Dry barking cough

A dry barking cough sounds like a dog or seal barking. It is paroxysmal in nature and is accompanied by painful sensations.

Also, such a cough is completely useless from a physiological point of view - it does not perform any protective functions, and does not remove mucus from the throat.

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Causes dry, barking cough

Most often, the causes of a dry barking cough are acute respiratory infections with inflammation of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. Also, in some cases, it can occur as a result of an allergic reaction.

When, in addition to coughing, the patient has a high temperature, a runny nose, and a sore throat, it is likely that the cause is a viral disease. But if all of the above symptoms are absent and the person feels generally well with signs of skin rash and itching, the barking cough is most likely due to an allergy.

There are several diseases that cause a dry barking cough. Among them are:

• Acute pharyngitis and laryngitis, as well as laryngotracheitis;
• Parapertussis, also whooping cough;
• Viral croup resulting from complications of acute respiratory infections;
• Benign or malignant tumors of the larynx;
• Diphtheria;
• Allergic laryngitis;
• A foreign object has entered the respiratory tract.

Symptoms dry, barking cough

The main, first sign by which a cough is classified as a dry barking cough is its sound - as is clear from the name itself, it is somewhat reminiscent of barking.

This sound is explained by the fact that the larynx swells at this time, which also changes the sound of the patient's voice - it becomes hoarse. It is not possible to cough up phlegm, which is why the patient feels exhausted and depressed, feels weak and begins to refuse everything. Among other symptoms of a dry barking cough:

• A state of general weakness and rapid fatigue.
• Difficulty breathing.
• My throat and head hurt.
• Runny nose.
• The lymph nodes become enlarged.
• Nausea with vomiting.
• Hoarse voice.
• Inflammation of the larynx and swelling.

Dry barking cough in a child

Usually, children under 5 years of age suffer from a dry barking cough, since their larynx is much narrower than that of older children. As a result of a viral infection, its mucous membrane swells severely - the swelling almost completely closes the lumen of the larynx, due to which air cannot penetrate into the lungs, which leads to the development of suffocation attacks.

Attacks of dry barking cough in children at night often begin unexpectedly, in their sleep. Usually they have no precursors, often their appearance becomes the first sign that the child has laryngitis.

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Dry barking cough in an adult

A dry barking cough in adults usually indicates the development of laryngotracheitis or acute laryngitis. Laryngotracheitis usually involves inflammation of the larynx, which then spreads to the trachea - because of this, the trachea narrows during inhalation, causing a dry barking cough. At the same time, the temperature usually remains within normal limits.

Barking dry cough without fever

If you have a dry barking cough without fever, it is most likely caused by an allergic reaction. The causative agents may be various factors, such as food, plants, pets, odors, and household chemicals.

In addition, dry cough caused by allergies has the following symptoms:

• No runny nose;
• The cough appears or becomes stronger if a person is near an allergen;
• The cough may come and go periodically, or be seasonal – it depends on the cause of the allergy.

Due to dry air in the apartment in winter, irritation of the mucous membrane of the throat can sometimes develop, which can also cause a cough.

It should be understood that over time, allergies can develop into chronic bronchitis or another disease, so you need to see a doctor as soon as possible and begin treatment.

Dry barking cough with fever

If a child has a dry barking cough accompanied by a high temperature, this can be dangerous to health, especially in small children, because their respiratory muscles are still weak. Sometimes such a cough leads to vomiting and nausea, because of it the patient can even suffocate - respiratory arrest due to coughing occurs in children with whooping cough.

Complications and consequences

Inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, which cause a dry barking cough, can often lead to serious complications. A swollen and inflamed larynx can close the airways, so the child may begin a fatal attack of suffocation.

Other complications of this type of cough include the following disorders:

• Development of respiratory failure.
• The onset of asthma.
• Asphyxia.

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Diagnostics dry, barking cough

A doctor can immediately diagnose a dry barking cough - all you need to do is hear the sound of a cough. Diagnosing the causes of this symptom is more difficult. To do this, a specialist needs to examine the patient, palpate the lymph nodes and neck, and measure the temperature.

