By Foluke Akinwalere. Freelance Health Writer and DLHA volunteer. With medical review and editorial support by the DLHA Team
African man with a healthcare provider
Chronic cough can be a persistent and debilitating condition, impacting the lives of millions of adults across Africa. From infectious diseases to environmental and psychogenic factors, the causes of chronic cough are diverse and often challenging to address.
In this article you will learn about how chronic cough is treated in African adults for improved quality of life in those affected. Detailed consideration of the causes and investigation of chronic cough that usually comes before treatment are discussed in different reports.
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A varied approach is essential in the treatment of chronic cough in African adults. This may involve the use of a combination of prescription and over-the-counter medicines, home remedies,and psychotherapy to address the underlying condition and relieve the cough symptoms.
Read on to learn how different treatment options either singly or in combination are used to treat chronic cough depending on their causes.
The treatment should be guided by the specific infectious disease diagnosis and individual patient needs. Adherence to prescribed medications and a holistic approach to respiratory health can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Antibiotics: Prescription antibiotics are commonly used to treat infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and other respiratory infections that cause chronic cough. They target the causative bacteria and help to eliminate the infection. Compliance with the full course of antibiotics is crucial to prevent recurrence and the development of antibiotic resistance.
Antiviral Medications: In cases of viral respiratory infections, antiviral medications may be prescribed if available and appropriate.
Antifungal Medications: For fungal infections, antifungal medications can be prescribed to combat the underlying cause of chronic cough.
Cough Suppressants: Prescription cough suppressants may be recommended in cases where the cough is severe and causes significant discomfort. These medications can temporarily relieve coughing but should be used with caution, especially in infectious diseases, as they may hinder the clearance of mucus from the airways.
Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids: In cases where chronic cough is associated with conditions like asthma, bronchodilators (drugs that open the airways) and corticosteroids (drugs that reduce inflammation) may be prescribed to manage symptoms.
Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water can help loosen mucus and ease coughing. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the hot water may further soothe the airways.
Hydration: Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids can help maintain moist airways and relieve irritation.
Honey and Lemon: A mixture of honey and lemon in warm water can provide relief from a sore throat and reduce coughing.
Herbal Remedies: Certain herbal remedies, such as licorice root, ginger, and marshmallow root, may have soothing properties for the throat and airways.
Aromatherapy: Essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint and thyme, when used in a diffuser or inhaled, can help alleviate cough symptoms.
Traditional Medicine: In some African cultures, traditional herbal preparations are used to manage respiratory symptoms. However, the safety and efficacy of these remedies should be carefully considered, and consultation with a healthcare professional is advised before use.
2. Environmental Factors
Treatment approaches should be tailored to the specific environmental cause and individual patient needs. Also, addressing the root causes, such as improving air quality or reducing allergen exposure, is essential for long-term management and prevention.
Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids: Prescription medications like bronchodilators and corticosteroids can manage chronic cough associated with environmental factors such as air pollution or allergens. They help to open the airways and reduce inflammation, improving breathing and cough symptoms.
Antihistamines: Prescription antihistamines may be prescribed to alleviate cough due to allergies, helping to reduce the body's response to environmental allergens.
Air Purifiers: Using air purifiers in indoor spaces can help reduce exposure to airborne pollutants and allergens.
Allergen Avoidance: Identifying and avoiding specific allergens in the environment, such as dust mites or pollen, can help reduce cough triggers.
Steam Inhalation: Steam inhalation can provide relief by moistening and soothing irritated airways.
Herbal Remedies: Some herbal remedies, such as ginger, licorice root, and marshmallow root, have soothing properties for the throat and may provide relief from cough due to environmental factors.
Aromatherapy: Essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender, when used in a diffuser or inhaled, can help alleviate respiratory symptoms.
Traditional Medicine: In certain African cultures, traditional herbal preparations are used to manage respiratory symptoms related to environmental causes. However, it's essential to ensure the safety and efficacy of these remedies through consultation with healthcare professionals.
It's important to note that treatment of GERD-related cough should be supervised by a healthcare professional. Additionally, lifestyle modifications like weight management, avoiding smoking, and reducing alcohol intake are important for long-term management.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Prescription PPIs are commonly used to reduce stomach acid production. They can alleviate the irritation of the esophagus caused by reflux, thus reducing chronic cough associated with GERD.
