Uncovering the triggers (environmental factors) that cause cough-variant asthma is a long, arduous process of discovery. But it's worth it, because at the end of the day, a sufferer can literally breathe a sigh of relief. The triggers are different for each person, but common ones that produce cough variant asthma are dust and pollen, mold spores, chemicals, paint, strong odors and perfumes, extreme heat or humid climates.
Medication to control asthma cough is readily available and easy to use. A visit to your doctor or pulmonary specialist can help decide what is the best course of action to take for controlling your cough, but bronchodilators (such as Albeuterol inhalers) are commonly prescribed because they are fast acting, opening the airways within minutes so that you can breathe. Other medications are available as well, and some—Advair and allergy-focused tablets like Singulair—work long term. Your doctor will assess your condition and decide which medication is the best choice for your cough-variant asthma.
Many herbal remedies have been used to treat cough variant asthma. Some asthmatics swear by ginger root to cut down on cough, and soothing honey helps open nasal passages and clear the airways. Herbal tea such as green and chamomile teas are supposed to reduce congestion, which would in turn make it easier for a cough-variant asthmatic to breathe. A proper breathing technique is to sit up straight and breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth (slower, steadier breaths help regulate the oxygen and the nose serves as a filter for particles in the air that might be causing your asthma to flare up). Controlling your cough-variant asthma will be a challenge at first, but once you discover what combination of options work best for you, you will be on your way to leading a healthy, trigger-free life.
