Dry cough: causes and effective treatments
Dry cough is the most common symptom of various respiratory tract pathologies. No one is immune from the appearance of this symptom - cough is present in both children and adults, it can accompany rhinitis and tonsillitis.
Table of contents:
- Dry cough: causes and effective treatments
- Possible causes of dry cough
- Description of dry cough
- How to treat dry cough
- Medicines for dry cough
- Folk remedies for the treatment of dry cough
- Inhalations for dry cough
- Decoctions
- Compresses and several other remedies
- Related Posts
- Lung gangrene: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment principles
- Treatment of pneumonia in children
- Acute respiratory infections: causes, symptoms, treatment, complications, prevention
- How to choose a reliable drug for a dry cough for an adult
- Why is a dry cough dangerous?
- Causes
- Treatment methods
- Types of medications to combat dry cough
- Expectorants
- Mucolytic drugs
- Anesthetic drugs
- 10 best tablets for dry cough
- Types of tablets for dry cough
- List of the best tablets for dry cough
- Tablets for oral administration
- Lozenges
- Reviews
- Medicines for dry cough. Inexpensive and effective. Reviews
- Causes of dry cough
- What medications for dry cough: types and classification of drugs
- Precautionary measures
- Medicine for nonproductive cough for adults
- Dry cough medicine for children
- Medicine for dry cough for pregnant women
- Nebulizer medications for dry cough
- Reviews
- Add a comment Cancel reply
- Which tablets for dry cough are better and more effective?
- Classification of drugs
- Centrally acting antitussives
- Peripheral cough medications
- Combined action medications
- Which tablets for dry cough are best?
- Dry cough tablets for adults
- Cheap tablets for dry cough
- Reviews
- Leave a review Cancel
In any case, no matter the reason for the dry cough, the body needs help to cope with it.
Possible causes of dry cough
A cough appears when foreign bodies enter the respiratory tract or when sputum accumulates - this is what releases the body. But with a dry cough, there is no sputum, and the development of the syndrome in question is preceded by soreness and discomfort in the throat.
Causes of dry cough:
In almost every case, an infectious disease of the respiratory tract is accompanied by a dry cough. If the patient undergoes proper treatment, then after a short time the cough becomes wet. But if the syndrome in question lasts too long, there is no improvement and the nature of the cough does not change, then this may indicate the progression of the inflammatory process in the lungs.
Important! Before treating dry cough, it is necessary to find the true cause of this syndrome. And the best option would be to contact specialists - only in a medical institution will it be possible to conduct a full examination of the patient.
Description of dry cough
In medicine, there are 3 types of dry cough:
- a dull cough – this will be a sign of the development of a lung tumor or tuberculosis;
- barking cough - appears as a consequence of a viral disease in which the vocal cords were damaged;
- hysterical cough - most often this type of dry cough is diagnosed in pediatric patients and accompanies whooping cough.
The cause of the syndrome in question can also be smoking - it usually occurs in smokers in the morning (immediately after waking up) or during physical activity. A dry cough in a smoker can lead to the development of chronic bronchitis.
If the patient has the syndrome in question on the background of bronchial asthma, then you need to be attentive to the process of treating the disease and regularly visit the doctor for follow-up examinations. The fact is that bronchial asthma is characterized by pulmonary edema, and this can lead to the most severe complications, including Quincke's edema and death.
Please note: there is so-called aspirin asthma, in which the use of even a small dose of aspirin provokes bronchospasm. The problem can only be solved by urgent use of bronchodilators.
If examination of the patient does not confirm the presence of an infectious or viral disease of the respiratory tract, then doctors may associate the appearance of a dry cough with gastroenterological pathologies. For example, the syndrome in question is inherent in diseases of the gallbladder and gastric reflux.
How to treat dry cough
Treatment should not be aimed at getting rid of a dry cough! It is necessary to cure the underlying disease, but a dry cough can simply be softened, transformed into a productive form, thus easing the patient’s condition. Very often, anesthetics are used for a dry cough - they soften the throat and make the condition less uncomfortable. But such drugs should absolutely not be given to pediatric patients!
It is advisable to treat dry cough in children as follows:
- give warm milk with honey or mineral water to drink;
- the air in the room where the patient is located must be constantly humidified;
- carry out inhalation procedures with saline solution and essential oils.
Please note: if a dry cough does not soften and does not become moist after 2-3 days of these procedures, then you need to seek help from a doctor - most likely, you will need to be treated with medications.
Medicines for dry cough
Important! Before using any of the following remedies, you should consult your doctor. Self-medication can be dangerous to your health.
There are quite a lot of medications that can and should be taken for dry cough. But in this article we will highlight only a few of them:
- Alex Plus. This drug contains both a substance that has an antitussive effect and a substance that has an expectorant effect. This product is used internally - by adults 3-4 times a day, 2-4 lozenges, by children from 4 to 7 years old - 1-2 lozenges once a day, by children from 7 to 12 years old - 3 times a day by 2 lozenges.
- Broncholine Sage . This drug is available in the form of a syrup, which has antitussive and bronchodilator properties. The main active ingredients of this medicine are ephedrine and glaucine - the first dilates the bronchi and reduces swelling, the second suppresses cough. The syrup should be taken by adults 1 tablespoon 304 times a day, by children aged 3 to 10 years – 1 teaspoon 3 times a day.
- Bronchicum . The medicine is a syrup of plant origin, which has an antitussive, anti-inflammatory and expectorant effect. Adult patients need to take 1 teaspoon of syrup 5-6 times a day, children from 5 to 12 years old - 1 teaspoon 3-4 times a day, children from 1 to 4 years old - half a teaspoon 3 times a day .
