(NEXSTAR) — Yes Multiple viruses and even bacteria are prevalent During this time, it's more likely that you or someone in your family has recently been ill.you may be among them Those who are unlucky enough to have a persistent cough.
Before reaching for cough suppressants or cough medicines, it's a good idea to consider all your options.
Coughing can be annoying and painful, but sometimes it serves a purpose. The Mayo Clinic explains that a cough is your body's response to something that irritates your throat and airways.
Main viruses currently circulating — New coronavirus, influenza, RSV — all of which can cause a cough. Other infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis can also cause chronic cough. many other diseases and conditions. The Cleveland Clinic explains that there are different types of coughs. Acute cough starts suddenly and may last several weeks. Subacute cough lasting weeks to months after infection. Chronic cough lasting more than 2 months. Intractable or chronic cough that does not respond to treatment.
The type of cough a person experiences will influence which treatment is appropriate for the person. For example, if your cough is caused by an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
But health experts say over-the-counter medications aren't always worth it.
according to cleveland clinic, a spoonful of honey is just as effective as cough syrup or medicine. Doctors also warn that over-the-counter products often: not included enough Medicines needed to be effective.
It may be a good idea to wait until the cough subsides. kaiser permanente He said dry coughs, which produce mucus and phlegm, “are often effective” and should not be stopped. Preventing coughs entirely can lead to pneumonia and lung damage in some cases, says Dr. Harold Farber, a pediatric pulmonologist at Texas Children's Hospital. explain.
This also applies to children. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend giving over-the-counter cold or cough medicines to children under 4 years of age.Pediatrician Dr. Pamela Phillips speaks at Cedars-Sinai blog post These drugs can cause “sedation, irritability, and behavioral changes,” which “tend to outweigh any potential benefits,” it said.
So what can you do instead?
cleveland clinic, mayo clinicand harvard health It's a good idea to stay hydrated, especially if you have a bad cough with mucus or phlegm. If your throat hurts when you cough, try drinking tea or hot water with honey or lemon juice. Gargle with warm salt water. Suck on cough drops (Kaiser Permanente warns they won't affect your cough) or lozenges. Spending time in humid air (such as a hot shower). Avoid smoking and smoking. Doctors recommend that you turn your head up when you sleep.
You can also continue using cough medicine. If you decide to purchase over-the-counter products, Kaiser Permanente recommends avoiding products that treat many conditions. Instead, try to treat each symptom individually.
If you have a dry cough, try an expectorant to thin mucus. If a dry cough keeps you up at night, Kaiser Permanente It is recommended Although it is a suppressant, it warns again against suppressing coughs too much, pointing out that coughing “draws up mucus from the lungs and helps prevent bacterial infections.” Some of these products may help you sleep, but you may not get that sleep at the expense of your cough.
“If you think a product is working well, it probably won't harm you, but you may be paying for a placebo effect rather than a proven treatment,” notes Harvard Health. do. Always read the label before consuming commercially available products.
If over-the-counter products don't work, experts recommend seeing your doctor. You should also see a doctor if you have wheezing. He has a fever that has lasted more than 1-2 days or has a fever greater than 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit.Chills; or yellow, green, or bloody sputum, Cleveland Clinic explain. If you feel like you are choking, have trouble breathing, cough up a lot of blood, or have severe pain in your chest, you should seek urgent medical attention.
