Information About Coughs and Cough Syrups

When shopping for cough syrup it is important to understand what kind of cough you are shopping for. In this article I will discuss different types of coughs as well as what cough medications should be used for the treatment each cough.

A dry cough is a phlem producing cough that is considered to be productive. To treat a dry cough in the daytime, use an expectorant type cough syrup to help loosen the phlem and remove it from the respiratory tract. Hydrocodone is among the frequently used ingredients in expectorant cough syrups, and is of the opiate family. If you are ill with the common cold, or the flu chances are you are experiencing a dry cough. At night you will want to switch cough syrups, as an expectorant will make you cough everything up, and this will not help you rest. At night a cough suppressant is an ideal type of cough syrup to use so you can rest, and you are not awake coughing all night. Also you should use an additional pillow to elevate your head while you rest.

An allergy triggered cough is caused by common allergens such as: animal dandruff, mold, dust and also pollen. An allergy cough is your bodies defense against the allergens- a defense to keep the respiratory tract and lungs clear of the allergens. For an allergy cough you will need to see your doctor for a prescription to treat the cough effectively.

Finally, Pertussis is also known as whooping cough, which is an infection of the airway. After an extended coughing fit a whooping like sound is heard. This infection is deceptive, as it is very similar to the common cold, and very contagious. Symptoms will include fever, sneezing, and severe coughing that can be followed by facial discoloration and or vomiting. Unfortunately the most severe cases of whooping cough, or Pertussis occur in children under one year of age. Teenagers and adults are not immune to Pertussis. Brain damage and hernias are among the reported complications of this infection. Whooping cough, or Pertussis is incurable and often series of medications such as antibiotics are prescribed as treatment for the infection.

As with any illness, if you have a persistent cough that lasts for ten days or more you should see a medical professional. Always remember to cover your mouth when you cough, preferably you should cough into your elbow, to prevent the spread of germs, illness and infection.