Cough is called a protective mechanism of the body to get rid of dust, mucus and microbes (viruses, bacteria) that have entered the respiratory tract. Coughing can occur at any time of the day or night and in some cases occurs specifically in the morning. Morning cough can have several causes. The first of these may be allergies (allergic rhinitis). Allergic rhinitis is an overreaction of the body’s immune system to airborne allergens such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander, etc. This can result in a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and dry cough. When coughs are associated with dust mite allergies, symptoms tend to get worse in the morning and evening. This is because the dust mites are in the bedding. Another cause could be a cold. It refers to the infection of the nose and throat resulting from viruses (there are approximately 200 or more types of respiratory viruses, of which rhinoviruses are the most important). Coughing can be one of the symptoms, along with a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing and sore throat.
Another cause of morning cough is PND (post-nasal discharge which refers to the dripping of mucus from the back of the nose into the throat, which can cause a cough). PND can be caused by a variety of causes, such as colds, flu, sinus infection, allergies, and acid reflux.
It can subsequently occur with respiratory infections. The infection can occur in the upper respiratory tract or in the lower respiratory tract. Some of the conditions that occur with respiratory infections include bronchitis, pneumonia, and COVID -19. Bronchitis is the infection of the bronchi that transport air from the trachea to the lungs. Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. COVID – 19 is the result of an infection with the virus called SARS – CoV-2.
Other causes of morning cough include COPD and asthma. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that results in obstruction of airflow to the lungs. Two common conditions associated with COPD are chronic bronchitis (long-term inflammation of the airways) and emphysema (damage to the alveoli at the end of the bronchioles). Asthma is a respiratory disease that causes breathing difficulties, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Asthma can also result from acid reflux/GERD, i.e. gastroesophageal reflux disease in which there is backflow of stomach acid into the food pipe due to improper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). In addition to the above, the other reasons for morning cough are hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland that can cause morning cough due to the feeling of something stuck in the throat among other signs and symptoms), smoking and dry mouth.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathic medicines are very effective to treat cases of morning cough. Homeopathic medicines are medicines of natural origin that help in such cases without side effects. They treat the cause of the cough and strengthen the body’s own recovery mechanism to get rid of the problem. There are numerous homeopathic medicines to treat morning cough and the prescription should be selected for each individual based on the characteristic symptom presentation. It is advised to take any homeopathic medicine under the supervision of a homeopathic doctor, after a detailed case evaluation. In any case, one should avoid self-medication. Homeopathy is advised only for mild to moderate cases that occur without serious reasons. In case of cough with high fever, severe breathing difficulties, excessive chest pain, drowsiness, fainting or in cases of cough that has a serious cause such as pneumonia, COVID-19, one should follow conventional treatment as homeopathy has limitations in treating such serious conditions. fallen.
Homeopathic medicines for morning cough
1. Kali Bichrome – For controlling cough in the morning upon waking
Kali Bichrome is very effective for controlling cough in the morning upon waking up. It is accompanied by coughing up white mucus. The mucus is very thick and sticky and can be pulled into strands. The mucus tends to stick in the throat and mouth. A very important symptom besides coughing is post-nasal drip (PND) of very thick, sticky and viscous mucus. Cough may be accompanied by breathing difficulties. Lying down makes it better. Cough is caused by an irritation in the larynx. In some cases, the expectorated sputum is also stained with blood. In cases where this is necessary, the cough may increase after eating and also with deep breathing. This medicine is of great help in treating complaints related to PND or sinus infections.
2. Pulsatilla – For loose cough in the morning with copious expectoration
This medicine is beneficial for treating loose cough in the morning. In addition, there is excessive mucus coughing. The mucus is thick and may be yellow or green. It may have a bitter or salty taste. There is hoarseness of the voice and pain in the throat. In some cases, a burning sensation or tightness is felt in the chest with these complaints.
3. Cactus cacti – For cough in the morning around 6 or 7 am
This medicine is indicated for coughing in the morning around 6:00 am or 7:00 am. In the beginning there is a dry cough. After some time the mucus loosens. The coughed up mucus is thick, sticky and white or whitish yellow. The mucus may have a salty taste. In some cases, vomiting also occurs. When this medicine is needed, there may be headache and coughing. Another characteristic feature of using this medicine is coughing in the morning when a person gets up or while brushing teeth.
4. Iodum – To control dry cough in the morning
Iodum works well for dry cough in the morning. It is caused by an irritation in the larynx (larynx). Sometimes there is a sensation of a spring-like thing in the throat that induces coughing. There may also be sneezing. Sometimes vomiting also occurs. Burning pain in the throat and stabbing pain in the chest may also accompany it. There is also marked weakness along with coughing.
5. Natrum Mur – For cough due to tickling or irritation in the throat
This medicine is very useful for coughs caused by tickling or irritation in the throat. It may be accompanied by mucus build-up. The expectorated sputum is usually yellow. In addition to these complaints, there may be pain in the forehead. A runny nose and sneezing may be present in the morning, along with coughing, when this medicine is needed. Natrum Mur is a great medicine to help with complaints associated with allergies.
6. Ferrum Met – For morning cough with bloody phlegm
Ferrum Met is clearly indicated for coughing in the morning with bloody mucus. In some cases, the expectorated mucus is green and frothy. The mucus can taste sour or sweet. There may also be breathing difficulties. There is relief from coughing by walking around slowly.
7. Phosphorus – For coughs with mucus build-up
Phosphorus is an important medicine to help cases of cough with expectoration. Mucus can be transparent, white, thick yellow or bloody. However, in the evening there is a dry cough without mucus. If necessary, the nose can be blocked in the morning.