The Comprehensive Guide to Cough Supressants
To reduce the need to cough, medications called cough suppressants can be used. Cough suppressants work by blocking brain signals, which reduces the urge to cough. Since ancient times, cough suppressants have been prescribed to many conditions. These medications are sometimes called antitussives. They can be purchased over-the-counter or prescription.
How Cough Supressants can be used to treat certain health conditions
Commonly, cough suppressants are used to treat asthma, acute bronchitis and pertussis (whooping) as well as laryngitis. Cough suppressants can be used for chronic conditions like emphysema and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), as well as chronic bronchitis. Other conditions that can be treated with cough suppressants include pain relief, allergies, and postnasal drip.
To provide the best relief, cough suppressants can be combined with Antibiotics or Decongestants . These medications may be combined with antibiotics and decongestants to treat symptoms such as a common cold, or flu.
Cough suppressants: Examples
These are the most popular OTC cough suppressants:
- Dextromethorphan
- Guaifenesin
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone
You can buy these medications in many forms: tablets, liquids and lozenges as well as syrups. Some prescription cough suppressants also contain opioids like codeine, hydrocodone and Oxycodone .
Views of Experts on Cough Supressants
The Mayo Clinic states that cough suppressants can be safely used when they are prescribed. They should be stopped from being used for more than 2 weeks before consulting with a physician. Side effects include dizziness and nausea as well as stomach upsets, constipation, dizziness, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
Experts believe that cough suppressants are beneficial to those with respiratory diseases if used correctly. Researchers at the University of Michigan found that cough suppressants were effective in relieving upper respiratory tract infections in people with chronic coughs. The World Health Organization also recommends that adults with severe dry cough use codeine or hydrocodone.
Side effects of cough suppressants
Some people may experience side effects from cough suppressants. Side effects include dizziness and nausea as well as stomach upset, constipation. Avoid taking cough suppressants if you are allergic to them.
Important to remember that cough suppressants may interact with other medications. Hydrocodone and codeine, for example, can be combined with Antidepressants and Muscle Relaxants as well as Antihistamines . Before taking any cough suppressants, it is important to consult your doctor if you are taking these drugs.
Cough suppressants may also be addictive and shouldn't be used for longer than 2 weeks without consulting your doctor. High doses or prolonged use of cough suppressants can lead to dependence.
Other natural remedies for cough suppressants
You can reduce your cough with natural remedies. The traditional remedy for coughs was honey. It has also been shown to reduce the symptoms in children. Ginger, turmeric, garlic and peppermint are other natural remedies. Research suggests that chamomile tea might also be helpful in reducing the symptoms of coughing.
Capsaicin is an extract of chili peppers that has been shown to be an anti-tussive. Researchers found capsaicin to be effective in relieving cough symptoms in people with upper respiratory tract infections. Traditional remedies for coughing include eucalyptus oil and anise.
Conclusion
To reduce or stop the cough, medications called cough suppressants can be used. These medications are both available over-the-counter as well as prescription and may be used for a number of conditions. Side effects can occur and cough suppressants may react with other medication. Other natural remedies such as capsaicin and honey can be used to help reduce the symptoms of coughing.
Although cough suppressants may be helpful in relieving symptoms of chronic cough, it's important that you consult your doctor before using them. Before taking these medicines, it is important to consider their safety and effectiveness.