Coughs and Colds

Coughs & Colds
Coughing is the body's way of removing foreign material or mucus from the lungs and upper airway passages camera or of reacting to an irritated airway. Coughs have distinctive traits you can learn to recognize. A cough is only a symptom, not a disease, and often the importance of your cough can be determined only when other symptoms are evaluated.

Productive coughs
A productive cough produces phlegm or mucus. The mucus may have drained down the back of the throat from the nose or sinuses or may have come up from the lungs. A productive cough generally should not be suppressed-it clears mucus from the lungs.

Non productive coughs
A non productive cough is dry and does not produce sputum. A dry, hacking cough may develop toward the end of a cold or after exposure to an irritant, such as dust or smoke.

Tips to reduce your chance of getting a cold
Wash your hands any time you cough or sneeze. This can reduce infection rate by over 50%. Don't share drinking glasses, cigarettes or utensils even among family members. (dare I say, don't smoke). Don't use your own spoon or utensil in food containers used by others. Keep hands away from your face. Use a tissue in sneezing and to ease nasal irritation. Get enough sleep regularly. Eat healthy foods and maintain a balanced diet. Change your bed linen regularly. Use Vogel Echinaforce to boost your immune system. Drink plenty of water.

Vitamins for coughs & colds
There are many supplements to help with dry coughs. A selection of vitamins to improve a cough or cold can be found below.