Memorial Day: Remember, Honor, Summer Vacation…

in /by

Memorial Day – A time to remember and honor the women and men who died while serving in the United States military. Thank You.  And for many of us, Memorial Day kicks-off the start of the summer season.  Summer breaks from our usual routine and summer travel may result in an exacerbation of Chronic Cough.  So, Memorial Day is also an opportunity to plan for summer vacations and be aware of those common factors that may trigger more frequent and intense coughing experiences.

Dr. Mandel Sher and Center for Cough team remind people suffering with Chronic Cough to be mindful of the following factors:

  • Diet:  Summer vacation may include food and drink temptations that are just too good to resist!  Fatty foods, Caffeine, and Alcohol are common diet triggers that may produce cough.  So, be mindful as you make food and drink choices, and be aware of heightened cough associated with food and drink.
  • Allergens:  Your summer travel may find you in an environment with allergens not found at home and trigger an unexpected allergic response.  Environmental allergies are especially variable from one place to another:  Insects, Trees, Dust, Pets are a few common environmental allergies that may be present in your vacation getaway that are different from familiar home situations.
  • Climate:  Vacation destinations may have heat, wind, and dust  that result in a “dry throat.”  Dry throat may stimulate a tickle in the back of your throat that produces cough.
  • Get Togethers:  Summer vacations are a wonderful time to enjoy family and friends.  Talking, talking, and talking some more may be throat drying and produce cough.
  • Discipline:  Summer travel and fun sometimes distracts us from adhering to our medication regimen.  Remember, Chronic Cough is a Chronic Condition that does not take a vacation.  Please take your medications as prescribed by your doctor(s).

A health tip that is universally good for everyone, especially people with Chronic Cough, is:  Stay Hydrated.  Sip, Sip, Sip Water!  Cough lozenges with pectin may also soothe a dry cough.

Happy Trails!