing the risks of developing severe or complicated ARVI and influenza / Paevskaya O. A. (and other authors) // RMJ – No. 1(11), 2019 – https://elibrary.ru/item.asp?id=38165323

⁸
Instructions for medical use of the drug Nobasit ^® Forte LP-006416.

⁹ Lioznov D.A., Karnaukhova E.Yu., Zubkova T.G., Shakhlanskaya E.V., Evaluation of the effectiveness of the ARVI treatment regimen, including etiotropic (enisamia iodide) and symptomatic therapy // Therapeutic archive No. 3 – 2020 G.

¹⁰ Zyryanov S.K., Butranova O.I., Gaidai D.S., Kryshen K.L. Pharmacotherapy of acute respiratory infections caused by influenza viruses // Therapeutic archive – 2021

¹¹ Clinical guidelines of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation “Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) in adults”, 2021.

¹² A.H. Maurice, L. McGarvey, I. Pavord, Recommendations for the management of adult patients with cough // Pulmonology – No. 2, 2007 – https://journal.pulmonology. ru/pulm/article/viewFile /1906/1403

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How to identify the first signs of influenza: what is happening in polyclinics in Tyumen: the opening hours of a medical facility during an outbreak of SARS, December 15, 2022 – December 16, 2022

We visited 4 polyclinics in the city. The situation in everyone is different and sometimes differs radically

Photo: Irina Sharova

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In the Tyumen region, the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza has been growing for several weeks. Due to the outbreak of the common cold, face-to-face classes had to be suspended in schools, and restrictions on attendance at events were introduced. In social networks, they write about the many hours of waiting for an ambulance and the difficulty of making an appointment with a specialist. At the same time, some note symptoms that are unusual for a seasonal illness: a fever in the throat and a high temperature that cannot be knocked down with pills.

We visited several polyclinics in Tyumen. We tell how Tyumen residents are getting sick now and what happens in medical institutions during a period of high incidence.

The first stop is the filter of the 8th children’s polyclinic on Druzhby street. To our surprise, there were only two people in line at the reception. Why so few people? Even the locals, who used to have to wait for an appointment for hours, cannot understand.

According to the authorities, 70% of those with SARS and influenza in the Tyumen region are children under 14 years of age. But we did not notice the crowds in the children’s department

Photo: Irina Sharova

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Irina brought her 4-year-old son to the first appointment. He says he didn’t even try to call an ambulance.

— We didn’t wait for the reception — we went in right away. My son has a temperature of 39, cough. It lasts for the second day. There are very few people in the filter,” says Irina.

Irina is waiting for her grandson. When they leave, the department will be completely empty

Photo: Irina Sharova

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Svetlana’s 9-year-old grandson has added dizziness to the usual symptoms of a cold.

— Before that, there was always a queue, I myself am surprised by today. Perhaps because the school was closed for quarantine and everyone began to be treated at home. My grandson has a fever and cough. He also says that his head is spinning – this has never happened before, – says Svetlana.

There are also few people in the main building. They come to scheduled appointments, take tests and get an injection. According to the doctors, now it is impossible to get a flu shot: the vaccination campaign is over. In addition, according to experts, in the midst of morbidity, it is generally undesirable to do this.

There are much more people where narrow-profile specialists are admitted

Photo: Irina Sharova

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About eight people sit in the filter of the adult department on Vatutina Street. Everyone wants to get tested for coronavirus because they have noticed symptoms similar to covid. The smear is taken within a few minutes. People complain of a high temperature that paracetamol cannot bring down.

A girl complains of a burning sensation in her chest. After inhalation, this causes an unpleasant sensation that spreads throughout the body

Photo: Irina Sharova

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— I’ve been sick for three days already. I have a cough, snot, headache, nose bridge. I have never had such a cough and runny nose. It’s hard to describe, as if it burns everything inside. I rarely get sick – the last time I got sick was 2 years ago. There were very different symptoms then and now. Then I just lay in bed,” says the 52-year-old man.

