HEALTH ADVICE - COUGHS

Coughs for any person can be persistent and annoying. There are different types of coughs that cause different types of symptoms. We have detailed below some guidelines that may help you. You can always talk to us to ask advice, either come in to see us or telephone on 01535 634727 or email us at info@crosshillspharmacy.co.uk

How can coughing be treated?

Coughing is a symptom, not a disease. It is the underlying cause of the cough that needs to be treated. You should consult your pharmacist if any of the following symptoms accompany a cough, so that possible-underlying causes can be investigated and treated where necessary:

• coughing up phlegm that is green, rusty brown, bloody or foul smelling.
• chest pain.
• shortness of breath
• pain / swelling in the calf.
• recurrent night time cough.
• worsening smoker's cough.
• hoarseness of the voice that doesn't clear up spontaneously.

How effective are cough medicines?

Taking a cough medicine is justified when there is no reason to suspect any serious underlying disease, such as the symptoms listed above. Ask your pharmacist for advice on which over-the-counter remedies are suitable.

A productive, chesty cough , in which phlegm is coughed up, should be treated with an expectorant to help loosen the phlegm and make it easier to cough up from the airways. Expectorants contain ingredients such as guaifenesin, ipecachuana or ammonium citrate.

A non-productive, dry, tickly or irritating cough , in which no phlegm is coughed up can, be treated with a cough suppressant to reduce the cough reflex. These include pholcodine and dextromethorphan. Other cough suppressants include simple linctus, glycerin and lemon and honey, which coat and soothe the back of the throat.

Antihistamines reduce the cough reflex and dry up nasal secretions, which can be useful for coughs that are caused by mucus running down the back of the throat, or are associated with a cold.

Patients should not treat themselves with cough mixture for any longer than two weeks. If the cough persists, a visit to the doctor is definitely advised.