Mikaela Millan
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We at Hyfe, Inc., are a company devoted to working on tools to better understand the importance of cough. It is Hyfe’s intention in the future to seek regulatory approval for medical products that analyze cough in order that they may be used to diagnose, monitor, and facilitate better treatment of respiratory illnesses.
Coughing is our body’s way of keeping our airways open and free of harmful substances. While this is a normal reflex, too much coughing can be a symptom of disease. Although many over-the-counter medications are available, a popular choice is cough drops. Do these really work? And, how well do they relieve cough?
If you are unsure of which medication to take, it would be best to consult your doctor. Not only can they prescribe you the most effective and appropriate treatment, but they can also assess whether further treatment is necessary.
Cough drops work in several ways. Besides suppressing the cough reflex temporarily, they also soothe and moisten an irritated throat. Depending on the cough drop’s ingredients, they can also combat colds and numb pain and irritation. These are effects of their typical active ingredients, menthol, and eucalyptus. Some cough drops even include honey, which is known to suppress cough. To sum up, the act of sucking on a cough drop can provide multiple benefits, since it:
Despite these positive effects, there is little medical evidence supporting the use of cough drops. The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) recommendations mention only anti-cough drugs to manage an acute cough. Namely, antihistamines with dextromethorphan (e.g., Robitussin or Vicks). In other words, a studied drug combination, in which the former reduces inflammation, and the latter decongests. It is also worth noting that a cough drop will not necessarily cure an infection. Cough drops can only relieve symptoms and ease the pain. If your symptoms worsen or last more than a few days, consult your doctor immediately.
It is possible, but quite unlikely, to overdose on cough drops. The lethal dose of menthol, the main ingredient in cough drops, is about 1 gram per kilogram of body weight. In other words, you would have to eat several thousand cough drops in a short amount of time for a lethal overdose. Nevertheless, here are the possible symptoms you may experience if you consume an excessive amount of cough drops:
Knowing this can help you identify when an overdose occurs and help your doctor determine the best management. If you notice you or someone else has a fast heart rate, shallow breathing, palpitations, seizures or convulsions, or unconsciousness, you must act quickly. You must immediately call your doctor and proceed to the nearest hospital. These are signs of a medical emergency and warrant urgent care.
While each drug often produces a specific effect, some people may respond uniquely. So here are some safety precautions to keep in mind while taking your cough medicine:
These precautions are crucial; they can ensure your safety while building your confidence to deal with another coughing fit in the futureThese precautions can not only ensure your safety, but also give you greater confidence if you ever have to deal with another cough episode in the future.
Apart from medication, home remedies also play a role in cough management. Here are just some of the ways you can relieve your symptoms at home and hasten the healing process:
Although the above list is not exhaustive by any means, we hope these measures can help improve your symptoms and maybe even aid with a speedy recovery. Taking extra precautions, being vigilant, and caring for each other will definitely go a long way.
Mikaela is a dentistry clinician at the University of the Philippines.