Coughing can be a nuisance – whether dry, wet, or chesty, it can make us tired and irritable. But it can also be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. When we have a cough that won’t go away, it’s important to find the best cough medicine to relieve and treat the cause of our pain. This article will explore some of the best cough medicines available today. We’ll look at how each works and which might be the best option for you, depending on your particular symptoms. Lastly, we’ll discuss any possible side effects and extra steps you should take when using these products. With this information in hand, you should be able to make an informed decision about the right medicine for your cough.
Top Choices:
- Boiron Chestal Honey Adult Cold and Cough Syrup
- Buckley’s Complete ‘Mucus Relief’ Syrup
- Hyland’s Cold and Cough Mucus Relief
Definition of Cough
A cough is a reflex that clears mucus, irritants, and foreign particles from the throat and upper airways. It is a normal response to irritation or obstruction in the throat, chest,, or lungs. Coughing helps protect the body from infection by expelling foreign matter, such as dust, smoke, and bacteria, from the respiratory tract. It also helps clear away excess mucus from the nose and throat that can cause discomfort. There are two main types of coughs: productive (also known as wet) and non-productive (also known as dry). A productive cough produces thick, sticky phlegm, which is expelled from the mouth. A non-productive cough does not produce phlegm but makes a dry sound similar to barking.
Top 3 Cough Medicines With Phlegm -2023
1. Boiron Chestal Honey Adult Cold and Cough Syrup
Chestal Adult Honey Cough and Chest Congestion Medicine is the best cough medicine to keep in your home or office for those unexpected coughing episodes since it has components that target dry, productive, and spasmodic coughs. Its formulation is meant to be applied to coughs brought on by the flu, the common cold, and other non-allergic illnesses.
This specific cough medicine has a tasty honey flavor that is sweet, making it palatable and enjoyable to use. Chestal Adult Honey Cough and Chest Congestion Medicine has no negative effects because it is made from natural ingredients. For maximum safety, it doesn’t interact with any other medications you might be taking.
Based on customer feedback, Chestal Adult Honey Cough and Chest Congestion Medicine is regarded as the best cough medicine for adults. It offers immediate relief at a fair and inexpensive price.
2. Buckley’s Complete ‘Mucus Relief’ Syrup
Buckley’s Original Complete Syrup for Cough is a useful treatment for people who commonly experience a dry cough. This composition, which comes in at number two on the list of the best cough medicines, is specifically designed to treat cough while also easing flu and cold symptoms.
Although it works well to treat dry cough, there are a few adverse effects that some people may find bothersome. Additionally, the combination treats fever, bodily pain, and headaches. The additional active components may eventually become hazardous if you don’t require them. Because of this, it might not be best to use Buckley’s as a regular cough remedy.
3. Hyland’s Cold and Cough Mucus Relief
Hyland’s Defend Cold & Cough Relief Liquid is another top option for the finest over-the-counter cough treatment thanks to its non-drowsy natural ingredients. Hyland’s, which is frequently used for productive cough, provides relief from coughing fits brought on by excessive mucus production.
Hyland’s Defend Cold & Cough Relief Liquid is a homeopathic medication, therefore it’s important to remember that. This implies that while the natural remedy may be successful for some people, it may not be for others. To find out how well the product works for your body, make sure to test it out before utilizing it as your go-to anti-cough remedy.
| Best prescription cough medicines | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Recommended for pregnant women? | Approved for children? | How it works |
| Codeine | No. Babies can become dependent on opioids, and the drug can be passed through breast milk. | No. As of 2018, codeine is contraindicated in children younger than 18 per the FDA. | Opioid cough suppressant. |
| Tessalon Perles(benzonatate) | N/A–FDA Pregnancy Category C (unknown if it can harm a fetus or if it contaminates | No, do not give to children under 10 years old without medical guidance. It can be fatal for children. | It numbs areas of the lungs and throat, in turn reducing cough reflexes. |
| Tussionex PennKinetic (hydrocodone-chlorpheniramine) | N/A–FDA Pregnancy Category C (unknown if it harms the fetus or if it passes to breast milk). Babies may become dependent on the drug. Speak to your doctor. | No. Not to be used by persons under 18 years of age. | Hydrocodone is a cough suppressant that reduces cough reflex signals in the brain. Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effect of histamines in the body. |
| Promethegan(promethazine) | N/A–FDA Pregnancy Category C (unknown if harm can come to the fetus or if it contaminates breast milk). | Yes. It can be dosed with caution in children over 2 years of age. | Cough suppressant and antihistamine. |
| Hydromet(hydrocodone-homatropine) | No. Babies can become dependent on opioids, and medicine can be transmitted through breast milk. | No. Not to be used by persons under 18 years of age. | Opioid cough suppressant and antihistamine. |
| Phenergan with Codeine(promethazine-codeine) | No. Babies can become dependent on opioids, and medicine can be transmitted through breast milk. | No. Not to be used by persons under 18 years of age. | Opioid cough suppressant and antihistamine. |
| Hydrocodone-acetaminophen | No. Babies can become dependent on opioids, and medicine can be transmitted through breast milk. | Yes. It can be dosed with caution in children over 2 years of age only for moderate to severe pain | Opioid cough suppressant and pain relief. |
Types of Coughs
Coughing is a typical sign of numerous illnesses and medical problems. By examining the features of your cough, you might be able to identify its origin.
