Cough is one of those common illnesses that could soon go away even if untreated.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications however help in getting rid of cough easily. These drugs can be easily availed without a prescription and taken according to instructions on its label. OTC drugs act as a front liner in treating any symptoms and illnesses. Here are some things to take note of when buying OTC cough treatments:
Know If It Can Be Self-Treated
While visiting a doctor is considered the best way to treat a cough, you can however opt for self-medication if it is not too serious. Fever, shortness of breath, and wheezing are some of the common symptoms. If you have any of these symptoms, you may go for OTC medicines to relieve your cough.
Identify What Kind of Cough You Have
There are two types of cough that you may experience during a respiratory episode. Cough that expels phlegm or mucus is called “wet” or “productive.” It helps your body remove the bad gunk in your lungs. However, this type could affect your daily routine. Dry cough, also known as “nonproductive cough,” is the other type of this respiratory illness. It is less burdensome as it doesn’t produce any phlegm or mucus.
Take the Right Medicine
Depending on what type of cough you have, you need to choose between an expectorant, a mucolytic, and an antitussive/suppressant. The expectorant is used by those with wet and dry coughs as it makes it easier for them to get rid of the mucus and cough reflex. For wet coughs, it is best to increase your water intake. You may also opt to go for Guaifenesin. It is an expectorant which thins the drainage making it easier to discharge the mucus from the lungs. Another option is to take a mucolytic like Carbocisteine and Ambroxol. These medicines dissolve mucus and make it less sticky for easier coughing up. On the one hand, suppressants work by preventing you from giving in to cough reflex. For dry coughs, you may take suppressants like Dextromethorphan so you won’t be irritated and be up all night.
OTC cough medicines are welcome developments especially at this time when it is easier to be infected. Proper health education is necessary to use them responsibly, but it is still best to work with a doctor to treat your cough. If you need an OTC cough medication, make sure to go to any Watsons store or through Watsons website.
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