How do you get rid of a smoker’s cough?
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A smoker’s cough can feel like a never-ending audio track to your day, with its persistent hacking and throat-clearing. It’s a signal that your lungs are desperately in need of relief. According to a study, almost 40% of young males smoked daily and 27% who smoked occasionally experienced chronic cough and phlegm production. Thankfully, resolving this irritating cough doesn’t need to be a lengthy or tedious process. With a handful of wise strategies and committing to change, you can eliminate the cough and regain ease. Let’s look into ways to get rid of the cough and move on.
Causes of smoker’s cough
A smoker’s cough is primarily caused due to the damage smoking inflicts on the respiratory system. Smoke of any kind–tobacco, weed, or vape–is harmful to our lungs. Whenever you smoke, you inhale different amounts of toxins and chemicals. According to the American Cancer Society, among the many chemicals in tobacco, at least 70 are recognised as cancer-causing agents. Smoking damages the cilia, tiny hair-like cells in your lungs that help clear mucus and debris from the respiratory tract. Smoking affects these cilia by exposing them to harmful chemicals and toxins present in cigarettes. This causes the cilia to perform less efficiently in their cleaning function, resulting in mucus accumulation and continuous coughing. This damage not only impairs the respiratory system’s ability to expel irritants but also leads to chronic respiratory disorders, highlighting smoking as a key factor in respiratory health challenges.Symptoms
A smoker's cough is a persistent cough that affects long-term smokers. Here are some typical symptoms:- Chronic persistent cough: This cough can continue for weeks, months, or years.
- Phlegm production: Usually accompanied by yellow, green, or white mucus or phlegm.
- Wheezing and shortness of breath: Smokers may have trouble breathing and produce a wheezing sound while exhaling.
- Throat irritation: A dry, scratchy throat may accompany a cough.
- Worse in the morning: Mucus buildup overnight causes the cough to be more acute when you get up.
What does a smoker’s cough feel like?
A smoker's cough is distinguished by continuous coughing, which commonly starts dry but gradually becomes productive with mucus or phlegm. It usually gets worse in the morning because of mucus accumulation overnight. The cough might be severe and recurrent, causing throat irritation and chest pain. In rare situations, it is accompanied by wheezing, shortness of breath, or a tight sensation in the chest. Prolonged coughing fits may cause pain, and regular coughing can make it difficult to breathe, especially during intense exercise. A smoker's cough can indicate damage to the lungs and respiratory system over time, potentially leading to more serious illnesses such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema if smoking is continued.Smoker’s cough vs. other types of coughs
A smoker's cough is a chronic, phlegm-producing cough caused by long-term smoking, distinguishing it from other types of coughs. Types of coughs include:- Smoker's cough: A smoker's Cough is a chronic cough induced by long-term smoking that frequently produces phlegm and is worst in the morning. Toxins in smoke cause inflammation of the airways, which can lead to chronic bronchitis or other respiratory problems.
- Dry cough: Often associated with viral infections, allergies, or asthma, this kind of cough produces no mucus and can cause throat discomfort. It is frequently related to illnesses such as the flu or COVID-19.
- Wet cough: This type of cough produces phlegm and is usually caused by illnesses such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or colds. It seeks to remove mucus from the airways.
- Croup cough: A barking cough prevalent in youngsters caused by viral infections that irritate the airways.
- Whooping cough: Whooping cough is a highly infectious bacterial illness that causes intense coughing episodes, followed by a "whoop" sound while inhaling.
How do you get rid of a smoker’s cough? Home remedies
To help reduce a smoker’s cough, consider these 10 home remedies:- Quit smoking: Giving up smoking is the most effective approach to decrease and finally eradicate a smoker's cough.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to thin mucus, making it easier to expel.
- Steam inhalation: Loosen mucus by breathing steam with aromatic oils such as eucalyptus.
- Herbal teas: Herbal teas containing ginger, licorice root, and marshmallow root can help relieve discomfort.
- Honey and lemon: Honey soothes the throat, and lemon improves the immune system.
- Turmeric: Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties relieve lung inflammation. You may add turmeric to water or milk for the best results.
- Garlic: Garlic is a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent that can aid with respiratory issues.
- Exercise: Regular physical exercise increases lung capacity and aids in the removal of mucus from the airway.
- Humidifier: Using a humidifier at night adds moisture to the air, which relieves dry cough.
- Elevate your head while sleeping: This prevents mucus from building up in the throat overnight, reducing morning cough.
When to see your doctor?
If a smoker's cough lasts longer than three weeks, produces blood, or is accompanied by wheezing, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath, seek medical attention. Furthermore, if the cough increases over time or interferes with everyday activities, it might signal more significant lung damage or diseases such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or lung cancer. Persistent exhaustion and unexplained weight loss are further indications that a professional medical assessment is required. Early action can avert more serious health consequences.How can Hola’s online doctor help via telehealth?
Hola Health’s online doctor can assist with several key aspects of telehealth:- Instant consult online: You can have virtual appointments with doctors for a range of medical concerns. This allows for diagnosis, treatment advice, and management of conditions without needing to visit a physical clinic.
- Doctor's referrals: If the online doctor determines that you need to see a specialist or get additional tests, they can provide referrals and guide you through the process of getting the necessary care.
- Online scripts: Doctors can write and send prescriptions electronically, which can be filled at a local pharmacy or through an online pharmacy with delivery options.
- Medical certificates: Hola’s online doctor service can often provide medical certificates. These documents can be used for various purposes, such as sick leaves or travel requirements.
Addressing a smoker’s cough doesn’t have to be a struggle–it’s about implementing the right strategies to clear the air and get back to feeling great. By giving up smoking, drinking plenty of water, and adopting a few easy habits, you will progress towards a healthier, cough-free you. Consider it as refreshing your lungs, so you can breathe freely and savour life without that stubborn cough.
Reference
- National Library of Medicine - reference link
- Medical news - reference link
- Harmful chemicals in tobacco products - reference link
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Disclaimer
This content is created for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000.
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Call 000 for emergency or urgent medical help
Get affordable healthcare on your terms, with quick access to qualified, Australian-registered telehealth doctors & health practitioners, 24/7, 365 days a year. No more searching for ‘doctors near me‘ – Hola connects you instantly.
Call 000 for emergency or urgent medical help.
Address: 79 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Email: support@hola.health
© Hola Health, a brand of Packapill Pvt Ltd