**
1.
Cough for more than 15 days is an indication for chest X-ray to rule out any lung pathology.
2. Three major points in deciding treatment of cough are its duration [3 months], presence of expectoration and presence of
wheezing thus chest examination becomes necessary.
3. choice of medicine will depend upon doctor to doctor and from locality to locality
4. If there is no response, ask for investigations like:
. Hb%, WBC for
eosinophilia.
. X-ray chest for TB,
Pneumonia.
5. Cough with cold could arise from pathology concerning pharynx [pharyngitis], and bronchi [bronchitis] is one of the commonest symptom seen in General Practice, thus prior to any alternate medicine, do consult an ENT and/ or Chest Specialist for necessary Management and Examination.
. Steam Inhalations 3-4 times a day.
. avoidance of allergens [dust/cold drinks]
. Vitamin A: helps to maintain
Thymus gland which is a powerful
antiviral gland: thus mango, carrots, cantaloupe, egg yolk, apricots, pumpkin, papaya, are ideal.
. Vitamin C: is needed for proper functioning of immune system: amla is best
. Vitamin E: is a powerful anti oxidant which helps to stimulate antibody production: peanuts, dried apricots, cooked spinach, taro root can be taken
. Vitamin B is important for the activity of phagocytes: eggs, cheese, pistachio, raw garlic, sunflower and sesame oil.
. Successful prescription for his age will be: sitopladi churan, khadiradi vati, kas amrit/kashar syrup,
PS. In acute stage/ till cough is there:
. Avoid: Heavy, slimy and acidic food, curd, mustard oil, excess physical exertion, sunlight-dust areas, exposure to strong winds, day sleeping,
smoking, Potato, green leafy vegetables. Cold water/food