Smoker’s cough is persistent and irritating. It develops over many years and as a result the smoker gets used to it, explaining to himself that it is a “normal reflex”. It absolutely is not. When a cough lasts longer than 10 weeks, it is a sign that something is wrong in the body. A very serious illness can then develop.
Smoker’s cough is usually accompanied by shortness of breath and trouble breathing fully. Coughing appears to be the body’s defense against nerve irritants, such as cigarette smoke (these nerves are located in the upper part of the respiratory tract). The cough usually occurs in the morning, right after waking up, and may last until noon. In this way, the body tries to “expel” the secretion deposited in the bronchi, which accumulates throughout the night. The coughing reflex removes the polluted air from the lungs. Unfortunately, if the addiction is stronger and smoking continues at its best, the condition will deteriorate over the years. Coughing up will be more and more of a problem. Initially, the cough is in the form of a mucous secretion, later it only gets worse. The smoker spits out purulent discharge that may contain blood.
Where does this cough come from?
Cigarettes contain about 5 harmful substances that have a very negative impact on the human body. Particularly dangerous toxins transferred to the body through cigarette smoke are:• Nicotine — a harmful substance that stimulates nerve receptors,• Tar substances – cause the development of cancer,• Carbon monoxide – reduces the amount of oxygen in the body.
Cigarette smoke irritates the nervous system and receptors located in the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. “Cigarette secretion” is produced by contraction of the walls of the throat and constriction of the bronchial tubes. These factors lead to a suffocating, violent cough and, consequently, to serious diseases:
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
- bronchial asthma,
- emphysema, pulmonary tuberculosis,
- tumors.
How to get rid of a cough?
The quickest and most sensible solution would be to stop smoking altogether. However, people who have difficulties in overcoming the addiction should immediately undergo medical examinations that allow constant control of possible changes in the body. Any change that occurs should be monitored, especially when it involves a prolonged cough. Attacks of sudden and strong coughing can be relieved on an ad hoc basis, with medications coating the throat membranes, depending on whether the cough is wet or dry. If you are tired of a wet cough, you should properly hydrate your body, which will help in thinning and coughing up secretions. In the case of a dry cough, agents that suppress the expectoration reflex should be used. It is also worth thinking about trying preparations that are intended to reduce the side effects of smoking.