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0 / 30 Fotos
Types of coughs: dry
- Dry coughs feel almost like a tickle in the back of your throat. Usually, it doesn't bring up mucus and can be caused by respiratory system inflammation. Dry coughs can be a symptom of many illnesses including COVID-19, laryngitis, and tonsillitis.
© Shutterstock
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Types of coughs: wet
- Wet coughs sound wet because they actually produce mucus. This type of cough is also known as productive cough and is normally associated with a cold, flu, or bronchitis.
© Shutterstock
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Types of coughs: paroxysmal
- A paroxysmal cough is uncontrolled and violent, and can leave you exhausted. It's common to struggle to breathe and possibly even vomit. Pertussis or whooping cough is the most common cause of this type of cough.
© Shutterstock
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Types of coughs: Croup
- Croup is a viral infection that results in irritation and swelling in the upper airway thereby making it challenging to breathe. Typically contagious, croup cough usually affects children five years and younger.
© Shutterstock
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Consult a doctor
- Before ever taking medicine, whether over the counter or otherwise, consult a medical professional or doctor to ensure it's the right course of treatment for you.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
Forms of cough medicines
- Over-the-counter cough medicines can take several forms including syrups, pills, lozenges, rubs, patches, and more.
© Getty Images
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Dextromethorphan
- Dextromethorphan is the most common cough medicine ingredient and is a weak opiate and cough suppressant. For best results, use it for a dry cough.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Dextromethorphan and the brain
- Dextromethorphan acts on the brain's cough center in order to calm down the cough reflex, minimizing the urge to cough.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
How dextromethorphan is sold
- Typically sold as a cough syrup, dextromethorphan can also be found in pills, soft gels, and gummy formulas.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Effects
- Dextromethorphan acts on your central nervous system and thus can cause some people to feel dizzy or drowsy.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
Misuse of dextromethorphan
- Unfortunately, some people will misuse dextromethorphan for a recreational 'high.' Be sure only to take medicines as they are prescribed and intended.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
Guaifenesin
- If you have chest or nasal congestion then guaifenesin may be a good option for you. It is an expectorant, which means it can help make coughs more productive.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
How guaifenesin is sold
- Guaifenesin is typically sold as a pill that you swallow but also comes in syrups and gummies.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Why productive coughs are important
- The guaifenesin helps loosen mucus so that your body can expel it. It's important to note that with guaifenesin your cough and symptoms might get worse before you ultimately get better.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
When to take guaifenesin
- Taking guaifenesin at bedtime isn't recommended as you'll be up constantly coughing and blowing your nose.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Pseudoephedrine
- Pseudoephedrine is a nasal decongestant that can help decrease mucus production by drying it up. When the mucus is dried, it can help reduce coughing.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
How pseudoephedrine is taken
- Pseudoephedrine is commonly taken as a pill that you swallow.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
Pharmacy information
- While pseudoephedrine doesn't require a prescription, there are some rules involved. Because many people misuse the medicine for recreational drug use, it's often required for you to present a driver's license or other form of identification.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
Sudafed
- The most common brand name of pseudoephedrine is Sudafed. There is also a similar-sounding medicine known as Sudafed PE that is available on pharmacy shelves. However, the two are different as Sudafed PE uses phenylephrine instead of pseudoephedrine.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
Diphenhydramine
- This antihistamine is used for several ailments including a cough.
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
Effects
- Diphenhydramine can have a sedative effect so it's best to take it before bed. It's often found in medicines that are specifically marked as "PM" or "nighttime" medications.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
How Diphenhydramine is taken
- Usually, diphenhydramine comes in tablet form.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Menthol
- Often sold as a cough suppressant, menthol products usually don't contain conventional medicine.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
How it helps
- Menthol can help by opening your airways and providing a cooling sensation, thereby reducing coughing. It is usually considered safe for most as there's no conventional medicine in methanol
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Where you'll find Menthol
- Cough drops, rubs, patches, and shower bombs can contain menthol. If it smells minty then chances are it’s made with menthol!
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
Disclaimer: multiple ingredients
- Some doctors advise caution when taking over-the-counter medicine that contains more than one active ingredient. Active ingredients include antihistamines, fever reducers, pain relievers, and more.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
FAQ: does OTC cough medicine actually help?
- The actual effectiveness of cough medicine is debated amongst medical professionals. The medicine can definitely ease symptoms and improve sleep but it might also suppress the body's natural ability to clear mucus and germs.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
FAQ: what are alternatives to cough medicine?
