Cough and Colds:The Best Over the Counter Medications
- Joyce Vallo
- Feb 9, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Sep 17, 2024
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Coughing is one of the most common ailments that affects both children and adults. The annoyed sound of a barking cough echoes through homes and offices each winter during peak cold and flu season.
While an occasional cough is normal and even healthy to clear mucus or irritants from the airways, prolonged bouts of coughing can quickly become uncomfortable and disrupt sleep, work and quality of life.
Before reaching for a drugstore medication when cough symptoms strike, many natural remedies can bring relief by coating the throat, thinning mucus secretions, calming inflammation or simply soothing an itch. This guide covers the top home remedies for cough relief along with over-the-counter treatment options, cough prevention techniques and when to seek medical treatment.
Quick look at the Over-the-counter medications for cough and colds
Robitussin DM- click here👉 Dextromethorphan+Guaifenesin
Robitussin- click here👉 Guaifenesin
Solmux Advance- click here👉 Carbocisteine with Zinc
Solmux for Kids- click here👉 Carbocisteine Syrup
Solmux Capsule- click here👉 Carbocisteine capsule
Robkids- click here👉 Carbocisteine
Neozep Forte- click here👉 Muti-symptoms tablet
Bioflu- click here👉 Muti-symptoms tablet
Symptoms of a Cough
Coughing serves an important protective purpose to keep the airways clear of mucus, allergens, pathogens and foreign particles accidentally inhaled. However, chronic coughs lasting over several weeks or accompanied by worrisome symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor.
Dry Cough vs Wet/Chesty Cough
Coughs are described as either dry or wet/chesty based on whether they produce phlegm and sputum.
A dry cough does not bring up mucus and often feels scratchy or tickly in the throat. Dry coughs can result from viral illnesses, allergens, asthma or environmental irritants.
In contrast, wet or chesty coughs involve coughing up thick mucus or phlegm from the lungs and larger airways. The mucus ranges in color from clear to yellow or green. Chesty coughs are more common with bacterial infections, smoking damage or chronic bronchitis.
Nagging Cough vs Cough with Phlegm
Nagging coughs are dry, frequent coughs that persist over weeks at a low intensity. They tend to worsen at night disrupting sleep. Nagging coughs usually follow viral upper respiratory infections.
Coughs with phlegm involve coughing up sputum from the lungs from excess mucus production triggered by bacteria, irritants like smoke or edema from heart failure. Phlegm production is the body’s effort to thin this mucus for easier expulsion by coughing.
Types of Coughs
Coughing can occur from both short-term and chronic conditions affecting the lungs, throat, sinuses or environment. Identifying what triggered the cough guides appropriate treatment approaches.
Acute Coughs
Acute coughs arise suddenly and last less than 3 weeks. Acute coughs often stem from viral respiratory infections like:
Common cold
Flu
Bronchitis
Pneumonia
Cold and flu viruses trigger inflammation in the airways leading to swelling, excess mucus production and coughing. Acute coughs tend to improve as the infection resolves over 1-2 weeks. Lingering viral coughs may take up to 25 days to clear after other symptoms improve.
Chronic Coughs
Chronic coughs persist longer than 8 weeks in adults or over 4 weeks in children. Common causes of chronic coughs include:
Allergies
Asthma
Acid reflux
Smoking
Environmental irritants
Allergies, asthma and reflux cause sensitive airways prone to swelling and secretions triggering coughs. Quitting smoking and avoiding triggers like dust, chemicals and air pollution help chronic coughs. Treating the underlying condition also alleviates coughing over time.
When to See a Doctor About Your Cough
While most minor coughs improve with home remedies and over-the-counter medications, several red flags signal the need to see a doctor for evaluation and treatment:
Cough Lasting Over 3 Weeks
Coughs lingering longer than 3 weeks likely indicate an underlying chronic condition requiring assessment. Chronic coughs result from untreated allergies, asthma, acid reflux, smoking damage or medications.