Please note: Bronchicum syrup contains extracts of thyme and primrose roots - these plants can become a provoking factor in the development of an allergic reaction.
- Hexapneumin . This complex medicine, combined, has antihistamine, antitussive and antimicrobial effects. This remedy is allowed to be taken only by children over 8 years of age and by adults in a dosage of 2-3 teaspoons per day with equal intervals between doses.
- Insti. The drug has an expectorant, mucolytic and anti-inflammatory effect. The product is produced in the form of granules, and its composition is entirely of plant origin. Insti is taken 2-3 times a day immediately after meals. And before using the drug, you need to dissolve one sachet in a small amount of water - this is a one-time dosage.
- Codelac. A very powerful antitussive, the main active ingredient of which is codeine. For adults, this drug is prescribed in a dosage of 1 tablet 2-3 times a day, and for children, the same drug is available in the form of syrup and is prescribed in a daily dosage of 5 ml.
- Cofanol . The drug is based on herbal components and has a mucolytic, antitussive and antimicrobial effect. For adults and children under 14 years of age, doctors prescribe Cofanol 1-2 tablets 4 times a day, children aged 7 to 14 years - 1 tablet 3 times a day.
- Neo-Kodion . Available in tablet form, the main active ingredient is codeine. You should take the medicine 1 tablet up to 4 times a day, but the time interval between doses should not be more than 6 hours.
- Paracodamol. This drug has an inhibitory effect that is directed against the cough reflex. In addition, Paracodamol has an antipyretic effect, so it is especially good to take it for a dry cough against the background of a cold. Prescribe the drug 1-2 tablets 4-5 times a day, but no more than 8 tablets per day.
- Sinekod. Syrup that has an antitussive effect. The main active ingredient is butamirate, which blocks the cough reflex, but does not depress respiratory activity. Adults are prescribed 15 ml before meals 3 times a day, children aged 6 to 12 years – 10 ml 3 times a day, children aged 3 to 6 years – 5 ml three times a day.
- Stoptussin. This is a syrup with an antitussive effect. This medicine must be taken strictly according to the official instructions - the dosage depends on the patient’s weight.
- Terkodin. A combined remedy that simultaneously suppresses cough, improves the secretive function of the bronchi and promotes the rapid evacuation of sputum. Take Tercodin in the following dosages:
- adult children over 12 years old – 1 tablet 2-3 times a day;
- children from 5 to 10 years old – half a tablet 3 times a day;
- children from 2 to 5 years – 1/3 tablet 3 times a day.
Folk remedies for the treatment of dry cough
Treatment of dry cough with folk remedies is quite acceptable and very effective. It is usually recommended to carry out inhalations, apply compresses and take decoctions.
Inhalations for dry cough
To get rid of the phenomenon in question, heat-moisture, oil and steam inhalations are performed. Moreover, these procedures in some cases are even more effective than the use of specific medications - when inhaled, the effect is directly on the inflamed bronchial mucosa, and therefore the effect is rapid.
For inhalation procedures to truly have a therapeutic effect, use:
All of these medicinal plants have anti-inflammatory, expectorant and antiseptic effects. Inhalation is very easy - you need to pour boiling water over a collection of all these plants, let it brew for half an hour and pour it into a shallow and wide plate. And then all that remains is to inhale the vapors with your mouth and exhale the air through your nose, covered with a towel. The duration of the procedure is no more than 20 minutes.
If you want to enhance the effect of inhalations with herbal decoctions, then you need to add 2-5 drops of essential oil to the ready-made solution. The most relevant in this situation will be pine, eucalyptus or sea buckthorn oil.
Please note: the “old-fashioned” method of treating dry cough using inhalation over boiled potatoes will also have a good effect and soften the throat - do not ignore it.
Decoctions
Decoctions from herbal raw materials can be prepared at home, and taking them is quite simple - the main thing is to carry out a full course of treatment for dry cough. Recommended recipes:
- Warm milk with honey. This is the most gentle and effective way to relieve the intensity of dry cough in both adults and children. Just make sure that the patient is not allergic to bee products. To enhance the effect, in addition to 1 teaspoon of honey, you can add ¼ spoon of soda and 1 teaspoon of butter to the milk.
- Mix licorice root, mullein flowers, marshmallow root, pine buds, sage in equal proportions and pour boiling water for literally 10 minutes. Then the decoction is filtered and taken warm 3 times a day in the amount of 50 ml per dose.
- Take one tablespoon of dry horsetail, add one liter of water and cook over low heat for 3 hours. The drink is then cooled, filtered and taken for at least 3 days in a row, half a glass per day.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of anise seeds with a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of salt (about ¾ teaspoon). The mixture is poured into a glass of water, brought to a boil and cooled at room temperature. You need to take the finished product 2 teaspoons 2-3 times a day.
Compresses and several other remedies
Doctors say that a compress is one of the most effective methods of mitigating a dry cough. You can do, for example, this:
- take 1 part apple cider vinegar;
- mix vinegar with 3 parts water;
- add 1 teaspoon of honey to the solution;
- moisten a textile napkin in the prepared product;
- apply a napkin to your chest (bypassing the area of the anatomical location of the heart);
- lay polyethylene on top;
- secure everything on the body with something warm (for example, a scarf or shawl).
Here are a few more effective remedies from the “traditional medicine” category:
- In 1 liter of milk you need to boil 2 pieces of ripe figs until the color of the broth changes to a darker shade (chocolate cream). Then the broth is cooled and the entire amount is drunk during the day in small sips and in a warm state.
- If you chop 2 medium onions, boil them in milk (200 ml) for 20 minutes, cool and strain, you will get an excellent remedy for getting rid of dry cough. You need to take onion-milk decoction 2 teaspoons 3-4 times a day.