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Tests

During the diagnostic process, laboratory tests may also be carried out: the patient undergoes a blood test (serological diagnostics for antibodies to viral infections) and urine, and a stool test is also carried out.

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Instrumental diagnostics

The doctor may also prescribe instrumental diagnostics - these may include the following procedures:

• Tuberculin diagnostics.
• Auscultation of the lungs (study of respiratory functions).
• X-ray of the lungs.
• Chest computed tomography.
• Scintigraphy.
• Bronchography.

Treatment dry, barking cough

A dry barking cough is treated based on the results of the examination - treatment is carried out not on the symptom itself, but on the disease that provoked its appearance.

For severe, dry, barking coughs, opioid medications containing codeine and dextromethorphan may be prescribed to target the cough centers in the central nervous system. Antihistamines and glaucine-containing medications are also prescribed to suppress nighttime coughs.

In addition to medications, aromatherapy, inhalations, mustard plasters, and foot baths are used in the treatment process; the patient must often drink liquid (warm).

How to relieve a dry barking cough in a child?

When a child shows no signs of illness other than a dry, barking cough, he can be helped at home. Coughing fits can be relieved with fairly simple procedures:

• Inhalations using steam, as steam can facilitate the breathing process and soften the cough (for this you can use a pot of boiling water);
• The patient needs to drink a lot of warm water;
• Provide him with peace and rest, as the cough may intensify under the influence of excitement;
• Use humidifiers in the room where the patient is;
• Taking cough expectorant medications (such as Lazolvan, Gedelix, Doctor MOM, Ambrobene, Prospan, etc.);
• Perform a massage with gentle tapping on the back, the so-called drainage massage (to help remove phlegm), apply mustard plasters.

Medicines

Gedelix syrup should be taken at 5 ml (0.5 measuring cup or 1 teaspoon); small children are given half of this dose, to which a little fruit juice or tea should be added. The course of treatment is at least 1 week, and it is also recommended to extend it for 2-3 days after the symptoms of the disease have disappeared.

Side effects of the drug include: rarely allergic reactions (swelling, itching, redness of the skin, shortness of breath), with increased sensitivity - gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhea, vomiting and nausea). Gedelix is contraindicated if there is high sensitivity to the components of the drug.

Lazolvan syrup is taken in the following dosages: adults - 10 ml for the first 2-3 days, and then 5 ml three times a day (or 10 ml twice a day). Children aged 5-12 years - 15 mg 2-3 times a day; aged 2-5 years - 7.5 mg three times a day; children under 2 years - 7.5 mg twice a day.

Side effects – some gastrointestinal disorders (dyspepsia or heartburn, occasionally – vomiting and nausea), as well as allergies – skin rashes may be observed. Contraindications include increased individual sensitivity to the substance ambroxol and other components of the drug.

Ambrobene syrup is taken after meals in the following dosages: children under 2 years old - 0.5 measuring cup (2.5 ml) twice a day; ages 2-6 years - the same dose, but three times a day; 6-12 years - 1 full measuring glass. (5 ml) 2-3 times a day. Children over 12 years old and adults - initial 2-3 days. 2 full measuring glasses. (10 ml) three times a day.

Side effects: among the general ones, allergic reactions (for example, skin rash, itching, shortness of breath, urticaria) as well as headaches, weakness, fever may be observed. Anaphylactic shock is possible. Gastrointestinal organs: sharp abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Sometimes dry mouth, rhinorrhea, exanthema and dysuria are observed. The drug is contraindicated in case of high sensitivity to ambroxol or any of the auxiliary components. Admission is prohibited in case of fructose intolerance, sucrase deficiency, and glucose-galactose malabsorption.

Doctor MOM is prescribed to children aged 3-5 years – 0.5 tsp. (2.5 ml) three times a day; children aged 6-14 years – 0.5-1 tsp. (2.5-5 ml) three times a day; children aged 14+ and adults – 5-10 ml three times a day. The treatment course lasts 2-3 weeks.

Side effects include allergies.

