Smoker’s cough, a term known to all smokers, yet few realize its true complexity and impact on human health. Although it may seem at first glance to be nothing more than an unpleasant but common occurrence, it carries a much deeper significance. It’s a warning signal from the body that something is amiss.
Smoker’s cough: A warning signal to take seriously
Smoker’s cough is one of the most common side effects of smoking, and its severity typically depends on the number of cigarettes smoked and the duration of the addiction. Cigarette smoke is laden with chemical and irritant substances that irritate the mucous membranes and damage the ciliated epithelium.
This epithelium lines the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and bronchi and is responsible for removing impurities, secretions, and toxic substances from the lungs. However, due to smoking, mucus glands also enlarge, and in an effort to protect the lungs, they begin to produce more mucus. Due to the weakened defensive functions of the epithelium, mucus accumulates in the lungs.
If affected individuals continues to smoke persistently, they are often forced to expel the accumulated mucus from their lungs. This phenomenon is referred to as smoker’s cough. People suffering from this problem often have a hoarse voice, as mucus can also affect the vocal cords. Untreated smoker’s cough can progress to much more severe diseases, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or even cancer.
Smoker’s cough symptoms
- sudden bouts of intense coughing (e.g., upon waking up in the morning, after smoking, etc.)
- shortness of breath
- hoarseness
- irritation and scratching in the throat
- breathing difficulties
- chest pain
- increasingly challenging expectoration of thick mucus
Salt therapy for alleviating smoker’s cough
Smoker’s cough is typically productive, meaning it is associated with the expulsion of mucus. This unpleasant symptom can be significantly improved with the help of expectorants, which are medications that aid in thinning mucus and facilitating its removal from the respiratory tract. To maximize the effectiveness of these medications, it is crucial to ensure an adequate intake of fluids.
Another effective method that can provide relief for smoker’s cough is salt therapy. This therapeutic approach involves the inhalation of fine salt micro-particles that traverse the entire respiratory system. Inhaling the salt aerosol offers a range of positive effects for individuals dealing with this uncomfortable manifestation of the condition.
The antibacterial properties of salt help in killing harmful bacteria, viruses, and allergens in the respiratory system, which cause inflammations and increased mucus production. This prevents further infection development.
Thanks to its natural anti-inflammatory properties, salt reduces inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract. This way, it reduces swelling in the respiratory passages, improves airway permeability, and facilitates breathing.
Inhaled salt micro-particles aid in dissolving accumulated mucus in the respiratory passages. This makes the mucus less viscous and easier to expel from the respiratory tract, improving its permeability.
Salt therapy promotes the production of white blood cells, which play a crucial role in the body’s defense against infections and diseases.
Inhaled salt particles help improve coughing, shortness of breath, and mucus caused by smoking. That’s why halotherapy can be particularly beneficial.
Recommended halotherapy treatment plan
To attain enduring benefits, we advise adhering to the following frequency and duration of salt therapy sessions.
Although even a less frequent sessions can provide relief, the crucial factor for achieving lasting results is maintaining consistency and regularity. This approach should continue until smoker’s cough symptoms begin to diminish. Once that occurs, you can gradually reduce the frequency of visits to our studio and incorporate salt therapy into your routine based on your individual preferences and availability. This will help bolster your immune system, enhance overall health, reduce stress, or serve as a relaxation method.
Why try salt therapy
For long-term smokers, halotherapy can be an effective way to alleviate smoker’s cough, especially if they decide to quit smoking. However, if they are unable to quit smoking or avoid other tobacco products, they should take this cough seriously. Any persistent cough, especially if it worsens and becomes more frequent over the years, should be examined by a doctor, as it could indicate more serious health issues.