Cough Triggers and what you can do to help stop cough, for the whole family.

Coughs are common to all of us, but not all coughs are equal. Understanding what causes a cough, how to manage it naturally, and the importance of seeking professional advice can make a significant difference to you and your family’s comfort, recovery, and overall wellbeing.

Coughing is a reflex – activated by our body to help clear the throat and airways of irritants such as mucus, dust, or infectious pathogens. When cough is productive with lots of mucous, the body is trying to help rid of the chesty build-up of phlegm in the lungs and airways. Cough is critical in helping the body rid of the mucous caused by the infection, so it doesn’t sit in the airways, making it difficult to breathe or to become more serious.

Sometimes the cough reflex keeps being activated once the irritant seems to have gone. The cough is not a disease, but instead a symptom of something of underlying condition. A persistent or severe cough can be a sign of an underlying condition that requires medical attention. Let’s explore common cough triggers, when to seek support, and how natural herbal medicines, such as AyurScience Herbitus Cough Syrups, may play a helpful role in seasonal self-care.

Common Triggers for Coughs

As we enter cold and flu season coughs become a more common occurrence. What starts as a slight tickle in the throat can progress to a chesty productive cough, or just a dry irritating cough. These coughs can be to interrupt work, recreation and sleep, leaving us to feel exhausted. But what triggers these coughs? Understanding the triggers, and avoiding as much as possible (or addressing the underlying cause) can help you better manage your cough.

1. Colds and Viral Infections Most coughs are caused by viral upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold or flu. These typically begin as dry, irritating coughs and may become more productive (chesty) as the body clears excess mucus. According to Healthdirect Australia, a cough caused by a cold or flu usually resolves within 1 to 3 weeks.

2. Post-Viral Cough Some people experience a persistent dry cough that can last for weeks after the initial infection has resolved. This post-viral cough is due to irritation from ongoing inflammation in the respiratory airways. It can be especially frustrating and painful, especially when there seems to be no end to the coughing! Solutions to help soothe the throat, and help decrease airway inflammation can be especially useful.
3. Cold or Dry Air Winter months bring more exposure to cold and dry air and can cause further irritation to the airways. This is particularly noticeable when moving between heated indoor spaces and cooler outdoor air. Staying hydrated, especially during winter, helps to reduce the impact of the dry air on the airways.  
4. Environmental Irritants: Smoke, dust, mould, pollen, perfumes, or pollution are environmental irritants and can cause coughing. For people with respiratory sensitivities or allergies, even small exposures can provoke symptoms. Smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke can irritate the airways and is a major cause of chronic cough.
5. Gastroesophageal Reflux (GORD): Stomach acid that travels up into the oesophagus (reflux) can irritate the throat and cause a chronic dry cough. Long-standing chronic dry coughs can be caused by stomach acid that especially is worse when lying down or after eating may be a result of reflux.
6. Chronic Respiratory and Allergic Conditions Chronic allergic and respiratory conditions can all present with persistent coughs. Other symptoms may include wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Urgent medical management is essential.
7. Post-Nasal Drip: Fluid that drips from the nose down the back of the throat is called postnasal drip and also referred to as upper airway cough syndrome. When the nose or sinuses produce excessive mucus, it can drip down the back of your throat and cause cough. Often there is an underlying allergic condition or reaction causing the mucous build up.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While many coughs resolve on their own, it’s important to know when to get medical help. See your healthcare professional if:

• Your cough lasts longer than 3 weeks
• It worsens suddenly or is accompanied by high fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing
• You cough up blood or unusual mucus
• You have a weakened immune system, a chronic illness, or are elderly
• The person affected is a child under 5 years old

Cough Relief with Natural Herbal Options

Herbal medicines can offer natural-based and soothing support to help offer cough relief based on traditional use to address the underlying cause.

AyurScience Herbitus Cough Syrups are formulated using herbal medicines, based on traditional use in Western herbal medicine and Ayurvedic medicine use. Herbal medicines that have long been used to soothe irritation, support respiratory comfort, and promote general wellness.

When choosing a herbal medicine for cough check to whether you require a soothing remedy to help stop cough, or an expectorant remedy to help cough up mucus more easily.

• AyurScience Herbitus Dry Cough Syrup – created for dry, tickly coughs, this blend includes Holy Basil (Tulsi), Licorice and Ginger, traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine to soothe and calm the throat, and to suppress cough.
• AyurScience Herbitus Chesty Cough Syrup – for productive coughs with mucus, this formula includes herbal medicine traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support mucus clearance and ease chest congestion.

AyurScience Herbitus Dry Cough and AyurScience Herbitus Chesty Cough syrups are great-tasting, alcohol-free, sugar-free and non-drowsy – making them suitable for adults and children aged 5 and over.

Be sure to always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Winter Cough Care Tips for the Whole Family

Consider these simple strategies to support you and your family’s health and cough:

·         Stock up on your herbal medicines - Have your cough syrups ready to address coughs as they start

• Stay warm - Keep warm and try to avoid sudden temperature changes
• Use a humidifier or steam inhalation to reduce impact of cold and dry air
• Stay hydrated – Drink water and warming herbal teas like ginger or tulsi
• Rest well - Get good rest and sleep
• Eat well - nourish your immune system with wholesome nutritious meals
• Address any underlying medical conditions with your healthcare professional

Learn more:

·         5 tips to stop dry cough naturally

·         What makes Herbitus Ayurvedic Dry Cough Relief Effective?

·         How Herbitus Chesty Cough Relief Works to Naturally Loosen Phlegm

Always remember – if you have any concerns about your cough or overall health, speak to a qualified healthcare professional.