Respiratory diseases remain among the top 20 most prevalent causes of morbidity among Filipinos in 2021, according to preliminary data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).^[1] Some of the diseases listed included pneumonia, tuberculosis, and COVID-19.

These illnesses, however, do not develop quickly. They can start from something as small as a mild cough, and become exacerbated by a condition as common as asthma. In fact, coughing is a common symptom of most respiratory illnesses.^[2] Asthma sufferers also have an increased risk of developing pneumonia,^[3] and the COVID-19 virus may trigger asthma symptoms and worsen them.^[4]

Thankfully, you can nip these serious diseases in the bud by learning how to treat cough and asthma as early as possible. Here are some tips you can follow.

1. Understand that there are different types of cough.^[5]

There are many different types of cough, and they can indicate a variety of things. Some coughs are caused by a viral infection, and can usually be identified through the yellow or white mucus generated. On the other hand, a bacterial infection produces mucus that looks like it has pus. Other types of cough can be dry cough, whooping cough, or cough accompanied by colds, wheezing, or fever. Regardless, knowing what type of cough you are exhibiting can help in determining what treatments can be done.

2. Keep triggers and irritants away.^[6]

Allergens such as fragrances, dust, or pollen don’t just trigger sneezing – they can also trigger coughs as well. If your upper respiratory tract gets irritated, your body’s reaction might be to produce more mucus or histamines and aggravate coughing. To avoid these situations, keeping a clean and tidy environment can help immensely.

3. Take up sports or exercise that strengthens your lungs, like swimming.^[7]

Swimming has long been recommended to asthmatics, and today, there is more scientific evidence to back this up. Aside from building up the muscles used to help in lung functions, the warm and humid water environment helps soothe tightening or inflammations in the chest. It also helps your body develop good breathing techniques, alleviating the issues caused by asthma.

4. Stay hydrated.⁶

Coughs can sometimes be triggered by dryness in your throat, sinuses, and upper respiratory tract. Thus, a way to combat this is to drink more water. Hot drinks, such as tea, can also help to lower congestion thanks to the heat. Steam also works to loosen the mucus and congestion behind your cough, so take a warm bath, or invest in a humidifier.

5. Look to research-backed, natural remedies to help alleviate symptoms.^[8]

Lagundi has long been used in Filipino culture for treating respiratory issues. The University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) partnered together in order to study and harness Lagundi’s healing properties, developing medicines that can help suppress mild to moderate cough without any harmful side effects. Just as in the past, the Lagundi-based syrups or tablets  are widely used as a cough remedy. You can find many of these now at local drugstores and pharmacies.

Life is too short to live it short of breath. If all else fails, do not hesitate to consult your physician, so they can advise you on the proper medications, therapies, or treatments you can undergo to help improve your overall respiratory health.

^[1] https://psa.gov.ph/content/causes-deaths-philippines-preliminary-january-october-2021

^[2] http://psrphysicians.com/index.php/respiratory/respiratory-symptoms/

^[3] https://www.lung.org/blog/pneumonia-and-asthma

^[4] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/covid-19-asthma

^[5] https://thefilipinodoctor.com/condition/cough

^[6] https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cough-get-rid-home-hacks

^[7] https://asthma.net/living/is-swimming-beneficial-to-asthmatics

^[8] https://www.wipo.int/ipadvantage/en/details.jsp?id=3661