- You need to boil 1 lemon, cut it and squeeze out the juice. To the resulting lemon juice, add 1 teaspoon of medical glycerin and enough honey to make a glass of the finished medicine. Take 1 teaspoon 5-6 times a day.
A dry cough always causes discomfort to the patient. You need to know the methods of getting rid of it, but do not ignore the importance of consulting with specialists.
Tsygankova Yana Aleksandrovna, medical observer, therapist of the highest qualification category
46,277 total views, 2 views today
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Thank you for the article, I learned a lot of useful things for myself.
I treat my son’s dry cough with inhalations. As mothers joke in the yard - if you have a child, get a nebulizer. The effect is not long in coming, because the medicine acts directly on the affected areas.
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How to choose a reliable drug for a dry cough for an adult
During illness, a symptom such as cough often appears. Usually it is the body's response to stagnation of viscous fluid in the trachea and bronchi. However, there is a cough that is not accompanied by the release of any mucus - this is what is called dry. This type is the most dangerous, since the absence of phlegm additionally irritates the throat, increases inflammation and pain.
A dry cough can only be cured by taking special medications. Modern pharmacology has an extremely wide range of drugs for the treatment of throat diseases, and it often becomes difficult to choose an effective remedy. So what drugs for dry cough will help during illness?
Why is a dry cough dangerous?
Before answering this question, you should understand the very nature of dry cough - what it is, what causes it and what treatment methods currently exist.
In itself, coughing during illness is an unconditioned reflex (that is, one that a person himself is not able to control). Its essence is that the muscles surrounding the trachea begin to contract paroxysmally, blocking the access of air for 1-2 seconds, after which they suddenly relax. The purpose of coughing is to expel irritants stagnant in the respiratory tract, which may be mucus, a foreign body, or an allergen deposited on the surface.
By its nature, cough is divided into:
Usually during an illness (especially in its final stages) a wet cough is observed. However, if proper treatment has not been carried out, a situation may arise that sputum does not separate. In this case, the cough becomes especially strong and painful.
A dry cough should not be left untreated - otherwise it will quickly become chronic. Subsequently, severe respiratory complications, as well as bronchitis and pneumonia, may develop.
Causes
It often becomes quite difficult to answer this question, because a similar symptom can manifest itself in a large number of diseases. However, they may not necessarily be infectious.
A dry cough can be caused by:
Very often, an allergic cough is not accompanied by sputum production, so the first step is to exclude this option. This is quite easy to do. If a patient coughs paroxysmally, tears flow, swelling is observed, and when changing rooms the symptom disappears - most likely, this is a banal allergy. It should be treated with antihistamines.
A cough also develops when foreign bodies enter the respiratory tract - dust particles, pollen and plant fluff, wood chips, and fragments. Even if a person does not have allergies, particles stuck in the throat can cause irritation, and subsequently severe inflammation, which will cause an unconditioned reflex. In this case, only removal of the foreign body, which should be carried out by a doctor, will help.
If the cause of the symptom is an illness, a good medicine taken in combination with other measures - compresses, warming, etc. will help eliminate it.
Treatment methods
Modern medicine has learned to effectively deal with the diseases themselves and their symptoms. Treatment of dry cough in adults can be carried out in a variety of ways:
- with the help of physiotherapy;
- home (folk) methods;
- pharmaceutical drugs.
Important: a professional should choose how to treat a dry cough. At the first manifestations of this symptom, it is best to call a doctor at home, who will understand its causes and prescribe the necessary medications and procedures.
Physiotherapy includes inhalations, poultices, compresses, massages. These are very effective ways to relieve a cough in the initial stages, however, if the patient has a fever, such procedures should be avoided.
Folk remedies are, first of all, decoctions based on herbs and medicinal plants (sage, coltsfoot, mint, wild rosemary and others), which help activate the processes of sputum secretion and remove mucus from the lower respiratory tract. Also, when fighting dry cough, cow's milk, butter, and honey are actively used.
The most effective and rational method of treating such an unpleasant symptom as a dry cough is medication. Cough medicines are available in different forms - syrups, tablets, powders, capsules, etc. To select a drug, it is necessary to initially carry out a correct diagnosis - depending on the cause of the cough, the means to eliminate it may vary.
Types of medications to combat dry cough
If a dry cough is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, medications with a pronounced antiseptic effect are prescribed to help weaken pathogens. However, this is not enough to get rid of this symptom.
In general, drugs used to treat dry cough are divided into the following groups:
- anesthetics;
- combined.
Expectorants are the first thing that is prescribed to a patient with a severe dry cough. Its task in the body is to promote the separation of phlegm. The mucus that settles on the walls of the trachea and in the bronchi must be removed from the body as quickly as possible, otherwise the symptom will not disappear. Medicines that have an expectorant effect are the most effective against this disease. This is perhaps the best remedy for dry cough.
Mucolytic substances usually accompany treatment along with drugs that promote sputum removal. They reduce the viscosity of mucus, making it more actively separated from tissues. Mucolytics also promote sputum production. It is extremely important to keep the throat and lower respiratory tract moist to mitigate the negative effects of coughing.
Anesthetic drugs help relieve the cough itself. They reduce the sensitivity of the receptors responsible for this reflex and also dull pain.
When treating dry cough, drugs of different types are usually combined. Thanks to this, the greatest therapeutic effect is achieved. Properly prescribed medications will help eliminate the disease in 3-4 days.
Expectorants
Expectorants for dry cough are prescribed without fail. They act on the bronchial glands, causing them to secrete mucus. If the mucus content in the respiratory tract is low, they will ensure its production, and if the viscosity exceeds normal limits, they will be able to make it more diluted.