Histamine H2 Receptor Blockers: These prescription medications called H2 blockers for short, can also help reduce stomach acid production and alleviate GERD-related cough symptoms.
Dietary Modifications: Avoiding trigger foods like spicy, fatty, or acidic items, as well as eating smaller, more frequent meals, can reduce the risk of reflux and cough.
Elevating the Head of the Bed: Raising the head of the bed by a few inches can prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the oesophagus while sleeping.
Herbal Remedies: Some herbal remedies like ginger or slippery elm may have soothing properties for the digestive system and could complement treatment.
Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe Vera juice, when consumed in small amounts, is believed to have a soothing effect on the oesophagus and may reduce the severity of GERD symptoms.
Allergy management, lifestyle adjustments, and the use of prescription medicines can be tailored to each individual's specific needs. Minimising allergen exposure and managing symptoms effectively can significantly reduce chronic cough related to allergic rhinitis.
Antihistamines: Prescription antihistamines are often prescribed to reduce the body's allergic response. They can alleviate allergic induced nose dripping (rhinitis) symptoms, including cough.
Nasal Corticosteroids: These prescription nasal sprays help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and airways, providing relief from allergy-related symptoms, including cough.
Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists: These medications can help manage allergic rhinitis and associated cough by blocking the action of certain inflammatory substances.
Allergen Avoidance: Identifying and minimising exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander is a crucial home remedy for reducing allergic rhinitis symptoms and cough.
Saline Nasal Irrigation: Rinsing the nasal passages with a saline solution can help clear allergens and reduce nasal congestion, which may contribute to cough.
Herbal Remedies: Certain herbal remedies like butterbur and quercetin are believed to have anti-allergic properties that may complement the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
The treatment and prevention of chronic cough due to occupational hazards in African adults should involve collaboration between healthcare professionals, occupational health specialists, and workplace safety measures. Reducing exposure to hazards and managing respiratory symptoms can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by such hazards.
Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids: Prescription medications can help manage chronic cough-related occupational hazards by opening airways and reducing inflammation.
Antibiotics: In cases where occupational hazards involve exposure to hazardous particles leading to lung infections, prescription antibiotics may be required.
Respiratory Protection: The primary home remedy for occupational hazards is prevention. Using appropriate respiratory protection, such as masks or respirators, can reduce exposure to hazardous substances.
Lifestyle Modifications: Improving overall health through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management can enhance lung function and reduce the impact of occupational hazards.
Herbal Remedies: Certain herbs, like thyme and licorice root, are believed to have soothing properties for the respiratory system and may provide complementary relief for cough symptoms.
Aromatherapy: Essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint, when used in a diffuser or inhaled, can provide relief from respiratory symptoms.
Occupational health and safety measures, including adequate ventilation, personal protective equipment (PPE), and proper work practices, are essential to reduce exposure to occupational hazards.
It's essential to emphasise the primary role of smoking cessation in addressing chronic cough caused by tobacco and secondhand smoke exposure. Quitting smoking and minimising exposure to smoke are the most effective means of reducing chronic cough and preventing further respiratory problems in African adults. Healthcare professionals can provide guidance and support for smoking cessation.
Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids: Prescription medications can help manage chronic cough related to smoke exposure by opening airways, reducing inflammation, and improving lung function.
Smoking Cessation Aids: Prescription medications like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or prescription medications such as Varenicline may be used to assist individuals in quitting smoking.
Smoking Cessation: The most crucial home remedy is quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke. This is the most effective way to reduce chronic cough and improve overall health. It is often challenging to quit smoking and maintain it. Reach out to your health care provider for advice and support.
Hydration: Staying well-hydrated can help soothe the airways and reduce cough associated with smoke exposure.
Herbal Remedies: Some herbal remedies, such as licorice root and ginger, are believed to have soothing properties for the respiratory system, which may complement treatment.
Aromatherapy: Essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint, when used in a diffuser or inhaled, can help alleviate respiratory symptoms.
Here’s the treatment approach to addressing chronic cough caused by non-communicable diseases:
Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids: Prescription medications can help manage chronic cough associated with non-communicable diseases, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They work by opening airways and reducing inflammation.
Disease-Specific Medications: For underlying conditions like asthma, heart disease, or lung diseases, prescription medications that target the specific disease are essential to manage cough symptoms effectively.
Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management can improve overall health and reduce cough symptoms associated with non-communicable diseases.
Hydration: Staying well-hydrated can help soothe the airways and reduce irritation.
Herbal Remedies: Some herbs, like ginger or licorice root, are believed to have soothing properties for the respiratory system and may complement treatment.
Aromatherapy: Essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint, when used in a diffuser or inhaled, can help alleviate respiratory symptoms.
Effective management of underlying non-communicable diseases is crucial. This may involve medications for heart conditions, diabetes, or hypertension, as well as monitoring and adherence to treatment plans.
The key to addressing psychogenic cough in African adults is to identify and manage the psychological factors contributing to the cough. A combination of psychological support, stress-reduction techniques, and complementary therapies can be effective in improving overall well-being and reducing cough symptoms. Healthcare professionals and mental health experts play a pivotal role in providing the necessary support and guidance for treatment.
Once serious and commonly occuring diseases associated with chronic cough have been excluded, non-medication based symptom control should be the focus when psychogenic cough is suspected. Various psychotherapy tools are available for helping patients to cope with their symptoms. These include hypnosis, suggestion therapy, reassurance, counselling or a referral to a psychologist or a psychiatrist.
Breathing Exercises: Techniques such as deep breathing and diaphragmatic breathing can help individuals manage psychogenic cough by reducing anxiety and stress.
Stress Management: Strategies to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, and relaxation exercises, can help alleviate psychogenic cough symptoms.
Herbal Remedies: Some herbal remedies, like chamomile and valerian root, are believed to have calming effects and may complement psychogenic cough treatment by reducing anxiety.
Aromatherapy: Essential oils like lavender and bergamot, when used in a diffuser or inhaled, can have a calming effect, which may help manage the psychogenic cough.
In addressing chronic cough in African adults due to an undiagnosed condition, symptom management and relief measures can provide temporary comfort while awaiting a comprehensive diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Symptom Management: Prescription medications such as bronchodilators or cough suppressants may be prescribed to manage chronic cough symptoms while further diagnostic investigations are underway.
Treat Underlying Conditions: Once an accurate diagnosis is made, prescription medications specific to the underlying condition are initiated.
Hydration: Staying well-hydrated can help soothe the airways and alleviate coughing.
Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water can help loosen mucus and ease coughing.
Herbal Remedies: Certain herbal remedies, like ginger or licorice root, are believed to have soothing properties for the respiratory system and may complement treatment.
Aromatherapy: Essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint, when used in a diffuser or inhaled, can help alleviate respiratory symptoms.
The treatment for chronic cough depends on its underlying cause. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. Treatment options may include prescription medicines, home remedies, or complementary therapies tailored to the specific cause of your chronic cough.
Honey can be a natural and soothing remedy to help reduce chronic cough symptoms, particularly when the cough is due to irritation or inflammation. It can help soothe the throat and alleviate coughing. It may not be effective for all types of chronic cough, such as those caused by underlying medical conditions. It is also ill-advised in diabetics.
Lozenges can provide temporary relief for chronic coughs by soothing the throat and suppressing the cough reflex. However, they do not address the underlying cause of the cough.
You should be concerned if your cough medicine isn't improving your cough after a few weeks or if your cough worsens. In such cases, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional to identify the underlying cause and explore more effective treatment options.
If your cough medicine makes you feel sleepy, avoid activities that require focus and alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.
The best first-line treatment for a troublesome cough depends on the underlying cause. Consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.
It’s important to consider the availability of healthcare resources and the socio-economic context when developing treatment plans for chronic cough in African adults. Multidisciplinary teams, including chest physicians (pulmonologists), infectious disease specialists, and primary care providers, should collaborate to provide comprehensive care when necessary. Additionally, public health efforts to raise awareness about the causes and management of chronic cough will encourage individuals to seek timely medical assistance.
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2. Ahmed A, Clarke JO. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) National Library of Medicine, May 1, 2023. Accessed, October 25, 2023.
3. Choi J, Azmat CE; Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists National Library of Medicine, June 4, 2023. Accessed Oct, 25, 2023.
4. MedlinePlus. Nicotine Replacement Therapy; National Library of Medicine; Article Reviewed February 28, 2023. Accessed Oct, 25, 2023.
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