How to Get Rid of Cough: Pharmacy Tips

Coughing can be a real nuisance, disrupting your sleep, affecting your daily activities, and generally making you feel unwell. If you’re wondering how to get rid of cough effectively, you’re not alone. Pharmacist Zeinab Ardeshir from PillSorted shares valuable insights into understanding coughs and the best ways to manage them, whether with simple lifestyle adjustments or suitable over-the-counter medications. Read on to discover her expert advice.

What is a Cough and Why Does it Happen?

A cough is a natural, protective reflex that our body uses to clear irritants, mucus, or foreign particles from our airways. While often perceived as a sign of illness, it’s actually a vital mechanism to keep our lungs and throat clear. Understanding the underlying cause of your cough is the first step in learning how to manage it effectively.

Coughs can arise for a variety of reasons, and knowing these can help you identify the best course of action:

• Common Cold and Flu: Especially prevalent during colder months, viral infections like the common cold or flu are frequent culprits. These often lead to an irritated throat and excess mucus, triggering a cough.
• Allergies: Exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander can irritate the airways, leading to persistent coughing, often accompanied by sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. For more information on managing allergies, visit our general health section.
• Smoking: Chronic cough, often referred to as “smoker’s cough,” is a common symptom among smokers. The chemicals in tobacco smoke irritate the airways, leading to inflammation and increased mucus production. Quitting smoking can significantly improve this.
• Indigestion or Acid Reflux (GERD): Sometimes, stomach acid can travel up into the oesophagus and irritate the throat, causing a persistent dry cough. Lifestyle changes and antacids can often help. For digestive health concerns, explore our respiratory and digestive health section.
• Asthma: Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the airways of the lungs, causing them to narrow and swell, leading to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Managing asthma with appropriate medication is crucial.
• Environmental Irritants: Exposure to pollutants, strong chemicals, or very dry air can also irritate the respiratory tract and induce coughing.

Lifestyle Changes to Help Get Rid of Cough

Before reaching for medication, there are several simple yet effective lifestyle adjustments you can make at home to soothe your throat and help alleviate cough symptoms. These natural remedies can provide significant relief, especially for coughs related to colds or mild irritations.

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids is paramount. Warm drinks, in particular, can be very comforting. Try warm water with honey and lemon, herbal teas, or clear broths. Hydration helps to thin out mucus, making it easier to cough up, and keeps your throat moist, reducing irritation and tickliness.
• Avoid Triggers: If you know what triggers your cough, do your best to avoid it. This might include:
  • Smoke: Both active and passive smoking can worsen a cough. Steer clear of smoky environments.
  • Dust and Allergens: Keep your living space clean, use air purifiers if necessary, and avoid known allergens.
  • Strong Scents: Perfumes, cleaning products, or other strong odours can sometimes irritate sensitive airways.
  • Cold, Dry Air: Using a humidifier in your bedroom can add moisture to the air, which can be particularly helpful for dry, irritating coughs, especially at night.
• Elevate Your Head: If your cough is worse at night, try elevating your head with an extra pillow. This can help prevent mucus from pooling in your throat and reduce acid reflux symptoms if that’s a contributing factor.
• Rest: Allow your body ample rest to recover. Sleep helps your immune system fight off whatever is causing your cough. For tips on improving overall wellbeing, check out our healthy living advice.

Over-the-Counter Medicines: Your Pharmacy Guide on How to Get Rid of Cough

When lifestyle changes aren’t quite enough, your local pharmacy offers a range of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that can provide relief. The key to effective treatment is understanding the type of cough you have, as different medications target different symptoms. Here’s how to get rid of cough with pharmacy products:

For Dry, Tickly Coughs:

A dry cough is often described as tickly, irritating, and non-productive (meaning you don’t bring up any phlegm). It can be particularly annoying, especially at night, making it difficult to sleep. For these types of coughs, a cough suppressant is usually recommended.

• Dextromethorphan: This ingredient works by affecting the signals in the brain that trigger the cough reflex, helping to reduce the urge to cough. Products like Robitussin Dry Cough often contain dextromethorphan. Always read the label carefully and follow dosage instructions.
• Simple Linctus: Some simple linctuses work by coating the throat, providing a soothing effect.

For Chesty Coughs:

A chesty cough, also known as a wet or productive cough, is characterised by the presence of phlegm or mucus in the chest. The goal with these coughs is to help clear the mucus, not suppress the cough entirely.

• Expectorants: These medications help to thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up.
  • Guaifenesin: A common expectorant found in many chesty cough remedies, such as Beecham’s All In One, which also often includes paracetamol for pain/fever and phenylephrine for nasal congestion.

For Unclear or Mixed Coughs and Sore Throats:

Sometimes, it’s not always clear whether your cough is dry or chesty, or it might fluctuate between the two. In these cases, products designed to tackle both types can be beneficial.

• Herbal-based Cough Syrups: Products like BronchoStop Cough Syrup, which often contain thyme herb extract and marshmallow root extract, are traditionally used to relieve both dry and chesty coughs by soothing the irritated throat and promoting mucus clearance.
• Lozenges: Sucking on lozenges (like Strepsils or similar honey and lemon-based options) helps to keep your mouth and throat moist, which can significantly reduce the irritation that triggers coughing. Some lozenges also contain antiseptic or anti-inflammatory ingredients to relieve sore throats and reduce inflammation, but these should not be used as frequently as simple soothing lozenges.

Remember to always read the product information leaflet and check for any contraindications or interactions with other medications you might be taking. If you’re unsure which product is best for you, don’t hesitate to ask a pharmacist at PillSorted for personalised advice.

When to Seek Medical Advice for Your Cough

While most coughs are self-limiting and resolve with home care or OTC remedies, there are situations when a cough could indicate a more serious underlying condition. Knowing when to consult a doctor is crucial for your health and for determining the best treatment if it’s persistent or severe.

You should reach out to your GP or seek medical attention if:

• Persistent Cough: Your cough doesn’t get better or worsens after three to four weeks. A chronic cough could be a sign of conditions like asthma, allergies, or even more serious respiratory issues.
• High Fever: If your cough is accompanied by a high fever (38°C or 100.4°F or higher), it could indicate a bacterial infection that may require antibiotics.
• Shortness of Breath: If you find yourself struggling to breathe or running out of breath, especially when coughing, this is a serious symptom that requires immediate medical attention.
• Chest Pain: If you experience chest pain alongside your cough, particularly if it’s sharp or worsens with breathing, it’s important to get it checked by a doctor.
• Coughing up Blood: Any instance of coughing up blood, even small amounts, warrants an urgent medical review.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: If your cough is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or night sweats, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.
• Weakened Immune System: If you have a compromised immune system due to an existing health condition or medication, it’s always best to consult a doctor for any persistent symptoms.

Your pharmacist can also provide initial advice and help you determine if your symptoms warrant a doctor’s visit. At PillSorted, we are committed to providing safe, clinician-led advice to help you manage your health effectively.

In summary, while a cough is a natural reflex, there are many ways to find relief. By understanding the type of cough you have, implementing simple lifestyle changes, and choosing appropriate pharmacy medicines, you can effectively manage your symptoms. For any further questions or personalised guidance on managing your cough, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of pharmacists.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.