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Managing a cough caused by the common cold can be quite daunting, but several over-the-counter medications may help ease your discomfort. Cold and flu season brings with it not only sniffles but also a persistent hacking that just won't go away. The good news is that there are three key types of medications you can use to tackle this symptom: suppressants, expectorants, and topical treatments.
Suppressants at Work
Suppressants like dextromethorphan are designed to block the cough reflex, offering relief from that irritating feeling without addressing the cause. They're not for everyone; if your issue includes thick mucus phlegm, they won't do much there. For those with a cough accompanied by mucus production, this medication isn't suitable. Instead, consider over-the-counter remedies contning gufenesin.
Gufenesin thins and loosens mucus, making it easier to clear out your respiratory passages without the risk of codeine or similar substances that require prescription access. Frequent side effects like nausea and vomiting are common but usually temporary.
Topical Treatments Take Center Stage
Camphor and menthol ointments offer a natural way to alleviate coughs. These can come in creams, balms, or patches you apply directly to your throat and chest, allowing their strong-smelling vapors to work their magic on soothing your cough while also potentially opening up congested rways. You'll find these ingredients not just as ointments but also in vaporizers that create steam for inhalation, a popular method of relief.
Combining Forces for Relief
Many over-the-counter cold and flu medicines combine suppressants with expectorants to offer comprehensive symptom reliefthink antihistamines for allergies, decongestants for sinus pressure, and pn relievers all in one. For those battling multiple symptoms at once, a single product might seem like the solution.
Navigating Cough Medicine Safety
The decision to treat your cough should be discussed with your healthcare provider. While coughing up mucus is essential for mntning clear lungs, especially if you smoke or have conditions like asthma or emphysema, over-the-counter medications can offer temporary relief from an overly active cough reflex.
Dextromethorphan, a common ingredient in suppressant medications, may affect drugs used to treat depression. Also, some combination cold and flu remedies contn decongestants that can increase blood pressure. If you have hypertension or heart disease, it's crucial to avoid these without medical advice.
In Summary
Your doctor might advise agnst treating your cough unless it significantly impacts your quality of life. , in many cases, the body is performing its natural cleaning function when coughing up phlegm. So next time you're considering over-the-counter treatments for a cold or flu-induced cough, ensure that you're not interfering with this beneficial process and consult your healthcare provider to ensure the safety and appropriateness of any medications.
Further Reading
Learn more about children's coughs, when they need medical attention, from WebMD.
Explore the differences between a common cold and influenza on our sister site, Healthline.
For more articles on colds and flu, visit the Cold Flu section here at WebMD. Discover tips for managing symptoms or find advice on preventing future outbreaks.
References
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