WHY DO WE COUGH?

Coughing is our body’s way of removing foreign material or mucus from the lungs and throat. It may also be our way of reacting to an irritated airway. Remember that cough is a symptom and not a disease itself.

There are two main kinds of cough:
Productive Cough and Non-Productive Cough. Productive Cough A productive cough produces phlegm or mucus. The mucus may have either drained from the back of the nose or may have come up from the lungs.

Non-Productive Cough This kind of cough is dry and no phlegm is produced. It may develop near the end of a common cold or because of exposure to an irritant such as dust or smoke.

Causes of cough

Viral infection, such as the :

   •  common cold

   •  Infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis or pneumonia

   •  Chronic obstructive lung disease

   •  Stomach acid reflux

   •  Postnasal drip-nasal discharge draining from the nose down to the
      back of the throat  

   •  Smoking

   •  Allergies

   •  Certain medications used to control blood pressure, such as
      enalapril, captopril, lisinopril or perindopril

   •  Exposure to irritant substances such as fumes and dust

   •  Asthma

   •  Blockage of the airway by an inhaled object

Cough remedies

There are two kinds of cough medicines: Expectorants/Mucolytics and Suppressants. Expectorants/Mucolytics help to ‘thin’ the mucus and make it easier to cough up the mucus when you have a productive cough. Examples include guaifenesin, ambroxol, acetylcysteine, carbocysteine and bromhexine. Suppressants control or suppress cough and are suitable for dry and hacking coughs. Examples include dextromethorphan and pholcodeine.

When should you see your doctor?

See the doctor immediately if you...

   •  Cough for more than 1 week

   •  Cough due to smoking, asthma or emphysma

   •  Observe excessive phlegm or if the phlegm is green or brown in colour

   •  Have a fever

   •  Cough with blood stains

   •  Children below 2 years old are also advised to see the doctor when they suffer from cough.

WHAT IS THE COMMON COLD?

The common cold is a result of a viral infection. It is transmitted by coughing and sneezing.

Common cold medications

1. Antihistamines

These medications help to relieve runny nose and sneezing. Antihistamines may be first generation drowsy antihistamines, such as chlorpheniramine and dexchlorpheniramine or second generation non-drowsy antihistamines, such as loratadine and cetirizine.

2. Decongestants

These medications help to relieve stuffy nose. They are available as nasal drops or sprays (example, oxymetazoline and xylometazoline) and also orally, in combination with antihistamines (antihistamines in combination with pseudoephedrine).

3. Lozenges

Lozenges help to relieve sore throat. There are a variety of lozenges available in the pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist for assistance in choosing the suitable one for you.

When should you see your doctor?

Consult your doctor if you...

   •  Have any difficulty in breathing or suffer from chest pains

   •  Have persistent fever

   •  Have severe headache, rash, swelling, nausea or vomiting

   •   Have problem swallowing or find it very painful; or if your sore throat lasts longer ­­­than 2 days

   •   Are pregnant