- There are some alternatives to over-the-counter medications and they can include drinking peppermint tea, using a neti pot, or running a humidifier.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Alternatives
- You can also try adding honey to warm water or tea, spending time in a steamy room, and getting enough rest. Sources: (Clevland Clinic) (NHS) (Alina Health)
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
© Getty Images
0 / 30 Fotos
Types of coughs: dry
- Dry coughs feel almost like a tickle in the back of your throat. Usually, it doesn't bring up mucus and can be caused by respiratory system inflammation. Dry coughs can be a symptom of many illnesses including COVID-19, laryngitis, and tonsillitis.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Types of coughs: wet
- Wet coughs sound wet because they actually produce mucus. This type of cough is also known as productive cough and is normally associated with a cold, flu, or bronchitis.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Types of coughs: paroxysmal
- A paroxysmal cough is uncontrolled and violent, and can leave you exhausted. It's common to struggle to breathe and possibly even vomit. Pertussis or whooping cough is the most common cause of this type of cough.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
Types of coughs: Croup
- Croup is a viral infection that results in irritation and swelling in the upper airway thereby making it challenging to breathe. Typically contagious, croup cough usually affects children five years and younger.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Consult a doctor
- Before ever taking medicine, whether over the counter or otherwise, consult a medical professional or doctor to ensure it's the right course of treatment for you.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
Forms of cough medicines
- Over-the-counter cough medicines can take several forms including syrups, pills, lozenges, rubs, patches, and more.
© Getty Images
6 / 30 Fotos
Dextromethorphan
- Dextromethorphan is the most common cough medicine ingredient and is a weak opiate and cough suppressant. For best results, use it for a dry cough.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Dextromethorphan and the brain
- Dextromethorphan acts on the brain's cough center in order to calm down the cough reflex, minimizing the urge to cough.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
How dextromethorphan is sold
- Typically sold as a cough syrup, dextromethorphan can also be found in pills, soft gels, and gummy formulas.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Effects
- Dextromethorphan acts on your central nervous system and thus can cause some people to feel dizzy or drowsy.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
Misuse of dextromethorphan
- Unfortunately, some people will misuse dextromethorphan for a recreational 'high.' Be sure only to take medicines as they are prescribed and intended.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
Guaifenesin
- If you have chest or nasal congestion then guaifenesin may be a good option for you. It is an expectorant, which means it can help make coughs more productive.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
How guaifenesin is sold
- Guaifenesin is typically sold as a pill that you swallow but also comes in syrups and gummies.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Why productive coughs are important
- The guaifenesin helps loosen mucus so that your body can expel it. It's important to note that with guaifenesin your cough and symptoms might get worse before you ultimately get better.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
When to take guaifenesin
- Taking guaifenesin at bedtime isn't recommended as you'll be up constantly coughing and blowing your nose.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Pseudoephedrine
- Pseudoephedrine is a nasal decongestant that can help decrease mucus production by drying it up. When the mucus is dried, it can help reduce coughing.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
How pseudoephedrine is taken
- Pseudoephedrine is commonly taken as a pill that you swallow.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
Pharmacy information
- While pseudoephedrine doesn't require a prescription, there are some rules involved. Because many people misuse the medicine for recreational drug use, it's often required for you to present a driver's license or other form of identification.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
Sudafed
- The most common brand name of pseudoephedrine is Sudafed. There is also a similar-sounding medicine known as Sudafed PE that is available on pharmacy shelves. However, the two are different as Sudafed PE uses phenylephrine instead of pseudoephedrine.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
Diphenhydramine
- This antihistamine is used for several ailments including a cough.
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
Effects
- Diphenhydramine can have a sedative effect so it's best to take it before bed. It's often found in medicines that are specifically marked as "PM" or "nighttime" medications.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
How Diphenhydramine is taken
- Usually, diphenhydramine comes in tablet form.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Menthol
- Often sold as a cough suppressant, menthol products usually don't contain conventional medicine.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
How it helps
- Menthol can help by opening your airways and providing a cooling sensation, thereby reducing coughing. It is usually considered safe for most as there's no conventional medicine in methanol
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Where you'll find Menthol
- Cough drops, rubs, patches, and shower bombs can contain menthol. If it smells minty then chances are it’s made with menthol!
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
Disclaimer: multiple ingredients
- Some doctors advise caution when taking over-the-counter medicine that contains more than one active ingredient. Active ingredients include antihistamines, fever reducers, pain relievers, and more.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
FAQ: does OTC cough medicine actually help?
- The actual effectiveness of cough medicine is debated amongst medical professionals. The medicine can definitely ease symptoms and improve sleep but it might also suppress the body's natural ability to clear mucus and germs.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
FAQ: what are alternatives to cough medicine?
- There are some alternatives to over-the-counter medications and they can include drinking peppermint tea, using a neti pot, or running a humidifier.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Alternatives
- You can also try adding honey to warm water or tea, spending time in a steamy room, and getting enough rest. Sources: (Clevland Clinic) (NHS) (Alina Health)
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
A guide to cough relief and over-the-counter medications
When to use cough medicines and what to consider
© Getty Images
It's winter, the days are getting colder, and the chances of getting sick or having a cough are high. There are several types of coughs as well as over-the-counter medicines to help them, and it's important to know about each. Understanding the type of cough you have can make all the difference in choosing the right remedy.
While some coughs may benefit from medication, others are best left to run their course naturally. Knowing when and how to treat your symptoms can help you feel better faster and avoid unnecessary complications.
Curious about coughs and over-the-counter medications? Click through now.
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