Cough Syrups - Relief for Cough Symptoms

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Does cough syrup work?

They have a mix of ingredients but may not work as well as you might think. No medicine cabinet is fully stocked without some good old cherry-flavored cough syrup—or at least that’s how it feels during cold and flu season . But does cough syrup even work? And will it work for the type of cough you have? Spoiler alert: Not really.

How do over-the-counter cough syrups work?

In theory, this is how different ingredients in over-the-counter cough syrups are supposed to work: Antitussive drugs like dextromethorphan(often listed as DM or DXM) or codeine block the body's cough reflex. Expectorants thin mucus to make it easier to cough. Decongestants reduce the swelling of blood vessels in your nose.

Can you take cough syrup if you're sick?

You could also take cough syrup along with other remedies. Cough syrups can feel soothing, and they have one known benefit: They often make you drowsy and help you get to sleep, which is essential when you are sick. (Cough syrup is not recommended for children under the age of 4, though.)

What is a cough suppressant?

Cough suppressants, also known as antitussives, are a class of drugs that act on the brain to suppress the cough reflex. There is one OTC antitussive approved for use in the United States called dextromethorphan. It is most commonly sold as a syrup but can be found as capsules and lozenges.

Where can I buy a cough medicine?

Lots of cough medicines are available to buy from pharmacies or supermarkets. They usually contain one or more active ingredient (see the section below). A glycerin, honey and lemon cough medicine is also available to buy. This preparation does not have an active ingredient as such. It is thought to have a soothing action.

How long should a cough medicine last?

As with all medicines, cough medicines should only be taken for the shortest period of time necessary, most people only use a cough medicine for a few days. In general, most coughs do not last more than 2-3 weeks. If your cough does last longer than three weeks then you should go to see your doctor.

What Is Cough Syrups

1. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cough
2. https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cough-syrup-cough-medicine
3. https://patient.info/chest-lungs/cough-leaflet/cough-medicines
4. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-23/a-guide-to-coughs-and-how-to-treat-them/11334858
5. https://www.health.com/condition/cold/does-cough-syrup-work
6. https://www.verywellhealth.com/cough-suppressants-770584
7. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/16181
8. https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/a23276887/over-the-counter-cough-medicines/

Cough Syrups Information

1. https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Cough/
2. https://bisolvon.com.au/products/bisolvon-chesty-cough-liquid/