Best Medicine To Stop Cough And Runny Nose
Cough and runny nose are symptoms that are commonly associated with colds and flu. They can be very uncomfortable and can make it difficult to carry out our daily activities. While these symptoms usually go away on their own, there are medications that can help relieve them. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best medicines to stop cough and runny nose.
What Causes Cough and Runny Nose?
Cough and runny nose are symptoms that are usually caused by viral infections such as colds and flu. When we catch a cold or flu virus, our body tries to fight the infection by producing mucus in our nose and throat. This mucus helps to trap the virus and prevent it from spreading to other parts of our body. However, when there is too much mucus, it can cause a runny nose and make it difficult to breathe. Similarly, when the virus irritates our throat, it can cause coughing as our body tries to clear the mucus.
Types of Medicines to Stop Cough and Runny Nose
There are several types of medicines that can help relieve cough and runny nose. These include:
Decongestants
Decongestants are medicines that help relieve nasal congestion by reducing the swelling of the nasal passages. They come in the form of pills, liquids, or nasal sprays. Some common decongestants include pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, and oxymetazoline. These medicines should not be used for more than 3-5 days as they can cause rebound congestion if used for a long time.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are medicines that help relieve runny nose and sneezing by blocking the release of histamine, a chemical that is produced in response to allergens. They come in the form of pills, liquids, or nasal sprays. Some common antihistamines include loratadine, cetirizine, and diphenhydramine. These medicines can cause drowsiness, so they should not be taken before driving or operating machinery.
Cough Suppressants
Cough suppressants are medicines that help relieve coughing by reducing the urge to cough. They come in the form of pills, liquids, or lozenges. Some common cough suppressants include dextromethorphan, codeine, and pholcodine. These medicines should not be used for a long time as they can cause side effects such as drowsiness, constipation, and nausea.
Expectorants
Expectorants are medicines that help relieve coughing by thinning the mucus in our lungs and making it easier to cough up. They come in the form of pills or liquids. Some common expectorants include guaifenesin and acetylcysteine. These medicines should be taken with plenty of water to help loosen the mucus.
When to See a Doctor
While cough and runny nose are usually caused by viral infections and can be treated with over-the-counter medicines, there are times when they can be a sign of a more serious condition. You should see a doctor if:
- Your symptoms last for more than 10 days
- You have a high fever
- You experience chest pain or difficulty breathing
- You cough up blood
- You have a weakened immune system
Conclusion
Cough and runny nose are common symptoms that can be very uncomfortable. While they usually go away on their own, there are medicines that can help relieve them. Decongestants, antihistamines, cough suppressants, and expectorants are some of the medicines that can be used to stop cough and runny nose. If your symptoms last for more than 10 days or you experience other symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, you should see a doctor.