RESPIRATORY TRACT HEALTH

On a daily basis, the respiratory system is subjected to a diverse range of detrimental factors, including dust, pollen, mites, tobacco smoke, environmental pollution, and microorganisms (viruses and bacteria).

In the initial stage, the nose plays a crucial role as a filter, providing a certain level of protection for the body. However, in some cases, particularly when levels are exceedingly high, certain substances manage to bypass this filtration, leading to respiratory diseases.

Respiratory diseases, as the name implies, affect any structure of the respiratory system: nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, and pulmonary alveoli. When they occur, they are accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms such as sneezing, inflammation and irritation of the mucous membranes, nasal airway congestion, difficulty in breathing properly, coughing, among others. 

None of the aforementioned symptoms are pleasant, but coughing is particularly bothersome, potentially even significantly interfering with our daily lives. Coughing is, however, an important defense mechanism of the respiratory system, responding to irritation of the airways. Through the sudden expulsion of air characterizing coughing, the body can eliminate excess secretions and foreign particles.

Cough can be characterized based on its nature as DRY or PRODUCTIVE:

• DRY COUGH: Irritative cough, characterized by a constant urge to cough and a sensation of throat irritation. It represents a response to stimuli that irritate the airways and tends to occur, particularly at night.
• PRODUCTIVE COUGH: Cough with expectoration, usually resulting from an upper respiratory tract infection, such as the common cold virus. This infection induces inflammation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, leading to the production of thick and sticky mucus. The cough serves as a natural process to eliminate these accumulated secretions, thereby facilitating normal breathing.

Not all coughs are alike, and they can stem from various causes. While not a disease in itself, coughing is a symptom that typically resolves within a short period. As a natural reflex, why not approach it in a natural manner? In this context, we should adopt certain measures to promote healthy respiratory pathways:

1. Increase fluid intake to maintain mucosal hydration: reduces irritation caused by coughing and helps to liquefy secretions.
   
2. Perform steam inhalations or nebulizations using aerosol devices: moistens the respiratory passages and facilitates the expulsion of mucus.
   
3. Keep the head of the bed slightly elevated while sleeping to assist in relieving dry cough at night.
   
4. Consider the use of natural syrupy solutions that contribute organically to maintaining respiratory health.

It is important not to forget that persistent cough deserves careful attention. While coughing is natural, it should not be neglected.

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