Attention: expectorants for dry coughs in adults cannot be combined with drugs that inhibit the cough reflex, otherwise the resulting mucus cannot be removed from the respiratory tract and stagnation will form.
Among the most effective expectorant drugs, it is worth noting the following:
- Bronholitin. The release form of this drug is syrup. Its action is based on the effect of two main components, ephedrine and glaucine. These substances, when entering the body, increase mucus production, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and dilate the bronchi for better mucus passage. The product should be taken according to the instructions.
- Stoptussin. It is also a syrup and has the same effect on the respiratory centers as the previous remedy.
- Mukaltin. A classic expectorant drug that our parents used. It is based on marshmallow extract, a medicinal plant that has the property of reducing the viscosity of mucus when coughing.
- Thermopsin. An inexpensive and effective remedy for dry and wet coughs in adults, which can be found and purchased at a pharmaceutical store. It contains a whole group of substances that affect the respiratory centers and promote the production of liquid mucus.
You can also purchase special breast packs. They are made from natural herbs (coltsfoot, plantain, sage, thyme) and are good for coughing up mucus - do not underestimate natural remedies, which, moreover, do not affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and liver in any way, which cannot be said about tablets .
Mucolytic drugs
Sometimes, before removing mucus from the respiratory tract, it is necessary to reduce its viscosity. Special medications called mucolytics can make mucus more liquid. The substances included in their composition affect the secretion of the stomach and the work of a number of glands responsible for the secretion of sputum, diluting it to a state in which it can be easily expectorated.
The following medications can be used for treatment:
- Ambroxol. In fact, the drug is a multi-purpose remedy that helps reduce the density of sputum and promotes expectoration. The product is sold quite inexpensively and is very popular for the treatment of respiratory diseases due to its effectiveness.
- Acetylcysteine. This medicine is better known by the abbreviation ACC and is produced in the form of soluble powder, sweet syrups, capsules or distributed in tablet form. Prescribed for acute and advanced forms of bronchitis, pneumonia, sore throat and other throat diseases. It has a mucolytic effect, making sputum more liquid and facilitating its removal from the body.
- Bromhexine. The active substance of this medicine, after entering the body, is modified and, through a series of chemical reactions, becomes ambroxol, which, as already mentioned, is extremely useful in the treatment of dry cough. At the moment, the drug is less popular and is rarely prescribed by doctors, but this fact does not negate its effectiveness.
- Libexin Muco. Containing the substance carbocisteine, this remedy is an excellent mucolytic and quickly thins sputum.
It is worth noting that some mucolytic and expectorant drugs (for example, ACC) should not be taken at the same time as antibiotics and antipyretics; this significantly reduces the therapeutic effect of the latter, which can harm treatment.
Anesthetic drugs
Topical treatments are also successfully used to combat uncontrollable coughing. They help get rid of the main symptoms, relieve sore throat and fight the bacteria that caused the disease. However, you need to understand that such drugs themselves are not able to cure the disease and are only an addition to the main treatment.
List of main anesthetic drugs:
A medical professional will definitely tell you which medicine to choose in order to get rid of a dry cough as quickly as possible, so you should not neglect going to the clinic or calling a doctor at home. Self-medication can lead to complications that could be avoided by turning to specialists.
You will learn how to treat a dry cough in the following video:
Source: http://bolezni.com/stati-o-simptomax/kashel/effektivnoe-sredstvo-ot-suxogo-kashlya-u-vzroslyx.html
10 best tablets for dry cough
Taking tablets for dry cough, which occurs due to the development of an inflammatory process in the respiratory system, helps alleviate the patient’s condition and speeds up the process of clearing the bronchi of accumulated mucus. When selecting an effective drug, you should pay attention to the pharmacological group to which the drug belongs and its spectrum of action.
Tablets will help you cope with a dry cough
Types of tablets for dry cough
Antitussive drugs are divided into several main groups:
- Centrally acting agents. Reduce irritation of nerve receptors in the bronchial mucosa. Funds are divided into two subgroups:
- with a narcotic effect - has a negative, depressing effect on the functioning of the central nervous system; long-term use leads to dependence on the drug. Sales are carried out only with a prescription from the attending physician;
- without narcotic influence - do not lead to the development of addiction and deterioration of the nervous system. Available in pharmacies without a special prescription.
- Peripheral drugs. Eliminate bronchial spasms, suppress the cough reflex.
- Combined drugs. They simultaneously have an expectorant, bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory effect.
Expectorants can be used for dry and wet coughs. They open the airways and facilitate mucus production.
List of the best tablets for dry cough
The list of effective medications for dry cough is divided depending on the pharmacological group, release form and method of administration.
Tablets for oral administration
There are a number of effective drugs for internal use against dry cough, which help transform it into a softer and more moist form.
Lozenges
Each pharmacological group of drugs identifies the most effective lozenges for cough.
If undesirable symptoms persist after a week's course of treatment, you must stop using the chosen medication and get further advice from your doctor. Uncontrolled further treatment can transform the disease into a chronic form.
Reviews
“There are times when a cough appears, and I take Falimint with me - not the cheapest lozenges, but they always help at work. During one of my business trips I became very ill, the doctor prescribed Libexin - I took 1 tablet every 4 hours for 5 days. By the time I returned home, my condition had returned to normal.”
“I got sick with the flu, but continued to work. As a result, I received a complication in the form of bronchitis with a dry cough. The doctor wrote out a prescription for Codelac. I drank it for 3 days and didn’t dare again for fear of addiction. To my surprise, this was enough - a good remedy, the cough completely disappeared.”
