Best Medicine For Coughing Sneezing And Runny Nose
Coughing, sneezing, and runny nose are common symptoms of colds and allergies. They can be very uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life. Finding the right medicine can help alleviate these symptoms and help you get back to feeling like yourself again. In this article, we will explore the best medicines for coughing, sneezing, and runny nose.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are a type of medicine that blocks the effects of histamine, a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction. They can help relieve symptoms of allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Some common antihistamines include:
- Claritin (loratadine) – This over-the-counter medicine is a popular choice for treating allergies. It is available in both pill and liquid form.
- Zyrtec (cetirizine) – Another over-the-counter medicine that is effective in treating allergies. It is available in both pill and liquid form.
- Allegra (fexofenadine) – This medicine is available over-the-counter and by prescription. It is effective in treating allergies and can also help relieve symptoms of hives.
Nasal Decongestants
Nasal decongestants can help relieve a stuffy or congested nose by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages. They can be taken orally or used as a nasal spray. Some common nasal decongestants include:
- Afrin (oxymetazoline) – This nasal spray is effective in relieving nasal congestion. However, it should not be used for more than three days in a row as it can lead to rebound congestion.
- Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) – This medicine is available over-the-counter and by prescription. It is effective in relieving nasal congestion but can cause side effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.
- Phenylephrine – This nasal spray can be found over-the-counter and is effective in relieving nasal congestion. However, it is not as potent as other nasal decongestants.
Cough Suppressants
Cough suppressants can help relieve a persistent cough by blocking the cough reflex. They are particularly helpful at night when coughing can disrupt sleep. Some common cough suppressants include:
- Delsym (dextromethorphan) – This medicine is available over-the-counter and can help relieve a persistent cough. It is available in both liquid and pill form.
- Robitussin (guaifenesin) – This medicine is also available over-the-counter and can help relieve chest congestion and coughing.
- Codeine – This medicine is available by prescription only and is a more potent cough suppressant. It should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Combination Medicines
Combination medicines can be helpful for treating multiple symptoms at once. They often contain a combination of antihistamines, decongestants, and cough suppressants. Some common combination medicines include:
- DayQuil/NyQuil – These over-the-counter medicines are designed to treat cold and flu symptoms. DayQuil is designed to be taken during the day and NyQuil at night.
- Claritin-D – This medicine combines an antihistamine and a decongestant to treat allergies and nasal congestion.
- Allegra-D – This medicine also combines an antihistamine and a decongestant to treat allergies and nasal congestion.
Conclusion
Dealing with coughing, sneezing, and runny nose can be frustrating, but there are many medicines available to help relieve these symptoms. Antihistamines, nasal decongestants, cough suppressants, and combination medicines can all be effective in treating these symptoms. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new medication to determine what is best for you.
