Barking cough - causes, symptoms and treatment

Barking cough is a dry, sharp cough that resembles barking. The type of this cough is most often associated with laryngotracheitis or, as it is also called, croup. Laryngotracheitis causes inflammation and swelling of the area around the larynx. Sometimes this swelling can lead to blockage or blockage of the airways. Children are especially vulnerable in such cases, since they have small airways. For children, barking cough can be especially dangerous, since it is a sign of a dangerous condition for a child's life, for example, an obstruction of the airways.

Also barking cough can be the cause of diphtheria or epiglottis infection. Sometimes barking cough can appear from a common cold. Therefore, you should immediately seek qualified medical help.

Symptoms of barking cough.
Barking cough in adults is still accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the condition of the disease and the disorder of the body.
The cause of barking cough can be a cereal, which begins as a common cold, accompanied by fever, runny nose, loss of appetite and cough.
As the disease progresses, the cough acquires a barking sound, which is accompanied by an unusual sound of breathing and hoarseness. Barking cough in adults and children has the following symptoms:

- symptoms similar to influenza (fever, fatigue, sore throat, headache);
- nausea;
- hoarse voice;
- nose sensitivity, runny nose;
- a sore throat;
- vomiting;
- shortness of breath;
- Lymph nodes on the neck increase.

Less common symptoms of barking cough are:
- loss of appetite;
- diarrhea;
Bad smell from the mouth;
- fatigue;
- a rash;
- joint pain;
Unexplained weight loss.

Symptoms that are life-threatening:
- change of voice;
- chills and fever;
- destruction of muscles in the neck, as well as between the ribs;
- coloring of the lips, nails and skin in a bluish-pale color;
- drooling;
Difficulty in speaking, breathing, swallowing;
- strong irritability;
- lethargy, fainting and lack of appetite.

Dangerous and serious causes of barking cough:
Acute attacks of asthma;
- epiglotitis (caused by inflammation of the epiglottis);
Diphtheria (acute bacterial infection).

Complications.
Barking cough can cause inflammation, which will lead to complications. Such a cough is very dangerous for life, especially for children. In case of an unexplained cough, immediately consult a doctor. When the doctor diagnoses the underlying cause, you must follow the treatment established by the doctor specifically for you to reduce the risk of complications:
- stop breathing;
- respiratory insufficiency;
- occlusion of the respiratory tract.

How to treat barking cough.
It is necessary urgently to address to the doctor and to follow his instructions. Do not resort to self-medication and folk remedies. The attending physician appoints each individual treatment that is based on your symptoms.

Usually this combination:

- mucolytic agents;

- antibacterial drugs.

If the child is sick, you can not leave it alone at night, as the attack can provoke a short-term respiratory arrest. Children are well helped by inhalation with the drug "Berodual" (it must be poured into a special reservoir of the inhaler). He is able to relax the smooth muscles of the bronchi, facilitates the condition of the baby. Important correct diet for a child with a persistent cough. Remember that spicy dishes and too salty seasonings irritate the bronchial mucosa and can cause a painful cough. Non-irritating food is one of the most important moments of treatment, contributing to a rapid recovery. Give the child a weak broth, cereals and mashed fruits (citrus fruits are not recommended). Do not use throat sprays based on alcohol - this can cause deterioration.