“When I have a cold, I buy Pectusin for coughs - an inexpensive and effective remedy in the form of lollipops that have a pleasant taste. I did not find any side effects during use. If a severe form of the disease develops, I purchase Omnitus – it normalizes the condition in a short time.”
Travisil - herbal-based combination tablets
To prevent the occurrence of unwanted side effects and the development of complications, you should take tablets for dry cough after consultation with a qualified specialist. He will select the most effective and harmless medication, and also calculate the acceptable duration of the course.
Source: http://lechusdoma.ru/tabletki-ot-suhogo-kashlya/
Medicines for dry cough. Inexpensive and effective. Reviews
Before prescribing any medications for dry cough, the doctor must find the cause of such an unpleasant and most common symptom.
According to statistics, cough is one of the most common complaints with which people turn to therapists or pediatricians.
This symptom is characteristic of a wide variety of diseases, so all patients with a nonproductive cough need medical supervision, examination and adequate treatment, including antitussive drugs.
Causes of dry cough
Before taking pills, you need to understand the possible reasons for its appearance:
Thus, the most common causes of a non-productive cough reflex are respiratory infections, gastric reflux, anomalies of the bronchopulmonary system, heart failure and bronchial asthma.
What medications for dry cough: types and classification of drugs
If a complaint such as a dry cough appears, medications are prescribed only by a doctor after a full interview and examination, and, if necessary, after a set of diagnostic measures.
List of medications used for barking, dry and paroxysmal coughs of various natures:
- Antitussives with a central mechanism of action of narcotic and non-narcotic effects. These include Codeine (has the following commercial names: Codelac, Codipront, Codelac Neo, Terpinkod, Caffetin), Demorphan, Vicodin, Glaucin, Sedotussin, Sinekod.
- Antitussive drugs with peripheral action: Libexin, Gelicidin, Levopront.
- Combined action drugs: Bronholitin, Stoptussin, Lorraine, Tussin plus, Hexapneumin, Erespal, Ascoril, Protiazin.
- Mucolytics and mucokinetics are used for dry cough much less frequently, provided there is thick and difficult to separate sputum - in order to stimulate its discharge (Thermopsis, Althea Syrup, Mucaltin, Bromhexine, ACC, Lazolvan, or Ambroxol).
Medications with a central mechanism of action inhibit opioid receptors, which are mainly located in the medulla oblongata, especially in the cough center.
This leads to suppression of the cough reflex. Non-opioid drugs affect slightly different structures in the brain, but are less effective.
Despite the fact that Codeine and its derivatives are the most powerful and best medicine for severe dry cough, doctors use it extremely rarely and only in short courses due to the presence of a large number of adverse reactions.
The most well-known undesirable effect after using drugs is addiction, which is quite difficult to get rid of.
Syrups and tablets with peripheral effects reduce the activity and sensitivity of receptors located deep in the mucous membrane of the trachea and bronchi. As a result, the frequency of cough impulses and their severity are reduced.
Due to their complex composition, combined medications have several beneficial effects (except antitussive).
For example, Erespal syrup is able to expand previously narrowed bronchi, and Broncholitin also has an anti-inflammatory effect on the bronchopulmonary system.
Their use is especially justified in the case of allergic inflammation in bronchial asthma or obstructive bronchitis.
Expectorants are extremely rarely used for non-productive coughs, since their main point of application is the accumulation of sputum in the bronchi, which, with a non-productive symptom, has not yet been produced or is absent altogether.
However, with persistent tracheitis cough, which occurs in attacks, mucolytic and mucokinetic syrups help well.
They soften and relieve the mucous membrane from excessive irritation by infectious agents, stimulate the production of sputum, and subsequently its discharge.
Precautionary measures
Even considering that all the drugs have undergone clinical trials, have proven their effectiveness, and many of them consist of natural herbal ingredients, they should only be used as prescribed by a doctor.
Unreasonable and uncontrolled use of the medicine can cause a serious side reaction or complication.
For example, Codeine is prescribed only in severe cases in a short course, particularly in adults.
Any antitussive drugs with a central or peripheral mechanism are indicated only during the period of non-productive cough.
Otherwise (if there is sputum in the lungs), they will inhibit its discharge, contributing to the progression of the infection.
The list of drugs approved for use in pediatrics is quite limited due to the lack of clinical trials on children, which are prohibited by law.
At the same time, irrational or incorrect prescription of even an approved drug to a one-year-old child can lead to serious consequences.
This is due to the morphofunctional immaturity of the bronchopulmonary system in children, as well as their high sensitivity to any chemicals.
Therefore, only a medical specialist decides what medicine to take for this or that type of cough.
Medicine for nonproductive cough for adults
Getting rid of a cough is nothing more than symptomatic treatment. Any disease requires the appointment of etiotropic therapy, be it antibiotics, antivirals, antihistamines or hormones.
Codelac Neo is a fairly effective medicine against dry cough. It contains butamirate, a non-narcotic substance that acts directly on the structures of the medulla oblongata.
In addition to suppressing the cough reflex, Codelac also has a slight expectorant, bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory effect.
As a result of its use, the gas composition of the blood improves. Prescribed tablets up to 2-3 times a day for no more than 5 days. Contraindicated in children under 18 years of age.
Sedotussin is also a central antitussive drug. The active substances included in its composition normalize the function of the cough center by inhibiting its hyperstimulation.
The medication has a weak bronchodilator and analgesic effect. The maximum daily dose for an adult is 150 mg. You should drink syrup no more than 4 times a day.
Libexin, having a peripheral effect, reduces the irritability of cough receptors and has some local anesthetic and bronchodilator effects.
Does not cause drug dependence. Adults are prescribed 100 mg 3 or 4 times a day.
