Asthma and Cough

One of the problems with Asthma, is it may cause coughing without any of the typical wheeziness we are all used to. This problem tends to be worst during the night which can unfortunately not only disturb the sleep of the asthmatic, but also of others sleeping in the house.

This type of coughing may be the first signs of asthma in a child, so it's important that the child's doctor is informed if a cough goes on for any period of time. It can also be a warning sign that the person who is coughing has asthma that is worsening or not being controlled effectively.

If a person who is asthmatic does have a persistent cough, it is important they take their conventional asthma treatment which is usually inhaled anti-inflammatory preventative medicines and relievers. These will usually relieve their cough especially if it is associated with their asthma.

What many people fail to realize, is that coughing is a symptom, not the disease itself, it's important that the underlying cause of the cough is investigated and treated as needed.

You should always consult your doctor if you present with any of the following symptoms accompanying your cough. It's very important possible-underlying causes are investigated and treated if and where necessary:

• Fever and sweating.
• Coughing up phlegm that is a discolored green, yellow, rusty brown, blood-stained or rank
• Whooping cough or croup.
• Worsening smoker's cough.
• Sudden weight loss.
• Pain and swelling in the calf.
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath or wheezing.
• Recurrent night-time cough.
• Treatment for Cough
  

Productive Asthma:

Treatment for asthma which is ruled by a cough is no different to the treatment given for asthma in general. Usually it's found cough-variant asthma is readily responsive to treatment with inhaled corticosteroids being the most beneficial, inhaled beta2-agonists for relief of acute symptoms can also be very useful.

In asthma sufferers who present with exceptionally severe symptoms, treatment is often started with oral corticosteroids, followed by the inhaled variety.

When starting inhaler treatment, it needs to be remembered that inhaled medications can also precipitate a coughing attack so it's sometimes wise in this instance to use a spacer device.

If the asthmatic finds the spacer is inducing a cough, it may be a good idea to look for other solutions such as a dry powder inhaler.

Discover the 2 most common categories of asthma so you can learn how to better care for your condition.