– And I have a temperature of 39, cough, my eyes hurt. I have some kind of dry, incomprehensible cough, – says 39-year-old Ildar.

Another patient complains of chest pain. They started at night along with the temperature. The next morning the woman came to the reception.

— I have a fever, chills, burning in the chest area, dry cough. So I never got sick.

Now there are no problems with the provision of assistance, because everyone has been transferred to a remote mode. The first time you come, you are prescribed pills and then remotely closed,” said a 35-year-old woman.

This is how the filter looked in the children’s department of the 17th polyclinic. The situation in other institutions is similar. Probably, parents call doctors for children at home

Photo: Irina Sharova

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In the 17th polyclinic on Montazhnikov Street, in the adult department, we met two people – a girl and an elderly woman. They say that they came recently and they never had problems with queues.

There are much more people in the planned care department, but the polyclinic is spacious and everyone is comfortable here. Sofas are neatly arranged throughout the building so that everyone can sit down and not be crowded.

If there were four polyclinics in the city, the 17th one would undoubtedly be the best. It is neat here, there are no crowds and fresh renovation

Photo: Irina Sharova

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All visitors are dispersed in different rooms

Photo: Irina Sharova

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— I came here about fifteen minutes ago. I have a stuffy nose – I need to go to the lore. It became inconvenient that all the records are now through the therapist. In general, I like this hospital,” said Ekaterina.

In the 12th polyclinic on Narodnaya, the queue stretched into two halls at once. People have to wait for an appointment for about an hour – they sit with a temperature, chills and weakness. They don’t want to call an ambulance so as not to waste an extra half a day, they say in the crowd. The locals are already used to such a situation and explain that the area is large, and there is only one clinic.

Compared to other institutions, this polyclinic has a huge crowd of people

Photo: Irina Sharova

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— The young man has a temperature of 39 for the third day, dry cough, nothing is coughed up. She doesn’t go astray – it’s the first time. We called an ambulance. She drove in the morning and arrived only in the evening. The doctors didn’t say anything, they didn’t even listen. They just prescribed about 5,000 pills,” says the Tyumen woman.

Vadim and Tatiana have been waiting for an appointment for half an hour. Both suddenly fell ill a day ago.

— Itching in the throat, body aches, — says the woman.

– I spent half a day on the track in a cold car. Got sick at once. The temperature is 38. I haven’t been sick at all for a very long time, says 51-year-old Vadim.

Before entering the office, they ask you to fill in the document

Photo: Irina Sharova

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Another man is sitting next to the temperature of 39.

– The temperature is already the second day. I tried to shoot down, but nothing happens,” says the 30-year-old Tyumen resident.

Olga, 54, started self-treatment two weeks ago. Went to work, took antibiotics. But she only made things worse for herself.

— I have been sitting for 20-30 minutes. I’ve been trying to heal myself for 2 weeks now. I work at a school, we have a lot of children sick. Our class was closed, and in the evening the whole city was closed, we had 11 people sick. I have had a fever since December 2nd. She started taking antiviral drugs. I thought I’d do it. Now even a runny nose does not give in to any drops – 4 different ones have changed. I was so sick only 2 years ago with covid,” Olga said.

The woman admits that she self-medicated until she felt a strong deterioration in her health

Photo: Irina Sharova

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Antonina sits in the filter of the 6th polyclinic on Rizhskaya. She has been coughing for a week now. One that can last a minute and start again and again.

— I have a runny nose, a sore throat and a terrible cough. Inside, as if something is sitting and squeaking, squeaking. He is so hoarse. It doesn’t even cough at all. It all started with hoarseness, then a sore throat. I was prescribed an antibiotic, which was prescribed only in Soviet times, – said 65-year-old Antonina.

A woman says that she has been sick with colds for the third time in a year.