A strong and good combined remedy is Stoptussin, which has an antitussive and expectorant effect.
Thus, it is a cure for dry and wet cough at the same time. Take ½-1 tablet three to four times a day (dosage depends on the patient’s body weight).
ACC is a good remedy that helps get rid of thick and sticky sputum, accompanied by a rare dry cough. Two tablets are prescribed maximum three times a day.
Dry cough medicine for children
Not all pharmacological drugs are approved for children due to the lack of information regarding their safety.
For a dry cough, a child under one year of age is usually prescribed Sinekod in drops. This is a non-narcotic antitussive drug of central origin with a minimum of possible adverse reactions.
The medicine is especially effective for whooping cough. Prescribed before feeding (from 2 months of life) 10 drops four times a day. At an older age, the dosage is slightly higher.
From the age of two, it is possible to use a combination medication - Erespal, which not only reduces the symptoms of cough, but also has a bronchodilator and local anti-inflammatory effect.
The recommended dose for children over two years of age is 4 mg per 1 kg of body weight (from 30 to 60 ml of syrup per day).
The medicine is effective for tracheitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, influenza, whooping cough, asthma, nasopharyngitis. Should only be taken orally before meals.
Of the medications approved for three-year-old children, the best and cheapest are Omnitus and Broncholitin.
Omnitus suppresses unproductive cough, slightly dilates the bronchi and reduces inflammation in them.
A minimum of 10 ml of syrup is prescribed three times a day. Bronholitin is used in a measuring spoon in a multiplicity of three times a day.
Medicine for dry cough for pregnant women
During pregnancy, the safety and health of the unborn child comes to the fore. However, the sick woman also needs treatment.
There is not a single medication that is absolutely safe for the expectant mother and her fetus, but in some cases doctors prescribe:
- Gerbion is a herbal syrup with an expectorant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect.
- Bronchicum is the best remedy during pregnancy, which not only eliminates cough, but also reduces the severity of inflammation in the airways.
- Sinekod - relieves attacks of severe and painful cough. Not recommended for use in the first trimester.
- Libexin - in addition to the main effect, also has a moderate sedative and anti-exudative effect.
Only the attending physician can recommend which remedy helps best.
Nebulizer medications for dry cough
Quite often, a dry and paroxysmal cough is a sign of bronchial obstruction, that is, narrowing of their lumen and swelling of the mucous membrane.
In this case, the phenomena of respiratory failure come to the fore, which can only be relieved with the help of inhalation through a nebulizer - a special device that delivers the drug directly to the lungs.
Mainly used:
- Ventolin or salbutamol.
- Berodual.
- Inhaled hormones – Pulmicort and Flixotide.
Salbutamol selectively activates beta2-adrenergic receptors of the bronchi, thereby exerting its bronchodilator effect.
A single dose is µg; in childhood, the drug is calculated at 0.1 ml per 1 kg of body weight in three doses (inhalations). The procedures can be carried out either using a nebulizer or a spacer.
Berodual belongs to the combined medications and has high anticonstrictor effectiveness.
It is produced in special nebulas, and is dosed drop by drop: from 2 to 20 drops 3-4 times a day (in the nebulizer itself it is diluted with saline one to one).
Pulmicort is prescribed for severe obstructive bronchitis or an attack of bronchial asthma. A single dose is 0.25-0.5 mcg via a nebulizer or spacer.
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I usually start taking Prospan effervescent tablets when I have a cough. It contains ivy extract and removes cough within a few days. There are no allergies. Just the other day my cough was cured.
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Specialty: Otorhinolaryngologist Work experience: 12 years
Specialty: Otorhinolaryngologist Work experience: 8 years
Source: http://nasmorkam.net/lekarstvo-ot-suxogo-kashlya/
Which tablets for dry cough are better and more effective?
Everyone knows that cough can be different: dry and wet, productive and unproductive. When an inflammatory process begins in the respiratory organs, a person develops a severe, hacking cough. It exhausts the patient because it is not accompanied by sputum production and causes severe irritation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. In this case, antitussives come to the rescue. Tablets for a dry cough will help transform it into a softer and more moist one. As a result, the bronchi will be cleared of accumulated mucus and painful coughing attacks will stop.
Many antitussive drugs act directly on the cough center in the brain and the nerve endings of the receptors in the bronchi. That is why their effectiveness is so high. Such medications can completely suppress attacks of dry, debilitating cough and alleviate the patient’s condition. In addition to them, during the treatment process, agents with expectorant and mucolytic effects are used, which help soften dry cough and remove difficult to separate sputum. Let's take a closer look at different groups of drugs and find out which tablets help with dry cough?
Classification of drugs
All drugs used to treat dry cough can be divided into several main groups:
Centrally acting antitussives
This group of drugs suppresses cough partially or completely. The action of the medications is aimed at suppressing the cough center in the brain and reducing irritation of the nerve receptors of the bronchial mucosa. Such drugs are prescribed only for a non-productive cough, with no sputum. Such medications, in turn, are divided into two subgroups:
- Drugs with narcotic effects (Codeine, Hydrocodone, Caffetin, Terpinkod, Demorphan, Codipron). Such products are dispensed from pharmacies only with a doctor's prescription. Their main danger lies in the risk of addiction and the possibility of drug dependence. Classic representatives of opioids, Codeine and Terpincode, almost completely block the cough reflex, but at the same time have a pronounced inhibitory effect on the nervous system.
- Medicines without narcotic effect (Sinekod, Tusuprex, Glauvent, Sedotussin). These are over-the-counter drugs. Such drugs do not have the disadvantages of opioid drugs, that is, they do not depress the central nervous system and are not addictive.
