Cough medicine and what you need to know

To treat cough, cough medicine is often the first choice of many people. There are many types of cough pills on the market. Depending on the situation, each person will apply the appropriate cough medicine.

Cough is a very common disease that can occur at any age. Although coughing is not a serious disease, it often causes discomfort to the sick person, affecting daily activities. Usually, cough medicines are the first treatment option for many people. However, if you do not know how to use cough medicine properly, it will make treatment more difficult.

Currently, to relieve cough from colds or bronchitis, we often use cough suppressants, expectorant or use menthol. Each method has different effects and uses.

A cough suppressant helps prevent dry cough

A cough suppressant has a mechanism to prevent dry cough reflexes. In these cough medicines, the most common ingredient is dextromethorphan. You will see the active ingredient name is abbreviated as DM on the bottle or package.

However, you should note that this medicine is not used for the treatment of cough with phlegm and medicine does not relieve pain like codeine - the medicine is only prescribed by the doctor.

Sputum for coughing up sputum

A productive cough can be a good thing because it cleans up the dirty mucus in the respiratory tract. However, bouts of coughing often cause discomfort to the sick and even the surrounding people. See your doctor if your cough affects and makes you sleepless.

Some doctors may advise you to drink water to remove mucus, but you can also use medicines with guaifenesin. This drug helps to drain water, so it is easier for phlegm to move out. The most common side effects of this cough medicine are vomiting and nausea.

Does peppermint oil work to treat cough?

Camphor and peppermint oil are commonly known as treatments for natural coughs. They are often in the form of ointments used to rub the throat and chest. These forms often have a strong odor and fast evaporation to help reduce coughs and choking.

You can also use liquid peppermint oil with an oil purifier - a tool to evaporate water into the air to help you breathe in.

Combine cough medicine with other drugs

Many treatments for cough combine cough and expectorant medications with medications that treat other symptoms, including antihistamines, decongestants and painkillers.

These combinations may be good if you have cold symptoms such as body aches, cough and congestion. However, the downside is that you can take the medicine you don't need.

Is medicine safe?

Your doctor may recommend that you do not need to treat coughing with a cold unless it causes you to lose sleep or limit daily activities. Coughing up mucus will keep your lungs clean. This is especially true if you smoke or have asthma or emphysema.

Dextromethorphan can affect depression medications. In addition, some combinations of cold medicines and cough medicines containing decongestants can cause hypertension. So do not use this if you have high blood pressure or if you have heart disease.

In short, if you are taking any medicine, consult your doctor before trying a cough medicine.