Cough is a protective reflex of the body by the way of which the air passages are cleared of an unwanted discharge or foreign body. Causes of cough are many but it is mostly due to diseases of the respiratory tract like viral, bacterial or fungal infections, allergies, asthma, auto-immune diseases, lung tumors etc. Other causes are gastric reflux, cardiac failure, and use of certain medicines, thyroid tumors, and psychogenic cough.
Cough longer than 3 weeks is considered as chronic and should not be neglected. Severe cough can lead to complications such as eye bleeding, rib fracture, vomiting, involuntary urination, prolapse of uterus, rupture of lungs, and chronic loss of sleep. It is extremely important determine the cause of cough and, treat it.
Homeopathy has wide application in various cases of cough. As per the cause of cough, and the symptoms, homoeopathic medicines are prescribed. Hence two patients with cough are given different medicines and not just one generic anti-tussive.
Homeopathic treatment does not suppress the cough reflex, rather treats the primary cause which automatically relieves the cough. In cases with incurable diseases homeopathic medicines are given to bring about palliative relief of the symptoms without trying to cure the primary condition.
Homeopathic treatment for cough does not have any side effects and hence is safe in children and old or terminally ill patients. Homeopathy is the best treatment in pregnant women with severe cough threatening abortion. It is best to consult an expert homeopathic physician before taking homoeopathic medications.