Cough With Fever, Chills or Trouble Breathing
Coughs accompanied by fevers over 101 F, chills, shortness of breath, wheezing or chest pain could indicate a lung infection like bronchitis or pneumonia needing antibiotics and medical care.
Cough Not Improving With Over-the-Counter Medications
Coughs getting progressively worse or not responding to cough medicine within 1-2 weeks may require prescription cough medications or further evaluation for the cause.
Barking Cough in Children Under 3 Years Old
Barking coughs in young kids often indicate croup, an infection of the upper airways. The barking sound results from inflammation narrowing the tiny airways.
Seeking timely medical care for serious cough symptoms provides relief faster and prevents complications. Always consult a doctor if cough symptoms seem severe or linger.
Over-the Counter Cough Medications
A wide array of over-the-counter (OTC) cough medications are available without a prescription. These are the most common types of cough meds:
Cough Suppressants
Cough suppressants contain the active ingredient dextromethorphan which dampens the cough reflex in the brain to prevent cough spasms. Brand names include Robitussin, Solmux, Mucinex Cough and Vicks DayQuil Cough.
Expectorants
Expectorants like guaifenesin (Solmux and Robitussin Expectorant) thin mucus secretions making coughs more productive for clearing phlegm and congestion from the lungs.
Cough + Cold Combinations
Many OTC meds combine both cough suppressant and expectorant ingredients for dual action relief. Examples include Tuseran, Bioflu and Neozep
Benefits and Side Effects
When used properly, OTC cough meds offer temporary relief without needing prescriptions. However, side effects like drowsiness, nausea and dizziness can occur, especially if exceeding the recommended dosing. OTC cough meds also lack evidence for treating most acute cough illnesses.
Natural cough remedies provide safer alternatives for mild coughs. More serious cough symptoms should be evaluated by a physician.
Natural Cough Remedies
Nature offers a bounty of safe, low-cost herbal and home remedies to help tame cough symptoms and soothe irritated throats. These natural remedies have been used for generations to provide gentle relief by thinning mucus, fighting inflammation, moisturizing the throat and reducing cough spasms.
Honey Cough Syrup - Honey coats and soothes sore throats while fighting bacteria and thinning mucus through its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Simmering honey with herbs enhances the benefits. Mix 1 cup honey with 1/4 cup lemon juice and optional herbs like ginger, licorice or sage. Take 1-2 tablespoons as needed for coughs.
Licorice and Marshmallow Root Tea - Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin which fights coughs by reducing inflammation and soothing mucus membranes. It pairs well with marshmallow root which forms a protective gel coating on the throat. Simmer 1 tablespoon each of dried herbs in water for 10 minutes then strain. Drink up to 3 cups daily.
Ginger, Garlic and Thyme - Ginger, garlic and thyme contain compounds called gingerol, allicin and thymol which combat harmful germs and viruses causing coughs and colds. These herbs also reduce inflammation and loosen mucus. Add them to soups, broths, honey and tea.
Soothing Cough Drops - Over-the-counter cough drops, lozenges and throat sprays containing eucalyptus, menthol, herbs and honey provide quick relief for sore scratchy throats and coughing episodes. Keep them handy at home, work or in your bag for fast temporary relief. Let them slowly dissolve in the mouth to coat the throat.
Other Natural Remedies
Some other lesser known natural remedies for cough relief include:
Peppermint essential oil rubbed on the chest or inhaled for its menthol vapors to reduce throat irritation
Apple cider vinegar mixed with honey and water to fight bacteria and soothe inflammation
Slippery elm powder coating and protecting sore irritated throats when mixed with hot water or tea
Probiotic yogurt and fermented foods replenishing healthy gut bacteria to support immunity and prevent infection spread
Soothing Liquids for Cough Relief
Staying hydrated is key to effectively clearing mucus from the airways during coughs and colds. Drinking plenty of soothing fluids thins out thick phlegm secretions for easier expectoration while coughing.
