Best Over The Counter Medicine For Dry Cough
A dry cough can be frustrating, especially if it persists for a long time. It can keep you up at night, make it difficult to concentrate during the day, and even lead to a sore throat. Fortunately, there are several over-the-counter (OTC) remedies that can provide relief. In this article, we'll explore the best OTC medicine for dry cough and their effectiveness in treating the condition.
What Causes Dry Cough?
A dry cough is a type of cough that does not produce mucus or phlegm. It is usually caused by a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Other causes of dry cough include allergies, asthma, smoking, and exposure to irritants such as air pollution or dust.
Types of Over-The-Counter Medicine for Dry Cough
There are three types of OTC medicine for dry cough:
- Cough Suppressants: These medicines are used to suppress the cough reflex. They work by blocking the cough reflex in the brain. Examples of cough suppressants include dextromethorphan and codeine.
- Expectorants: These medicines are used to thin the mucus in the respiratory system, making it easier to cough up. Examples of expectorants include guaifenesin and terpin hydrate.
- Antihistamines: These medicines are used to treat allergies that may be causing the dry cough. They work by blocking the histamine that is produced in response to allergens. Examples of antihistamines include diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine.
The Best Over-The-Counter Medicine for Dry Cough
The best OTC medicine for dry cough depends on the underlying cause of the cough. Here are some of the most effective OTC medicines for different types of dry cough:
For Cough Due to Cold or Flu
Cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan are the best OTC medicine for coughs due to cold or flu. They work by blocking the cough reflex in the brain. Some of the best cough suppressants for dry cough include:
- Robitussin DM
- Vicks DayQuil Cough
- Mucinex DM
For Cough Due to Allergies
Antihistamines are the best OTC medicine for coughs due to allergies. They work by blocking the histamine that is produced in response to allergens. Some of the best antihistamines for dry cough include:
- Claritin
- Zyrtec
- Allegra
For Cough Due to Smoking
There is no specific OTC medicine for coughs due to smoking. However, cough suppressants and expectorants can provide some relief. Some of the best OTC medicines for dry cough due to smoking include:
- Robitussin DM
- Mucinex DM
- Ricola cough drops
Conclusion
A dry cough can be a nuisance, but there are several OTC remedies that can provide relief. Cough suppressants, expectorants, and antihistamines are the three types of OTC medicine for dry cough. The best OTC medicine for dry cough depends on the underlying cause of the cough. If you have a persistent dry cough, it is best to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause and the appropriate treatment.