Among many different aspects of physical health, our respiratory health is among the most important ones. Without even realizing it our respiratory system works constantly and that’s the sole reason that I’m writing this and you are reading this likewise.
Importance of respiratory health
Thus, the importance of respiratory health can’t be denied at any cost. However, there are many things that can cause damage to it. Recently, coronavirus has become the talk of the town and has resulted in thousands of fatalities. Not only this, even a minor cough or common cold can take a toll on our respiratory health.
Common cough is a common respiratory health problem but it isn’t as common as it sounds. Anyone who has suffered from chronic cough can surely relate to this. As a child, I always had this problem and it won’t be an exaggeration to say that most of my childhood was spent visiting a chest specialist.
Myths and facts about cough
Well, cough isn’t as bad as the misconceptions about this are. Many misconceptions are there that affect the treatment. From diagnosing the cause to its treatment, everything comes under this unfortunate cloud of misconception. Let’s clear the facts from fiction and know a complete truth.
1- Wherever there is a cough, there is an infection
Well, this is the most talked about and most believed misconception regarding cough. Every time people see a cough they assume it to be an infection. Frequent coughing is an indicator of throat irritation but that’s not always an infection.
There are many different causes of cough ranging from infectious to non-infectious ones. If a cough is non-infectious there must be GERD, asthma, emphysema or sometimes allergens behind it. So, before you draw any conclusion it’s better to visit a doctor and let him make an informed decision.
2- Cough is contagious
Whenever it comes to coughing and sneezing, both of these are considered to be contagious. You are normally asked to cover your nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing to prevent the spread of germs from person to person in the form of droplets. But not all types of cough are contagious.
The only cough that is a result of an infection, be it bacterial or viral will result in a contagious cough. Otherwise, the cough due to allergies etc. can’t be spread via droplet transmission so it’s technically wrong to say that all coughs are contagious.
3- Drinking hot soup can relieve the cough
This misconception holds ground in the treatment of coughs. Whenever it comes to the relief option it is often considered that drinking hot soup can relieve the cough. However, that’s not always the case, believe me, it’s not. Cough is caused by the accumulation of mucus in the lungs and it’s related to the lungs. When you drink soup it can just soothe your throat but as it ultimately moves to your stomach not your lungs, so you can’t say that drinking hot soup will cure the cough.
4- You can prevent cough with vaccination
Vaccination is considered to protect against the cough however, that’s not true. Vaccination against whooping cough will only prevent it and similar is the case with your flu shot vaccine. You can control infectious cough with this but non-infectious cough can’t be cured with vaccination.
5- You can cure cough with antibiotics
You can call miracle drugs or whatever you can but forget the claim that antibiotics will cure your cough. Though antibiotics are the drugs that can help to tackle many the bacterial or viral infections, at least they used to do. But be mindful that antibiotics are unable to cure your cough.
It’s because of the fact that not all coughs are due to bacterial or viral infection. Other than that, antimicrobial resistance against antibiotics is a potential problem when it comes to the efficacy of antibiotics. So you can’t always consider antibiotics as your go-to cure for cough.
Bottom Line!
No matter whatever you hear about respiratory health, it is better to do proper research before believing these claims. Else, you can simply go to your doctor and find a workable solution to your health issues. Just be mindful that you don’t self-treat yourself.
