Medicines from the pharmacy that soothe coughs may inhibit the cough reflex or support the expectoration of secretions. Which drug from the pharmacy to choose depends on what type of cough you are having. Check what to take for a cough to get rid of it?

Co cough?The answer to this question is not easy. It all depends on the type of cough we are asking for.Drugs from the pharmacy that soothe coughcan inhibit it or stimulate it to cough up secretions. See which drugs from the pharmacy to choose for a dry cough and which for a wet cough?

Contents:

  1. Cough medications and the type of cough
  2. Dry cough medications: syrups, herbs, homeopathy
  3. Medications for wet cough: tablets and mucolytic syrups
  4. What should I know about cough syrups?
  5. What to take when coughing is troublesome?

Cough medications and the type of cough

Cough is our ally in the fight against colds. During coughing, the microorganisms that try to infect us are removed from the body, so it is not advisable to suppress the cough at all costs.

If the infection causes a dry cough at the initial stage, we can inhibit it, especially at night, when the coughing attacks are tiring. However, then it is worth supporting the body with syrups that accelerate the production of secretions.

The idea is to turn the cough into a wet cough as soon as possible. Then it is necessary to support expectoration to get rid of the secretion in which microorganisms may exist as soon as possible.

Dry cough medications: syrups, herbs, homeopathy

When coughing dry, first of all you need to moisturize the mucous membranes, both by drinking a lot of fluids (but not tea, which dries them up) and by moisturizing the air in the room where we stay.

It is worth reaching for dry cough syrups with dextromethorphan, thyme extract, as well as homeopathic syrups (e.g. with drosera extract) and homemade onion syrup, which is prepared from onion slices sprinkled with sugar.

Doctors and pharmacists also recommend homemade cough syrups, e.g. pine syrup and preparations with propolis (bee propolis). At night, you can use a syrup with dextromethorphan or codeine so that attacks of dry cough do not prevent you from sleeping.

Medications for wet cough: tablets and mucolytic syrups

In case of coughingwet, you need to thin the pharynx and bronchial secretions and facilitate its expectoration. Time to use mucolytic drugs, which are often also anti-inflammatory. They reduce the density and viscosity of the secretion and improve the function of the cilia that transport the secretion to the mouth.

Mucolytics cleanse the bronchi and thus soothe the cough. However, you have to remember not to take mucolytic tablets and syrups after 5 p.m. and that when taking such drugs, you should provide yourself with at least 2 liters of fluid a day.

Mucolytic drugs contain: ambroxol, bromhexidine, carbocysteine ​​and acetylcysteine. Medicines that increase the secretion of bronchial mucus are also used to treat wet coughs in order to more effectively remove viruses and their residues. These include syrups with extracts of primrose, plantain, licorice and ivy.

This will be useful to you

What should I know about cough syrups?

  • Syrups are made by dissolving, cold or hot, sugars or polyols in water, plant extracts, juices, fruit essences. Flavoring, aromatic and preservatives are also added to syrups.
  • They should not be washed down with water or tea, but after taking them, you should brush your teeth, because the sugar they contain contributes to the development of caries.
  • When serving syrups, the so-called home measures. It can be assumed that a teaspoon holds approx. 5 ml of syrup, and a tablespoon - approx. 10 ml.
  • Children with PKU must not be given syrups containing aspartame (artificial sugar).
  • Expectorant syrups that make you cough up should not be administered at night (at the latest at 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.), because coughing will interrupt sleep.
  • Parents of teenagers should check that their children do not abuse syrups containing dextromethophran. It is a stimulant - frequent consumption may be a precursor to addiction to stronger substances.

What to take when coughing is troublesome?

Sometimes, in the case of a tiring cough that causes troublesome attacks, preparations that inhibit the cough reflex are used. Most often, doctors prescribe drugs containing codeine and dextromethorphan. However, not everyone can take these substances.

They interact with sedatives and hypnotics (benzodiazepines), with neuroleptics and with antidepressants. Then you have to reach for plant preparations: marshmallow syrup, linseed or herbal mixture, and from synthetic drugs - levodropropizine.

Read also: Cough in pregnancy - how to deal with a cough in pregnancy?

Wet vs. dry cough. Asto recognize and how to treat?

Types of cough

The cough itself is not a disease, it is a reflex action aimed at clearing the respiratory tree of anything that is lingering in it. It is therefore an important element of the body's defense. It is very important for the doctor to know what type of cough is wrong. The treatment for the cough will be different depending on the type of cough.

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