Barking cough - causes, symptoms and treatment

Barking cough is a dry, sharp cough thatlike the sound of 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 cause diphtheriaor an 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 signs, depending on the state of the disease and the disorder of the body.
The cause of barking cough may be a cereal, which begins as a common cold, accompanied by fever, runny nose, loss of appetite and coughing.
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 inflammationa process that will lead to complications. This cough is very dangerous for life, especially for children. In case of an inexplicable 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 followhis instructions. Do not resort to self-medication and folk remedies. The attending physician appoints each individual treatment, which is based on your symptoms.

Usually this combination:

- mucolytic agents;

- antibacterial drugs.

If the child is sick, you can not leave it at nightone, 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. The correct diet of the child is important in case of persistent coughing. Remember that spicy dishes and too salty seasonings irritate the bronchial mucosa and can cause a painful cough. Nondestructive food is one of the most important moments of treatment, which contributes to a quick 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 impairment.