Peripheral cough medications
Medicines in this group work as an anesthetic and have a direct effect on the lining of the respiratory organs, blocking peripheral cough receptors, relaxing smooth muscles and relieving bronchial spasms. They are slightly inferior in effectiveness to centrally acting drugs, but are considered safer. Peripheral medications include Libexin, Levopront, Gelicidin.
Combined action medications
Drugs for dry cough from this group have a combined effect: expectorant, anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator, due to which they stop the cough reflex and promote the discharge of difficult-to-separate sputum. Popular drugs are Stoptussin, Broncholitin, Lorraine, Tussin plus.
Important! All antitussive drugs can be used only when there is no sputum, otherwise, as a result of blocking the cough reflex, it will accumulate in the lungs. This threatens with serious consequences and the development of purulent complications. Tablets that suppress the cough center should not be taken for longer than 7 days. Further treatment regimen should be based on the use of expectorants and mucolytics.
Which tablets for dry cough are best?
Which drugs should you prefer? It is difficult to give a definite answer to this question. Dry cough should be treated by a specialist. Only the attending physician can find out the cause of this condition and, depending on the underlying disease, select the optimal treatment regimen. At the same time, he will take into account possible contraindications, individual characteristics of the patient (age, weight), severity of the condition and other nuances. You should not self-medicate, as this can cause unpredictable consequences and serious complications.
Dry cough tablets for adults
For adult patients with a dry, painful cough (accompanying such severe conditions as obstructive bronchitis, pleurisy, emphysema, tracheitis), the doctor may prescribe narcotic antitussives. They are released only by prescription, used in strict accordance with the instructions and for no more than 5-7 days, so as not to provoke addiction. The use of such drugs in children, pregnant and lactating women is prohibited. The following drugs can be distinguished from this group of medications:
- Kaffetin. A combined opioid drug with central action based on codeine, paracetamol, caffeine and propyphenazole. Codeine blocks the excitability of the cough center, and together with propyphenazole has an analgesic effect. Caffeine eliminates fatigue, tones, paracetamol exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. The drug can cause allergic reactions, nausea, lethargy, or, conversely, increased excitability. The average cost of a medicine is from 200 rubles.
- Codeine is a centrally acting cough medicine, a natural narcotic analgesic from the group of opiate receptors. It has a pronounced antitussive, antidiarrheal and analgesic effect. The mechanism of action is closest to morphine. The drug actively suppresses the cough center in the brain and blocks the cough reflex for 4 to 6 hours. The analgesic effect of Codeine lasts the same amount of time. In large doses, the drug causes a feeling of euphoria, and with prolonged use it provokes drug dependence. Therefore, the drug should be used with caution and only as prescribed by a doctor. The price of Codeine is from 130 rubles per package.
- Sinekod is a centrally acting cough medicine, but its chemical composition has nothing in common with opioid drugs. It has a direct effect on the cough center, thereby effectively blocking attacks of dry cough. Significantly facilitates breathing and additionally has a bronchodilator effect. The basis of the drug is the active ingredient butamirate citrate. Sinekod can cause dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and allergic reactions. The cost of the drug is from 350 rubles.
- Codelac is an opioid antitussive drug with combined action. Contains codeine, licorice root powder and thermopopsis herb. Blocks the excitability of the cough center and effectively relieves painful coughing attacks. Unlike other opioid drugs, it does not inhibit the functions of the respiratory system, therefore it has fewer contraindications and side effects. Used in short courses as prescribed by a doctor. The average cost of the drug is from 160 rubles.
Safer cough suppressants are non-narcotic peripheral analgesics. They can be purchased at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. Here is a list of tablets for dry cough from this group:
- Glauvent. An antitussive drug that reduces the excitability of the cough center, but does not have a depressing effect on the respiratory system and is not addictive. In fact, it is an alkaloid of the plant Maciek yellow. Used for respiratory diseases accompanied by a dry, painful cough. It has very few contraindications and rarely causes side effects. The drug is produced in the form of pills, it is inexpensive, about 30 rubles per package.
- Libexin. A drug with expectorant, bronchodilator and antispasmodic effects. The medication is prescribed for a severe cough, the relief from taking the pill lasts for 4 hours. This remedy can be prescribed to older people with pathologies of the cardiovascular system. The drug reduces the sensitivity of cough receptors, dilates the bronchi, and blocks coughing attacks. At the same time, it does not depress the respiratory center, and additionally has a slight anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effect. The cost of Libexin is from 480 rubles per package.
- Oxeladin is a cough medicine that selectively acts on the cough center, suppressing its excitability. Unlike opioid drugs, it is not addictive and does not inhibit free breathing. This drug is often prescribed to smokers who suffer from a barking cough, as well as for respiratory diseases accompanied by a dry, unproductive cough.
Cheap tablets for dry cough
On the shelves of pharmacies you can find many inexpensive but effective tablets for dry cough with a combined effect. They help soften a dry cough, have an expectorant effect, promote dilation of the bronchi, relieve spasm and irritation, and help remove sputum. We list the most popular means:
- Stoptussin. Cough tablets with a complex effect help soften dry cough and accelerate sputum production. The drug exhibits expectorant, antitussive and mucolytic effects. It is based on active ingredients such as butamirate and guaifenesin. The first component acts as a local anesthetic, reduces irritation and reduces the sensitivity of nerve receptors, preventing painful coughing attacks. Guaifenesin acts as a mucolytic. This substance activates the production of mucus, dilutes the viscous secretion and promotes its removal from the bronchi. The average price for Soptussin is 220 rubles.
