Home Doctor: Practical Medicine for Every Household
Treatment a) Alternative Medicine and Natural Treatments Natural treatments to relieve coughs are based on improving the irritation of the airways. This is achieved through hydration, which allows the fluidization of secretions and the improvement of the inflammation of the larynx. Honey is a powerful anti-inflammatory as well as helping to heal the irritated mucous membrane of the larynx by eliminating the unpleasant sensation of a scratchy throat. Mixing two teaspoons of honey with warm water or tea is helpful before going to sleep. When coughing is associated with a sore throat, the mixture of honey and milk is fantastic; it is a therapy that has been used in my family for a long time. Honey can be consumed together with other medications since it does not cause any unfavorable effects, and its benefits are huge. Ginger is also a natural anti-inflammatory that helps clear the airways. Its properties have been used since the beginning of Asian medicine for different diseases. It can be consumed as tea, chewed directly, or prepared as candy with some sweetener, sugar, or honey. Steam baths are excellent decongestants. They help moisten the airways and mobilize viscous secretions. This can be done once a day by heating water to a boil and breathing in the steam. To do this, lean over the container and place a towel over your head. All my childhood, I was very allergic. Dust and cold caused me to have severe coughing spells that made it difficult to breathe normally. I remember my mother would boil water with a few drops of eucalyptus oil in a pot, and I would breathe in that steam until there was no more left. It was comforting and helped me rest. Remember that steam can burn the skin. It is important not to stand too close to it, and if there is discomfort on the skin, step away and wait 30 seconds to one minute before continuing. Saltwater gargle is a good choice for very productive coughs as it helps to expel secretions and decrease the amount of mucus. This combination is especially good for post-nasal drip. To prepare the gargle, mix a 1/2 teaspoon of salt with half a cup of warm water. It can be repeated during the day as many times as necessary.
b) OTC Cough Medicine There are two types of cough treatments: antitussives and expectorants. Antitussives serve to stop the cough reflex, while expectorants thin out secretions to make them easier to cough up. The best-known cough suppressant is Dextromethorphan. It is found in many types of syrups, along with other compounds. Some brands are Triaminic Cold and Cough, Robitussin Cough, and Vicks 44 Cough and Cold. As for expectorants, those that are obtained over the counter are the ones that contain Guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin Chest Congestion). There are syrups and tablets that combine two ingredients, such as Robitussin DM. Otherwise these 91
