From the Latin tussis, cough is a sound and convulsive movement of the respiratory system of humans and animals. This phenomenon occurs before the spasmodic contraction of the chest cavity due to the violent release of air from the lungs.
For example: “I’m taking Marcos to the doctor: he has a bad cough and won’t stop sneezing”, “You have to take cough syrup and you’ll feel better”, “I’m tired since then, the cough hasn’t let me sleep at all. night”. Cough usually begins as a symptomatic or asymptomatic reflex mechanism. From a given stimulus, a deep inspiration is produced, followed by closure of the glottis, relaxation of the diaphragm, and muscle contraction. Pressure within the chest causes the trachea narrows and the glottis opens, with a pressure difference between the airways and the atmosphere.
The stimulation that produces cough can be mechanical, thermal, inflammatory or chemical. The treatment, therefore, varies according to the origin and characteristics of each case. The use of nebulizers and the ingestion of expectorants or antibiotics are some of the mechanisms that help eliminate cough. Violent, choking coughing fits are known as whooping cough or whooping cough. Whooping cough is an infectious disease caused by a cold in the respiratory tract and that generates a whooping cough with very intense characteristics. Homemade and natural remedies to combat cough * Sugar cane honey syrup: the effectiveness of cane honey has been proven on more than one occasion to combat cough and soothe the throat. It is best to mix it with lemon juice and coconut oil, although without other ingredients it is also beneficial. On the other hand, there are those who recommend accompanying honey with a glass of cognac or whiskey before going to bed; *bain-marie: in this case, the secret is not in the water, but in the steam. To increase the effectiveness of this method, it is advisable to perform it in a room without ventilation. The steam soothes the respiratory tract, relieves nasal congestion, and cleanses the lungs and throat of phlegm. It is worth noting that this treatment can be counterproductive for an asthmatic person; * Drink plenty of fluids: this point is essential, since water itself in its natural state can help us fight cough effectively. The secret is that liquids help reduce mucus and keep the membranes moist;
* Black pepper tea: when the cough is wet, black pepper and sugar cane honey tea is recommended, since pepper is a good natural stimulant of circulation and helps in the circulation of phlegm, complementing itself with the aforementioned action of honey. The recipe is very simple, just put a tablespoon of pepper and two of honey in a glass, fill with boiling water and let stand covered for a quarter of an hour, before straining the infusion. It is not recommended for those suffering from gastritis, since the pepper can be harmful; * Thyme tea: Many people use thyme to treat coughs, bronchitis, and respiratory infections. In its leaves there is a powerful remedy that, in addition to calming the cough, relaxes the muscles of the trachea and helps reduce inflammation. Its preparation is as simple as putting two tablespoons of crushed thyme in a glass of boiling water and letting it rest for ten minutes, to finally strain and add cane syrup and lemon.
