Do You Need Antibiotics if You Cough?

Winter is almost here. At this time of change of season, many children and old people suffer from colds; phlegm accumulates in the chest. Khuk Khuk kept coughing in the morning and afternoon. If you have a cold, you may have difficulty breathing or chest pain.

Many people take antibiotics without a doctor’s advice to relieve coughing or phlegm. But do all coughs need antibiotics? Know some common causes and remedies for winter coughs…

The causes of cough

Viral infection: The main cause of coughs is viral infection. Viruses spread faster in the winter because they have an environment in which they can become infected. A cough may produce thin sputum, and a cold may accompany it. Coughs caused by viral infections do not require antibiotics.

Bacterial infection: This can lead to bacterial bronchitis or pneumonia, which can cause coughing. In this case, thick yellow phlegm may come out, and fever may occur. In this case, antibiotic consumption may be required as per the doctor’s advice.

Environmental Factors: Pollutants like smoke and dust due to closed doors and windows in winter can cause coughing problems. In this case, the phlegm that is formed with the cough is thin mucous material.

Allergies: Allergic problems increase in winter, resulting in coughs with thin phlegm. For those who are suffering from asthma, the risk of coughing in the winter also increases a lot.

Chronic bronchitis: Smokers can develop chronic bronchitis. In this case, there is cough and phlegm for three consecutive months in each of two consecutive years. Get treatment if you have such symptoms. In winter, these patients are more likely to suffer from infections and coughs.

Cough Home Remedies

Drink plenty of fluids, such as warm water, herbal teas, and soups.
Take regular hot steam baths, or even hot baths, to soothe the airways and loosen mucus.
Drink lemon and honey in water. Lemon has antimicrobial properties, and besides, it contains vitamin C.
You can use a humidifier in the bedroom to keep the airways moist.
Elevate your head with an extra pillow at night to reduce coughing, especially if you suffer from GERD or gastric problems.
Ensure adequate rest if affected by a cough. Rest strengthens the body’s ability to fight bacteria.
Avoid smoking completely.
Practice hand washing regularly to reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria.
Reduce the risk of viral and bacterial infections by getting vaccinated for influenza and pneumonia.
Exercise regularly to relieve the problem of winter cough by increasing the body’s immunity.