Coughs are classified as follows:
- Conduct or knowledge: When does the cough occur, and why? Does it happen at night, after eating, or when you’re working out?
- Characteristics: How does your cough feel and sound? Do you hack wet or dry?
- How long have you had this cough for? Has it been more than eight weeks or less?
- Additional effects Do you also experience additional symptoms like nausea, incontinence, or insomnia?
- Grade: How awful is it? Is it inconvenient, ongoing, or crippling?
- A blockage in the airway can occasionally cause the cough reflex to kick in. You should seek emergency medical assistance if you believe that you or your kid may have ingested something that might be obstructing the airway.
Coughs can be classified into two main categories: acute and chronic. Acute coughs usually last less than three weeks and are commonly caused by a cold, the flu, or allergies. These types of coughs tend to be dry and non-productive (not producing any mucus). On the other hand, chronic coughs last for more than eight weeks and are often associated with underlying conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Chronic coughs are usually productive (producing phlegm) and may be accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath. In some instances, chronic cough may also be caused by postnasal drip due to allergies or sinusitis.
Wet Coughing
Wet coughs, which produce mucus, are productive coughs.
Wet coughs can feel like an item in your throat. Something may also trickle into your throat or chest. You may cough up mucous.
Wet coughs can be caused by:
- flu
- pneumonia
- COPD, bronchitis, or emphysema
- acutebronchitis
- asthma
- Cough length may indicate the reason. In adults, wet coughs can be acute or chronic.
Wet coughs often cause:
- sneezing
- postnasal drip—excess mucus that runs down your throat—
- fatigue
- Wet coughs occur from respiratory mucous.
Babies, toddlers, and children with wet coughs usually have a cold or the flu.
Wet cough remedies
Adults: OTC cough and cold drugs and honey can help acute wet coughs in adults.
Toddlers: A cool mist humidifier can reduce air dryness. Saline drops in your child’s nose and a bulb syringe to clean it may also assist. Give babies and toddlers under 2 no OTC cough or cold medication. Infant botulism makes honey unsafe for toddlers under 1.
Children: A clinical trialTrusted Source showed that providing 1 1/2 tablespoons of honey 30 minutes before bedtime reduces cough and improves sleep in children 1 and older. A humidifier can keep the air wet at night. Before using OTC cough and cold drugs, see your doctor.
If your cough lasts longer than three weeks, talk to a doctor about different therapies. Wet coughs in children last 4 weeks.
Dry Coughing
Mucus-free coughs are dry coughs. Your throat may tingle. Coughing can result.
Dry coughs can cause prolonged coughing. Dry coughs are caused by respiratory tract inflammation or irritation without mucus.
Colds and flus can induce dry coughs.
Dry coughs might last weeks or until a cold or flu passes. Other dry cough reasons include:
- laryngitis
- laryngitis
- croup
- tonsillitis
- sinusitis
- asthma
- allergies
- GERD (GERD)
- ACE inhibitors
- air pollution, dust, and smoke.
- COVID-19 dry cough
- COVID-19 causes dry coughs.
If you’re unwell and suspect COVID-19, the CDC recommends:
- Stay indoors.
- Avoid family and pets.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Wear a mask when around others.
- Contact a doctor.
- Call beforehand for medical attention.
- Handwash often.
- Share no personal or household stuff.
- Clean frequently.
- Track symptoms.
- Emergencies
If you have any of these symptoms, call 911:
- breathlessness
- chest tightness
- blue-lip
- confusion
- COVID-19 resources are available here.
