fbpx

COUGHS THINGS can mean

May 2, 2019 BY

CROUP
Croup is a viral infection of the throat (larynx) and windpipe (trachea) that causes a hoarse voice, noisy breathing and a harsh, barking cough. It is usually worse at night. Croup is most common in children under five years of age, and starts with an illness like a cold. Home remedies for croup include frequent sips of water, cough medicine, moisturising the air using a vaporiser or simply calming and comforting the child. If, however, any of the warning symptoms listed above under the pneumonia heading occur, see a doctor immediately.

CHEST INFECTIONS
A chest infection is an infection that affects your lungs, either in the larger airways (bronchitis), smaller breathing tubes (bronchiolitis), or in the tiny air sacs (pneumonia).

Bronchiolitis is a viral chest infection that affects babies up to 12 months old. It starts as a cold, but within a few days, breathing becomes rapid and the baby will cough and wheeze. The cough can last up to three weeks. Antibiotics will not help with bronchiolitis, as it is a viral infection; however, you can treat it with rest, fluids, and paracetamol if required. Seek medical attention if your child is breathing rapidly or irregularly, turns blue, is refusing food or drink, or is sweaty, pale or listless.

Bronchitis also starts like a cold with a dry cough, which later becomes productive, with white, yellow or green sputum being coughed up. The initial infection is most often caused by a virus; however, a secondary bacterial infection (infectious bronchitis) is possible and usually requires a course of antibiotics to kill the infection.

Pneumonia is a serious lung infection in which the small sacs (alveoli) in the lungs become filled with pus and fluids.

This interferes with gas exchange – when oxygen is added to the blood and carbon dioxide is removed.

With the appropriate treatment, recovery from pneumonia normally only takes 7-10 days; but, if left untreated pneumonia can be life-threatening.

Symptoms vary depending on the particular germ that causes the infection, but may include: cough, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain, high fever, exhaustion, headache, sweats, chills and shivering and a blue tinge to the lips and nail beds, due to a lack of oxygen.

Any combination of these symptoms can be serious and always requires medical attention.

Immunisation can protect you from the most common bacterium (Streptococcus pneumonia) that cause pneumonia, especially if you are at increased risk due to your age, being a smoker or having a chronic medical condition – it’s a good
time to get vaccinated now!

If you find yourself uncertain this winter about whether your cough needs medical attention, just visit your pharmacist at your local DCO pharmacy for a free consultation on the right course of action for you.

Surf Coast Times – Free local news in your inbox

Breaking news, community, lifestyle, real estate, and sport.