Syrups and Medications for a Dry Cough

Dry Cough: Buy Medications at the Pharmacy to Treat Dry Coughs

A dry cough is an irritating cough that does not produce any phlegm and can have many causes. There are several options for treating a dry cough in adults... Cough suppressants are generally available as syrups and sometimes as tablets or chewable tablets. They are indicated for irritative and dry coughs. By acting on the cough center located in the medulla oblongata, they suppress the cough reflex. Therefore, if misused—particularly in cases of a productive cough—they can be harmful and lead to bronchial congestion. The challenge lies in identifying the correct cough suppressant (which usually contains several active ingredients).

There are also natural remedies for coughs, such as essential oils for dry coughs and homeopathic remedies for coughs.

It is therefore recommended that you:

• To carefully read the ingredients listed on the package insert;
• Avoid medications that combine active ingredients that suppress coughs with bronchial mucolytics (which, on the contrary, can actually worsen the cough), and consultyour pharmacist if needed.

Order your medications to treat your dry cough from your online organic pharmacy.

Dry Cough in Adults

A cough is a normal reaction to irritation of the respiratory tract, particularly in the bronchi, most often associated with a respiratory infection or an allergy. It helps clear secretions from the bronchi and thus makes breathing easier. Cough medicines should be used with caution.

A cough is caused by irritation of the throat, trachea, bronchi, or, sometimes, the ears. A cough is a normal reaction to irritation of the respiratory tract. It helps clear secretions from the bronchi, thereby making it easier to breathe. Productive coughs are beneficial because they clear the airways and aid in recovery. Many illnesses can trigger a cough, including the flu, the common cold, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, respiratory allergies, and heart problems in older adults, among others.

Coughs can be divided into two categories: dry coughs, which produce no phlegm, and productive coughs, which do produce phlegm. Productive coughs are beneficial because they clear the airways. However, both dry and productive coughs can become exhausting, especially when coughing fits occur. When the cough is severe, it can cause throat irritation and insomnia if it occurs at night.

When a cough is severe, it can cause throat irritation and insomnia if it occurs at night. A cough that occurs as part of a common infection generally does not lead to other complications. Any complications that may arise are related not to the cough itself but to its cause and vary from case to case.

(Source: https://www.vidal.fr/maladies/voies-respiratoires/toux-adulte.html)

Dry cough: a non-productive cough

It is also called an irritative cough or a non-productive cough. This cough is caused by irritation of the respiratory tract. It does not produce phlegm. It is exhausting and often painful. It is “self-perpetuating ”: the more you cough, the more you irritate the respiratory tract, which triggers more coughing, and so on…

• Causes of a dry cough
• • mainly seasonal viral infections (colds, laryngitis, tracheobronchitis, etc.)
  • environmental factors (cold weather, pollution, secondhand smoke, etc.)

Irritation-induced dry cough

An irritative cough is a dry cough caused by irritation of the respiratory tract: the more you cough, the more the irritation increases, and the more you cough again. An irritation cough is exhausting and can cause chest pain if it lasts a long time. However, this dry cough is usually not serious. See a doctor if it lasts more than a few weeks.

Cough Suppressants in France

• It’s important to note that in France, as of July 12, 2017, all medications containing codeine, dextromethorphan, ethylmorphine, or noscapine require a prescription, regardless of the patient’s age or the prescribed dose.
• In general, cough suppressants come in syrup form and sometimes as tablets.
• Cough suppressants act on the cough center in the brain, blocking the cough reflex. Consequently, in cases of a wet cough or productive cough, cough suppressants are contraindicated because they prevent the clearance of mucus and can cause bronchial congestion.
• Most cough suppressants are opioids (codeine, dextromethorphan) or antihistamines. It’s important to note that these medications have quite a few side effects, such as digestive problems or drowsiness (avoid driving after taking a cough suppressant). Additionally, respiratory arrest is possible in the event of an overdose.
• While taking cough suppressants, you must absolutely avoid drinking alcohol.
• Cough medicine treatment should last no longer than 3 to 5 days.

For more information, consult your pharmacist or doctor.

When should you see a doctor for a cough?