Dry cough remedies
Causes determine dry cough treatments.
Adults: Cough suppressants, throat lozenges, staying hydrated, and humidifiers may help dry coughs.
Dry coughs in newborns and toddlers rarely need treatment. Humidifiers may help them relax. Your toddler can get croup treatment in a steamy shower or in the cool night air.
Older kids: Use a humidifier to keep their lungs moist. Cough drops may help older kids with sore throats.
Consult a doctor if you develop heartburn, discomfort, and a dry cough. You may require antibiotics, asthma drugs, antacids, or more tests to discover the source of your cough. Inform the doctor if you take vitamins or drugs.
See a doctor if a child’s cough lasts more than 2–3 weeks. Your child may need asthma or antibiotics. antihistamines.
Chronic cough
Paroxysmal coughs are intense, uncontrollable coughing episodes. A paroxysmal cough exhausts and hurts. Paroxysmal coughers have trouble breathing. They may vomit.
Whooping cough—pertussis—causes severe coughing. Atypical microorganisms cause this disorder. In the second stage of pertussis, persistent coughing might progress into a paroxysmal cough, especially at night.
People may cough “whoop” during whooping cough attacks. When they exhale, this happens.
Whooping cough is more likely to cause significant difficulties in babies than adults. Whooping cough can kill newborns.
Vaccinating children 2 months and older is the best approach to prevent pertussisTrusted Source.
Other causes of paroxysmal cough include:
- asthma
- COPD
- pneumonia
- tuberculosis
- choking
- Paroxysmal cough remedies
- Whooping cough requires antibiotics for everyone.
Whooping cough is highly contagious, so family and carers should be treated. Whooping cough is best treated early.
Cough cures include:
- mucous using a cold mist vaporizer
- decreasing home irritants like dust and smoke
- modest, regular meals to reduce vomiting
- to avoid dehydration
- croup
- Trusted Source: Viral infections cause croup in children under 5.
Croup irritates and swells the airway. Swelling makes it harder for young children to breathe.
Croup generates a seal-like “barking” cough. It also swells the voice box, causing raspy breathing and voice.
Croup makes breathing harder, which worries parents and kids. Can:
breathless
loudly inhale
fast-breathing
Children with severe croup may turn pale or bluish.
Croup remedies
Croup normally resolves without therapy. Home treatments include:
- installing a cold mist humidifier in the child’s bedroom
- putting the child in a steamy bathroom for 10 minutes
- letting the youngster breathe cool air outside
- driving the child with the windows down to let in cooler air
- giving kids Tylenol for fevers
- ensuring the youngster gets enough rest and drinks
- A doctor may suggest nebulizer breathing to expand the airway. Steroids may be prescribed for severe inflammation.
Overview of Medicines for Cough
When looking for the best medicine for a cough, it is important to consider the type of cough and the underlying cause. There are many types of over-the-counter (OTC) medications available to help relieve symptoms associated with coughing. The most common OTC medicines used to treat coughing are antitussives, expectorants, decongestants and antihistamines.
Antitussives are used to suppress a cough by reducing the amount of phlegm that is produced. Common OTC antitussives include dextromethorphan, which can be found in medicines such as Robitussin Cough Syrup and Delsym Cough Drops. Expectorants help thin out mucus making it easier for the body to expel it through coughing. Common OTC expectorants include guaifenesin, which can be found in medications such as Mucinex and Robitussin Chest Congestion.
Decongestants work by narrowing the blood vessels, reducing swelling in the tissues around them and relieving congestion caused by a cold or sinus infection. Common OTC decongestants include pseudoephedrine, which can be found in medications such as Sudafed and Afrin Nasal Spray. Antihistamines reduce sneezing and nasal itching caused by allergies or a cold and can also help reduce coughing caused by postnasal drip. Common OTC antihistamines include diphenhydramine, which can be found in medications such as Benadryl Allergy Relief Tablets and Zyrtec Allergy Relief tablets.
It is important to speak with your doctor before taking any medication for a cough as certain medications may not be appropriate depending on your medical history or other factors such as age or pregnancy status.
Benefits of Taking Medicine for Cough
Taking medicine for a cough can help relieve the symptoms and provide relief from coughing. Many medicines are available to treat coughing, such as over-the-counter cough syrups, decongestants, antihistamines, and expectorants. Each of these medications has different benefits when it comes to treating a cough.
