Quelling your cough
The treatment for your cough will be determined by the type of cough and its cause. The best method to manage a cough caused by a viral illness is to let the immune system handle it; such coughs usually go away on their own. A doctor will focus on the source of a cough when treating it.
Cough medication can be divided into two major categories
Expectorants (Mucokinetics)
Many cough medicines contain expectorants, which are substances that loosen sputum and make it easier to remove. The most often used expectorants are Ambroxol and Guaifenesin. Expectorants are medications that aid in the removal of mucus and other debris from the trachea, bronchi, and lungs. Guaifenesin (guaiphenesin), for example, thins mucus while also lubricating the inflamed respiratory tract and aiding in the drainage of the airways.
Cough suppressants
They are also widely used. Cough suppressants, such as dextromethorphan, can help patients feel more at ease. Prescription cough syrups containing codeine are more effective. Cough suppressants can relieve discomfort when used properly; however, since coughing can serve a useful function, it should not always be repressed, particularly in productive cough. Some cough suppressants may alleviate related symptoms such as fever or a stuffy nose. These medications reduce the cough reflex and are often only used to treat a dry cough. Pholcodine, dextromethorphan, and antihistamines are a few examples. However, there is no compelling evidence that cough treatments help coughs go away faster.
Others
Before providing OTC cough medicine to small children, consult with a doctor. Some cough medicine components, such as codeine, might be hazardous to small children.
Natural cures
Treating the root cause
- Allergies can be treated by avoiding triggers and taking antihistamines to lessen their reactions.
- Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics.
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) can be addressed with bronchodilators to widen your airways.
- GORD (Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) can be treated with antacids to neutralize stomach acid and medicines to reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces.
- Quitting smoking is also likely to help improve your cough.
What happens if you don't treat it?
A severe cough in some cases may result in temporary consequences such as:
- tiredness
- headaches
- dizziness
- rib fractures
When should you worry about your cough?
Most coughs, especially those caused by colds and flu, go away fast. Coughs can, however, be caused by a variety of different conditions, some of the symptoms which may potentially indicate a bigger problem indicate a bigger problem necessitate medical treatment.
You should seek professional help from a doctor for the following:
Coughs that generate specific sounds, such as whooping, wheezing, or barking
If your cough produces yellowish-green phlegm or blood
Suffering asthma and experiencing a cough, especially at night
Feelings of stiffness or discomfort in your chest
A cough that does not go away after 7 days
If you are fatigued or feeling lethargic
Experiencing unexplainable chronic cough, the one lasting longer than 3 weeks
Running a fever or chills
Noticing unexplained weight loss
You should immediately go to the hospital if you are experiencing: