A cough that doesn’t make phlegm or mucus is called dry coughing. It’s normal to occasionally cough dryly, with airborne allergens or a mild respiratory infection being the likely cause. However, dry coughing that lasts for a long time or seems out of control could be a sign of a deeper health problem. Monitoring a dry cough is especially important for older people, whose immune systems may not be as strong as they once were. It’s good for seniors to have people around them, such as the senior home care team, to monitor their dry coughing.
Common Reasons For Dry Coughing
Viruses like the flu or the common cold can cause dry coughing. These illnesses can be worse in older people and may take longer to recover. Additionally, some environmental factors, like pollen, dust, or pet hair, can cause allergies in seniors, which can lead to a dry cough. At the same time, medicines that are supposed to help seniors with heart problems or high blood pressure might also cause a dry cough as a side effect.
GERD, which stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is another issue that commonly affects seniors and also leads to dry coughing. This is because acid reflux can irritate the throat. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), another prevalent condition, is characterized by persistent coughing that is often dry in nature. Finally, heart failure can sometimes cause fluid to build up in the lungs, which can make seniors cough.
When Should the Senior Home Care Team Worry About Seniors’ Dry Coughs?
There are a few things to consider when monitoring a dry cough. Those things are detailed below:
- Length of the Cough: If seniors have a dry cough that lasts for more than three weeks and doesn’t get better with over-the-counter cough medicines, they should see a doctor.
- Additional Symptoms: Seniors should see a doctor right away if they have a cough along with other troubling signs like shortness of breath, chest pain, or weight loss they weren’t working towards.
- Chronic Conditions: Seniors who already have diabetes, heart disease, or immune systems that aren’t working well should be extra careful, as they may be more likely to have problems.
- Recent Lung Infections: If a senior had a respiratory infection not long ago and their cough stays or gets worse, it could mean they have a second illness or something more serious.
- Changes in Activity: Another factor the senior home care team should look for is a drop in energy, hunger, or general health along with the dry cough.
If any of these problems happen, the senior home care team should encourage seniors to talk to a doctor or nurse. Seeing a doctor right away can help determine what’s causing the dry cough and start the right treatment. This is significant, as finding respiratory conditions early can help avoid possible complications in the future.
By working together, the senior home care team, seniors, and loved ones can ensure any concerns are monitored and addressed effectively.
Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324912
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7100077/
https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-cough
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Allen, TX, please contact the caring staff at Clear Path Home Care today. Call 817-928-5788.
Clear Path Home Care provides compassionate, high quality home care in Denton County, Montague County, Cooke County, Grayson County, Fannin County, Lamar County, Wise County, Collin County, Hunt County, Delta County, and Hopkins County in Texas.
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