A cold with runny nose and sore throat can often develop into a cough. Depending on whether the cough is rather dry or accompanied by thick phlegm, the treatment is with Cough suppressants to apply. If a cough is not cured thoroughly, complications such as pneumonia can occur, as pathogens can also settle in the airways.
What is a cough suppressant?
Medicines and cough syrups that have an expectorant effect are indicated if it is a cough with heavy secretion. The secretion has to be coughed up so that it does not settle in the bronchi or in the lungs, where bacterial pathogens have easy play.
In the early stages, those affected can help themselves with herbal or homeopathic remedies - but if these do not bring any noticeable improvement within a few days, a doctor's visit is necessary. The attending physician will listen to the airways and recommend a drug in the form of a cough suppressant.
If there is a dry, excruciating cough, the doctor usually recommends a cough suppressant so that patients can sleep better. This is not advisable for coughs that are accompanied by heavy secretion.
Medical application, effect & use
If the coughing up of the stuck mucus is prevented, the secretion settles and can block the airways. In addition to drug treatment with cough removers, patients can also contribute to the healing process themselves by drinking a lot throughout the day - this promotes and facilitates coughing.
Inhalation is very effective in treating coughs, in which a saline solution that can be mixed with an antitussive agent penetrates into the bronchi and lungs and promotes coughing. When inhaling, patients at home or in the doctor's office can inhale the cough-relieving agents several times a day using a nebulizer. There are antitussive drugs that are also suitable for toddlers, which is particularly beneficial because children often suffer from respiratory diseases.
Depending on the dosage instructions, cough removers are taken once or several times a day, they liquefy the tough mucus and thus make it easier to expectorate. Despite everything, a cough can drag on for several weeks, so it is advisable to also ensure a healthy, balanced diet. Exercise in the fresh air also strengthens the weakened immune system.
Herbal, natural & pharmaceutical cough suppressants
Cough relievers are available in various forms, such as juice, sustained release capsules or dissolvable effervescent tablets. Valuable herbal ingredients are also suitable for dissolving mucus. Traditional home remedies include onion syrup - a mixture of finely chopped onions and honey that can be taken after a day of steeping.
There are also many types of juices that contain antitussive ingredients. Ivy leaf extracts, thyme and sage are among the most common herbal active ingredients. Medicines containing thyme are particularly well tolerated and therefore also suitable for children. If the herbal medicines are no longer effective, synthetically manufactured medicines are effective and helpful. A stubborn cough carries the risk that the already weakened organism will be attacked by other pathogens, which leads to complications.
As a result, the patient may also need an antibiotic to prevent bacteria from spreading. Chemical cough removers usually contain ingredients such as acetylcysteine or ambroxol hydrochloride. Their expectorant effect is particularly efficient, so that stuck secretions can be coughed up and secondary diseases can be avoided.
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➔ Medicines against coughs and coldsRisks & side effects
Both herbal and chemically produced drugs can cause side effects such as intolerance or allergic reactions.
Hence, it is important before taking one Cough suppressant to get the advice of the attending physician - explains about possible side effects and interactions. When taking synthetically produced cough removers, hypersensitivity reactions can occur, such as skin irritations, headaches or intolerance in the area of the digestive tract.
Patients who regularly take medication for chronic illnesses also need the advice of their doctor so that they can prescribe a suitable drug that does not cause undesirable reactions. Parents of babies and toddlers, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women, should also seek treatment from a specialist in order to rule out risks from taking an unsuitable preparation.