We recommend that you see a doctor when*:

• the cough is accompanied by breathing difficulties (trouble breathing, pain when breathing), such as with whooping cough (a spasmodic cough) or asthma
• the cough becomes frequent (day and night) or chronic (lasting several months)
• if you experience weight loss, particularly peripheral edema accompanied by weight gain
• if you have severe headaches
• if you have a high fever (above 38°C)
• if the mucus (or sputum) has an unusual color (brown, pink, etc.) and especially if you notice blood in the mucus (hemoptysis)
• if the cough does not improve after a few days of self-treatment (cough syrup, herbal remedies, etc.)
• recurrent pneumonia
• vomiting
• difficulty swallowing while eating

* Please note: This list is not exhaustive. If you experience any suspicious symptoms, please see your doctor

How can you treat a dry cough with over-the-counter medications?

Medications to relieve a dry cough are known as cough suppressants. They reduce the cough reflex by acting on the cough centers in the brain. No cough medication of this type should be used for more than a few days without medical advice. For a productive cough, syrups containing bronchial mucolytics may be used. These are designed to reduce the viscosity of secretions and make them easier to cough up. Their use is rarely necessary.

• Cough Suppressants for Dry Coughs

Cough suppressants fall into several categories: opioid cough suppressants, antihistamine cough suppressants, and non-opioid, non-antihistamine cough suppressants. Among these medications, some combine the cough-suppressing agent with a bronchial mucolytic. However, this combination does not make sense.

• Opioid Cough Suppressants

Opioid cough suppressants used in adults may contain the following substances: codeine, dextromethorphan, ethylmorphine (or codeethylene), noscapine, and pholcodine. They should not be used in cases of respiratory failure or cough associated with asthma. Their main side effects include constipation, nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness, which can be problematic when driving or operating machinery. Dextromethorphan does not cause respiratory depression at usual doses.

• Antihistamine Cough Suppressants

Antihistamine cough suppressants are generally recommended for dry, irritating coughs that occur at night, due to their sedative effect. They have so-called atropine-like effects (dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, visual disturbances), which explain certain contraindications (angle-closure glaucoma, prostate adenoma). They should be used with caution by people who operate machinery due to the risk of drowsiness.

(Source:https://www.vidal.fr/maladies/voies-respiratoires/toux-adulte/traitements.html)

Advice from your pharmacist

Since a cough is a symptom of an illness (infectious, chronic, etc.), the underlying condition causing the cough may lead to serious complications. This is the case , for example , with pneumonia, an infectious disease that should be taken very seriously; that’s why, as soon as a cough becomes concerning, you should see your doctor right away.

What cold remedies are available on Soin-et-Nature?

Soin-et-Nature offers a complete range of treatments designed to effectively relieve the symptoms of respiratory conditions.

• Allergy treatments: antihistamines and decongestants to reduce allergic symptoms such as a runny nose and sneezing.
• Common cold: Medications designed to reduce nasal congestion, relieve headaches, and alleviate fatigue.
• Rhinitis: anti-inflammatory solutions to soothe irritation of the nasal lining, whether caused by allergies or a virus.
• Flu-like symptoms: combination medications to combat fever, muscle aches, and headaches.
• Sore throat: lozenges, sprays, and mouthwashes to relieve irritation and soothe inflammation in the throat.
• Bronchitis: treatments designed to reduce bronchial inflammation and facilitate expectoration.
• Dry cough: Cough suppressants to reduce the frequency of coughing fits and soothe the respiratory mucous membranes.
• Productive cough: Expectorants that help clear bronchial secretions for easier breathing.
• Mixed cough: Medications that combine antitussive and expectorant actions for effective relief.
• Ears: solutions designed to treat ear pain and associated ENT infections.
• Humex line: a complete line of medications for colds, congestion, and coughs.
• Lysopaïne: antiseptic and analgesic lozenges to quickly soothe sore throats.
• Stodal: Homeopathic syrup recommended to relieve dry and productive coughs.
• Strepsils: antiseptic and anesthetic lozenges designed to reduce irritation and soothe the throat.
• Vicks line: decongestants, inhalers, and balms to improve respiratory comfort.

These treatments are available over the counter at Soin-et-Nature and guarantee effective and safe relief.