Coughing can be classified into two types: productive and non-productive. A productive cough in people with asthma can be helpful because it is pushing mucus away from the lungs. Unfortunately, it is often seen that the cough in people with asthma is non-productive. A non-productive cough is dry cough that is a respondent to an irritant that causes bronchial tubes to constrict. Coughing can be especially bad at night.
Common asthma cough triggers can be from exercising, or it can be from specific outdoor allergens. The weather also plays a big factor in triggers. Other triggers include: pet dander, drugs, air pollution, illness, or stress.
Inhaled corticosteroids help reduce a cough caused from asthma because it reduces lung inflammation. These can be used over a long period of time. On the other hand, oral corticosteroids are used for short term periods, during the time of a flare up, typically once a week.
Preventing an asthma cough can be done in a few simple steps. If you are typically coughing more at night, it may be beneficial to place a humidifier in your bedroom. If the air outside is bothering you, then it is best to limit time outdoors. If allergens are the trigger of asthma, then it is essential to also treat the allergens.
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