- Ambroxol (Ambrobene, Lazolvan, Ambrohexal). Drugs in this group have a pronounced expectorant and mucolytic effect. They are prescribed to patients of different age groups. Unlike medications with central action, they do not suppress the functions of the respiratory system. Taking them allows you to transform a dry cough into a wet one, with sputum production. Side effects of these drugs include headache, weakness, nausea, and dry mouth. It is recommended to take the tablets after meals and drink enough liquid. The positive effect of using such products is felt immediately and lasts for a long time (from 6 to 10 hours). The average cost of Ambroxol is only 26 rubles, Ambrobene - from 117 rubles, Lazolvan - from 270 rubles.
- Lorraine is an effective remedy for dry cough. This drug is available in various dosage forms, including tablets. The medication has an anti-inflammatory effect, softens irritation, and relieves the cough reflex. Side effects include dizziness, increased excitability, and increased blood pressure.
- Pectusin is an inexpensive but effective product based on natural ingredients. The tablets contain menthol, essential oils of eucalyptus and mint. The tablets are intended for resorption; they have a refreshing, sweetish taste. They have a softening and cooling effect for bronchitis, tracheitis and other respiratory tract diseases accompanied by a dry cough. Absorbable tablets exhibit a slight anesthetic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect and soften coughing attacks. The same group of medicines includes lozenges Strepsils, Septolete, Tantum Verde and others.
- Falimint is a lozenge with menthol flavor. The drug relieves sore throat, softens dry cough and eliminates irritating attacks from the first use. Falimint is suitable for adults and children from 5 years of age and has virtually no contraindications or side effects. The cost of the medicine is from 150 rubles.
- Sinupret is a safe and effective herbal preparation with secretolytic and anti-inflammatory effects. Available in the form of dragees, covered with a green shell. The composition of the drug includes sorrel and verbena herbs, elderberry and primrose flowers, gentian root. The herbal medicine is taken orally without chewing, it helps to soften a dry cough and accelerates the discharge of viscous secretions. Of the side effects, only in rare cases allergic reactions occur or a feeling of nausea and abdominal pain occurs. The average price for the drug is 350 rubles.
- Bromhexine is a popular and inexpensive drug with an expectorant and bronchodilator effect. The drug stimulates the motor function of the respiratory system and helps cleanse the lungs of viscous secretions. Bromhexine in tablet form is prescribed to adults and children over 3 years of age and is widely used as part of the complex treatment of bronchitis, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis and other diseases of the respiratory system. The drug helps to cope with dry cough, reduce irritation of the bronchial mucosa and facilitate the separation of sputum.
- “Cough tablets” (Thermopsol) are herbal remedies with an expectorant effect, which are prescribed for dry cough accompanying tracheitis and bronchitis. The drugs are approved for use in adult patients and children over 12 years of age. They are based on thermopsis grass and sodium bicarbonate. Plant alkaloids stimulate the motor function of the bronchi and help clear them of mucus. But the use of such drugs must be approached with caution, since they affect the vomiting center and can provoke nausea and vomiting. In addition, drugs with thermoposis cannot be combined with codeine-containing cough remedies, otherwise it will be difficult for sputum to be discharged and it will accumulate in the bronchi, which can cause serious complications. The price of tablets for dry cough with thermopsis is on average 50 rubles per pack.
Reviews of tablets for dry cough are generally positive. Patients note that the medications cope with their task, help to soften painful coughing attacks and make it softer, to achieve phlegm discharge and cleanse the bronchi. Many cough medications in tablet form are not suitable for treating small children and pregnant women and should only be taken after consulting a doctor. This will help avoid unwanted complications and side effects.
Reviews
Last year I was very sick, the flu complicated my lungs and I developed a dry, painful cough. He completely exhausted me, I could neither eat nor sleep. The doctor diagnosed “acute bronchitis” and prescribed a strong antitussive drug Codeine. It can be purchased at a pharmacy only with a prescription. You only need to take it for 5 days, as it contains a strong opioid that can cause drug dependence. But this remedy helped me. Within a day of starting treatment, the coughing attacks stopped, and breathing became freer. After a course of treatment with this drug, the doctor prescribed expectorants, they helped remove phlegm, and soon I began to recover.
I treat dry cough with Stoptussin. It has different dosage forms (syrup, drops, tablets). I prefer the tablet form of the drug. It quickly alleviates the condition, softens irritation, and suppresses the cough reflex. After taking the tablets, the debilitating cough disappears, you can already cough well, as sputum appears. The drug is inexpensive and is sold at any pharmacy without a prescription. You can always take it with you and take a tablet at a convenient time, anywhere. In addition, Stoptussin has few contraindications and there have never been any side effects from taking it.
A few months ago I was very sick and suffered from a dry cough. Conventional remedies such as Mucaltin or Bromhexine did not help. The doctor prescribed me Libexin tablets. My throat was very irritated, I was choking, and when I tried to breathe in deeply, a coughing attack began. After taking the pills, it became easier to breathe, and I finally fell asleep peacefully. It was necessary to take the drug every 4 hours, and the effect of one tablet was just enough to prevent attacks from occurring during this period. The course of treatment took 5 days, after which sputum began to come out, and my condition improved.
When I have a cold and start coughing, I always take lozenge-shaped lozenges. For example, Pectusin or Strepsils. I like their taste, these products quickly eliminate a sore throat that provokes coughing attacks. In addition, the lollipops are completely safe; they contain menthol or essential oils. If the cough does not go away for a long time, I buy a proven remedy - Bromhexine. These are tablets with an expectorant effect that help clear phlegm. They work flawlessly and always help.
Recently I was very ill with laryngitis. The dry, suffocating cough just tormented me endlessly. The ENT prescribed Isla-Mint lozenges for me, they relieved inflammation in the throat and moisturized the laryngeal mucosa. The cough went away within a few days.
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