Inhalations for dry barking cough

There are various options for inhalation for dry barking cough. For example, for 1-2 days you can do inhalation using antitussive drugs (Lidocaine, Tussamag), combining them with bronchodilators - these can be Atrovent or Berodual. Also, every 2-4 hours you should do inhalations with moisturizing solutions (saline or soda solution, or mineral water). After sputum appears or after 2 days, you should stop using antitussive drugs and replace them with mucolytics (such as Ambrobene, ACC, Lazolvan, etc.). Then, when a cough with the release of a large amount of sputum begins, inhalations can be done using anti-inflammatory drugs (Cromogexal and Romazulan), as well as antiseptic drugs (Chlorophyllipt, Dioxidin).

Vitamins

In order to replenish the supply of vitamins in the body, you should include more vegetables and fruits in your diet, and also eat healthy foods.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy treatment of dry barking cough is a very effective method, as in combination with medications it can activate the immune system and speed up recovery. Physiotherapy procedures reduce inflammation and pain syndrome, and also improve blood circulation. The following procedures are usually prescribed during treatment:

• Different massage techniques in the chest area.
• UHF procedure.
• Acupuncture.
• Electrophoresis.
• Inhalation procedures.
• Special exercises to normalize breathing.
• Warming up.

Nowadays, inhalations using special nebulizers are quite popular. An ultrasonic or compressor device sprays small particles of medicine, due to which they get into the smallest parts of the lungs and bronchi, which speeds up the recovery process several times. In addition, this remedy helps to avoid bronchospasms in case of false croup or obstructive bronchitis in small children.

Folk remedies

Among the folk methods of treating a dry barking cough is a warming massage using eucalyptus oil. Rubbing this product into the back and chest allows you to quickly reduce pain and make breathing easier. This procedure should be done daily before bedtime until the cough stops.

If you have a dry cough that torments you at night, you can apply old pork fat to your chest, wrapping it with a warm scarf at night - this will effectively calm the coughing fits.

Milk with butter and garlic also helps well. You should heat the milk, add 0.5 tsp of butter, and squeeze out 1 clove of garlic. Drink this mixture undiluted.

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Herbal treatment

There are many recipes for treating dry barking cough with herbs. Among them is a collection that includes the following components:

• Fennel or anise fruits.
• Marshmallow root.
• Thyme herb.
• Flower of medicinal chamomile.

There should be 20 grams of each ingredient.

Preparation: pour 1 tbsp of this mixture with a glass of boiling water and leave for about 15 minutes. Children should be given 1-2 tbsp of tincture several times a day. Adults should increase the dosage to 1 glass of tincture three times a day. For infants, this mixture is added to milk.

Also, for dry cough, it is very useful to do inhalations. A very effective herbal collection is one that includes the following ingredients:

• Thyme herb.
• Chamomile.
• Shoots of young pine.
• Thyme herb.

You need 30 grams of each ingredient.

About 30 g of the herbal mixture should be poured with boiling water, then, wrapped in a towel, lean over the pan with the tincture and inhale its vapors. To completely get rid of a dry barking cough, you need to do this procedure 2-3 times a day for 5-10 minutes.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is sometimes used to treat dry barking cough. Among such drugs is Aconite. It is taken sublingually, 20-30 minutes before meals or 1 hour after. If there is a fever, at the beginning of the disease you need to take 8 granules 5 times a day, and later reduce the number of doses to three. Admission in this mode lasts about 2 weeks. In the 3-4 week, the number of doses is reduced to 2 per day. The number of granules varies depending on the severity and severity of the manifestations of the disease.

Side effects: sometimes an allergy to the drug may occur. Sometimes at the initial stage of taking the drug, the symptoms of the disease worsen, but this does not require stopping the drug.

The drug is contraindicated if the patient has a history of allergy to aconite. In addition, it is not taken for hypotension, typhoid.

Prevention

As a preventative measure, you should take more walks in the fresh air, lead an active lifestyle, regularly ventilate the rooms in your apartment, harden yourself, do inhalations, and also get vaccinated against viral respiratory infections.

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Forecast

A dry barking cough usually heals fairly quickly - the prognosis is favorable in most cases, both for coughs caused by allergies and coughs caused by viral diseases. Problems can only arise with diseases such as diphtheria or whooping cough. In this case, for a favorable outcome, you should immediately consult a doctor and in no case self-medicate.

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