Warm Broths and Teas
Sipping warm, soothing liquids can temporarily alleviate coughs and sore throats. The heat provides comfort while staying hydrated keeps mucus from drying out. Nurse a mug of warm broth, herbal tea, or lemon water sweetened with honey. The steam may also clear nasal congestion.
Avoid Dairy and Phlegm Production
Despite the soothing nature of warm milk, dairy products actually stimulate phlegm production as mucus-forming foods. When aiming to dry up excess mucus with a cough, avoid milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream.
Water and Fruit Juices
Plain water, coconut water with electrolytes and 100% fruit juices offer hydration without aggravating phlegm. Go for juices high in vitamin C like orange, grapefruit, cranberry and pineapple which support immune function. Dilute sugary juices like apple cider with water.
Let your thirst guide how much liquid to drink. Urinating every 2-4 hours indicates adequate hydration for thinning mucus. Avoid over-drinking which can deplete electrolytes.
Humidifiers for Congestion and Coughs
Humidifying the air during coughs, colds and allergies keeps airways moisturized for easing breathing and cough symptoms. Humidifiers add needed moisture back into dry indoor environments.
Warm Mist vs Cool Mist Humidifiers
Warm mist humidifiers boil water to release warm, visible steam into rooms. The heat may provide extra relief opening congestion.
Cool mist models use fans for colder, invisible moisture. They are safer around kids if avoiding burns is preferred.
Bedroom and Whole House Options
Portable humidifiers are sized for single rooms like bedrooms for cough and congestion relief overnight.
Larger whole house humidifiers connect to home HVAC systems with ductwork distributing moisture through all living areas. Whole home units require professional installation.
Cleaning to Prevent Mold and Bacteria
Neglecting cleaning and maintenance of humidifiers can allow mold, minerals and bacteria to accumulate then circulate into the air. Follow the manufacturers cleaning recommendations using antibacterial cleaners. Change out filters regularly.
Proper hydration and thinning secretions works best paired with air moisture from humidifiers for relieving coughs naturally. Time the use for peak cough symptoms in cold winter or dry summer months.
Additional Tips for Preventing Coughs
Practicing healthy lifestyle habits helps prevent seasonal coughs and colds in addition to natural remedies for relief:
Wash hands frequently
Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose
Clean commonly touched surfaces
Get adequate sleep
Stay warm and dry to avoid chills
Take immunity boosting vitamins C and D
Limit exposure to coughing people
Avoiding irritants and allergens known to trigger coughs such as chemicals, dust, pet dander, pollen, smoke or air pollution provides prevention as well. Pay attention to any personal sensitivities provoking bouts of coughing during chronic illness.
Conclusion
Coughing serves an important role keeping airways clear. However, chronic coughs or those worsening beyond 10-14 days warrant medical assessment for underlying causes and proper treatment.
For mild cough symptoms from seasonal colds and viruses, home remedies like honey, herbs, broth and humidifiers offer gentle relief by fighting inflammation naturally, thinning phlegm and soothing irritated throats. Avoid dairy and stay hydrated to keep mucus from drying out.
Use over-the-counter cough medicine cautiously for temporary relief when home remedies fail to tame severe cough spasms disrupting sleep and quality of life. Follow dosing guidelines carefully due to side effects concerns with prolonged use.
Pay attention to any worsening of cough frequency, phlegm amounts or new concerning symptoms requiring doctor evaluation. Restoring throat and airway moisture while soothing inflammation aids the body’s natural ability to recover from most cough illnesses within 2-3 weeks.
Utilizing natural cough remedies alongside healthy lifestyle habits keeps minor coughs in check while recognizing when professional care becomes necessary.
Take Control of Your Symptoms:
Try Recommended Products: Explore the recommended OTC products mentioned in this guide. Always read the label for proper dosing.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance based on your specific health condition.
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