One of the main benefits of taking medicine for a cough is that it can reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. This helps reduce the amount of mucus produced by the body, which in turn helps reduce coughing fits. Additionally, some of these medications contain ingredients that can help suppress urge-to-cough reflexes. This can help to reduce how often and how intensely you are coughing.
Another benefit of taking medication for a cough is that it can help control other symptoms associated with a cold or flu, such as sore throat and headaches. Some medications contain pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which can effectively reduce discomfort caused by coughing fits. Other medicines may also contain antihistamines or decongestants which can be helpful in reducing nasal congestion and helping you breathe more easily.
Finally, taking medicine for a cough can also help speed up recovery from sicknesses like colds or flus. Many medications have antiviral properties, meaning they can fight against viruses that cause upper respiratory infections and illnesses like colds, flus, bronchitis and sinusitis. By fighting off viruses in your system faster than your body would on its own, medication can greatly reduce the length of time you need to recover from sicknesses caused by viruses.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
When considering medicine for a cough, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and precautions that may come with certain medications. Some common side effects of coughing medicines include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, restlessness or agitation, dry mouth and throat, rash, and difficulty breathing. More serious side effects such as sweating, jitteriness, irregular heartbeat or chest pains should also be considered.
It is also important to consider any drug interactions that may occur when taking multiple medications. Taking two or more drugs at the same time can cause them to interact negatively and increase the risk of an adverse reaction. Additionally, those who suffer from chronic illnesses such as diabetes or asthma should be especially careful when taking cold medicines as they can adversely affect these conditions.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should speak with their doctors before taking any type of medication for their coughs. This is because some medications can cross the placenta and enter into the baby’s system which can cause birth defects or other complications. It is also important to note that many over-the-counter medicines are not recommended for children under six years old due to potential side effects and risks associated with them in this age group.
Finally, those who take medicine for their cough should always read the instructions carefully before taking it. It is important to understand what kind of dose is appropriate for your symptoms and follow any warnings printed on the packaging regarding potential interactions with food or alcohol. Make sure you inform your doctor if you experience any unusual reactions while taking your medication so they can adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medicine if necessary.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Medicine for Cough
When selecting the best medicine for a cough, there are several important factors to consider. Talk to your physician or pharmacist as they can guide you on which type of medication may be most effective in treating your cough.
The primary factor to consider when choosing a medicine for a cough is the cause of the cough. Coughs can be caused by many different factors, including colds and flu, allergies, asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections. Each of these causes typically requires a different type of cough medicine with different active ingredients to effectively treat them.
You should also consider the symptom relief you need from the medicine. Some medications provide temporary relief while others work more slowly but offer longer-term results. If you’re looking for fast symptom relief, look for an expectorant that thins mucus and helps it move out of your system more quickly. For longer-lasting symptom control, look for an antihistamine or decongestant that reduces swelling in the airways and helps keep nasal passages clear.
Make sure to read all labels carefully before selecting any over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for coughing as some products may contain active ingredients that could worsen your condition or interact with other medications you’re taking. If you’re unsure about what type of OTC medicine is best for your cough, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on what would be safe and effective for you to take based on your medical history and current condition.
Additionally, check if any side effects are associated with taking the medicine as some may cause drowsiness or other undesirable reactions such as nausea or headaches. Lastly, pay attention to dosage instructions as some medicines need to be taken regularly throughout the day while others may only require one dose per day or even less often than that depending on their strength and purpose.
Summary
Cough medicines are important in treating the common cold and other ailments that cause coughing. The right medicine can help relieve symptoms and make recovery faster and more comfortable. Before choosing a medicine, it is important to consider the type of cough, potential side effects, and other factors unique to the individual. In general, over-the-counter medications are safe for treating a cough but those with chronic conditions or allergies should consult with their doctor before taking any medication. Additionally, many home remedies such as honey or herbal teas may also provide relief from coughing. Ultimately, the best cough medicine is one that effectively relieves symptoms while being safe and suitable for an individual’s needs.
In conclusion, coughing is an important symptom of many respiratory illnesses that can significantly impact your quality of life. Taking cough medicine can help reduce the severity and frequency of coughing, enabling individuals to get relief from their symptoms and improve their overall health. There are a variety of medicines available to treat coughs, ranging from over-the-counter medications to prescription medications. It is important to consider the potential side effects and precautions when selecting a medicine for cough as well as factors such as age, severity of symptoms, and other conditions. With the right medication and proper use, you can expect to experience positive results in alleviating your cough.