Best Cough Medicine For Patients With High Blood Pressure
Coughing is a natural reflex of the body to clear the airways from irritants or mucus. However, cough can also be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as a cold, flu, allergies, or asthma. For patients with high blood pressure, choosing the right cough medicine can be challenging, as some over-the-counter (OTC) cough medications contain ingredients that can raise blood pressure. In this article, we will discuss the best cough medicine for patients with high blood pressure.
What is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. This can lead to serious health problems, such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. High blood pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, obesity, smoking, and lack of physical activity.
Why is it important to choose the right cough medicine?
Choosing the right cough medicine is important for patients with high blood pressure, as some cough medications contain decongestants, which can raise blood pressure. Decongestants work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages, which can cause an increase in blood pressure. In addition, some cough medicines contain salt, which can also raise blood pressure.
Patients with high blood pressure should avoid cough medicines that contain decongestants or salt. Instead, they should look for cough medicines that are labeled as safe for patients with high blood pressure.
What are the best cough medicines for patients with high blood pressure?
There are several cough medicines that are safe for patients with high blood pressure. These include:
1. Dextromethorphan: This is a cough suppressant that works by blocking the cough reflex. It is safe for patients with high blood pressure and is often found in over-the-counter cough medicines.
2. Guaifenesin: This is an expectorant that works by thinning the mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up. It is safe for patients with high blood pressure and is often found in over-the-counter cough medicines.
3. Benadryl: This is an antihistamine that works by blocking histamine, which can cause sneezing, runny nose, and cough. It is safe for patients with high blood pressure and is often found in over-the-counter cough medicines.
4. Brompheniramine: This is an antihistamine that works by blocking histamine, which can cause sneezing, runny nose, and cough. It is safe for patients with high blood pressure and is often found in over-the-counter cough medicines.
What should patients with high blood pressure avoid?
Patients with high blood pressure should avoid cough medicines that contain decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. These medications can raise blood pressure and should be avoided by patients with high blood pressure. In addition, patients with high blood pressure should avoid cough medicines that contain salt, as these can also raise blood pressure.
Conclusion
Coughing can be a symptom of an underlying condition and can be treated with the right cough medicine. Patients with high blood pressure should choose cough medicines that are labeled as safe for patients with high blood pressure and avoid cough medicines that contain decongestants or salt. Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, Benadryl, and brompheniramine are all safe cough medicines for patients with high blood pressure.