Cough Prevention and When to See a Doctor: Part 7

Cough Prevention and When to See a Doctor

Cough Prevention and When to See a Doctor

Introduction

How to Prevent Cough Every Day

1. Wash Your Hands Often
   Germs spread fast. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This stops many cough-causing viruses.

2. Use Hand Sanitizer
   If you don’t have water, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

3. Avoid Touching Your Face
   Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with dirty hands brings germs inside your body. Keep your hands away from your face.

4. Cover Your Mouth When You Cough
   Always cough into your elbow or a tissue. Throw the tissue away right after. This stops germs from spreading.

5. Stay Away from Sick People
   Try not to be close to people who cough or sneeze a lot. Keep your distance in crowded places during cold and flu season.

6. Keep Your Home Clean
   Dust, mold, and pet hair can cause allergies and cough. Clean your home regularly and keep air fresh.

7. Use a Humidifier
   Dry air hurts your throat and lungs. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, making it easier to breathe and lowering cough risk.

8. Quit Smoking
   Smoking damages your lungs and makes you cough. Quitting smoking helps stop cough and improves your health.

9. Eat Healthy Food
   Fruits, vegetables, and fluids keep your immune system strong. A strong body fights germs better and stops cough.

10. Exercise Regularly
    Exercise helps your lungs stay strong and your body fight infections.

11. Get Vaccinated
    Flu shots and pneumonia vaccines reduce your chance of cough caused by infections.

How to Avoid Cough at Work or School

• Wash your hands often

• Use hand sanitizer

• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing

• Clean your workspace daily

• Avoid sharing cups, bottles, or utensils

• Stay home if you feel sick to stop spreading cough germs

When Does a Cough Need Medical Help?

Sometimes cough needs quick doctor care. See a doctor if you:

• Cough lasts more than 3 weeks

• Cough up blood or thick yellow/green mucus

• Have chest pain or tightness

• Feel short of breath or wheeze

• Have a high fever over 101°F (38.3°C)

• Lose weight without trying

• Have night sweats or tiredness

• Cough after swallowing or choking on food

• Your cough stops you from sleeping or working

• You have a history of lung disease, heart disease, or weak immune system

What Will the Doctor Do for Your Cough?

Doctors will:

• Ask about your cough and health history

• Listen to your lungs with a stethoscope

• Check your throat and nose

• Order tests if needed like chest X-ray or sputum test

• Give medicines to treat infection or other causes

• Suggest lifestyle changes to help stop cough

• Refer you to a lung or allergy specialist if needed

Cough Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

• Blood in your cough

• Cough with weight loss and tiredness

• Sudden cough with fever and fast breathing

• Cough with chest pain or swelling in legs

• Cough that wakes you up at night

• Cough with blue lips or fingers (lack of oxygen)

• Cough after choking or inhaling food/liquid

Tips to Help Your Cough Heal Faster

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated

• Rest your body to help fight infection

• Avoid cold drinks and foods that irritate your throat

• Use warm liquids like tea or broth

• Keep your home smoke-free

• Avoid strong smells and pollution

• Take medicines only as your doctor says

• Use a humidifier or steam to ease breathing

• Get fresh air but avoid cold or dusty places

How to Protect Children and Seniors from Cough

• Keep their hands clean

• Avoid close contact with sick people

• Keep their rooms clean and moist

• Give healthy food and fluids

• Make sure they get vaccines on time

• Watch for cough signs and get early care

• Avoid smoking near them

• Use soft tissues and teach them to cover cough

Cough and COVID-19: What to Know

Prevent Cough in Cold Weather

Cold air can cause cough. Stay warm by:

• Wearing scarves over your mouth and nose

• Using gloves and hats

• Drinking warm fluids

• Avoiding sudden cold air

• Using a humidifier indoors

Natural Ways to Boost Immunity Against Cough

• Eat vitamin C-rich fruits like oranges and strawberries

• Have garlic and ginger in your meals

• Drink herbal teas with honey

• Get enough sleep every night

• Manage stress with relaxation and exercise

Conclusion

FAQs About Cough Prevention and Doctor Visits

Q1: How can I stop cough from spreading?
Always cover your mouth when coughing and wash hands often.

Q2: When should I see a doctor for cough?
If cough lasts over 3 weeks or if you cough blood or have chest pain.

Q3: Can vaccines help prevent cough?
Yes, flu and pneumonia vaccines reduce cough from infections.

Q4: Does cold weather cause cough?
Cold air can trigger cough, especially if you have asthma or allergies.

Q5: Can stress cause cough?
Stress can make cough worse by weakening your body’s defenses.