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What causes this cough?
- A post nasal drip: Mucus running down the back of your nose, and onto the back of your throat is quite common after a cold or flu. Sometimes the virus sensitises the throat so much that the dripping really irritates the throat and causes reflex coughing. This often occurs at night when you are lying in bed.
- Cold air: Breathing through the mouth when the throat is sensitive can cause coughing - especially when you are out in the icy winter air.
- Inflammation of the upper airways: Colds and flu cause sore throats and inflamed tonsils and upper respiratory tracts which can take some time to return to normal.
- Asthma: Asthmatics are generally more sensitive to the effects of colds and flu, which can set off asthma symptoms. This will mean that asthmatics need to start their “rescue action plan”.
The bad news is that this annoying cough - which is known by some as the 100 day cough - can last anywhere between three to eight weeks. In addition, antibiotics won’t work because the cough is generally a result of a recent viral infection. Sometimes the coughing fits can be so violent they cause hiccups or vomiting.
The good news is that you can treat the symptoms. Do this by:
- Drinking honey drinks to soothe the throat
- Sucking lozenges (demulcents) to stimulate saliva production that inturn coats the throat to help protect it
- Taking appropriate cough suppressants
- Keeping the air around you warm and reasonably dry. You can do this by wearing a scarf over your mouth and nose to help warm air up before it gets to your throat. Very dry air can make the cough worse, so try and breathe through your nose which helps moisten the air and reduce the irritation factor.
There is no formal cure for this cough but boosting your immune system, and sticking to a healthy lifestyle, can help prevent you from getting a cold which in turn leads to the cough.
In some cases, a cough can be the cause of other underlying problems like food allergies, medicine side-effects, an ear, nose or throat problem, or something more serious. If the cough gets worse or has not improved in a few weeks always consult your community pharmacist or GP.
Shop cough relief productscough PRODUCTS
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Kid’s Xlear Saline Nasal Spray with Xylitol was developed with children in mind. It’s a drug-free, kid-friendly nasal spray that contains xylitol-a natural ingredient that cleanses and moisturizes...
$19.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Otrivin Nasal Spray Menthol Adult 10Ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Otrivin Nasal Spray Menthol Adult clears blocked noses.Size10mLDirections- Before first use, remove protective cap and press applicator until an even spray is produced.- Blow nose gently to clear.-...
$15.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Neilmed Sinugator Cordless Pulsating NasalWash with 30 Premixed Packets USED FOR Post Nasal Drip Nasal Dryness from Occupational and House Dust, Fumes, Animal Dander, Grass, Pollen and Smoke ADVAN...
$59.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Harker Herbals Childrens Immune Build
Life Pharmacy Orewa
An immune boosting and deeply nourishing herbal syrup to: Boost and build immunity in infants and children struggling to thrive Support good health and vitality in very active children Useful for...
$30.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Life Pharmacy Orewa
General Information Difflam Mouth Gel provides rapid relief from the discomfort of inflammatory oral conditions, such as ulcers and sore gums. Its active ingredients help to reduce the pain of...
$26.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Harker Deep Lung Support 500Ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Harker Deep Lung Support is a liquid dietary supplement that contains a blend of herbs and other natural ingredients that are believed to support respiratory and lung health. The formula contains a...
$49.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Univent Aqueous Nasal 0.03% Spray
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Univent Aqueous Nasal 0.03% Spray Relieve nasal congestion and breathe easier with the Univent Aqueous Nasal 0.03% Spray. This fast-acting nasal spray provides instant relief from blocked noses cau...
$19.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Sinus Care Rinse Bottle With Solution Bottle W 6 Solution Packets
Life Pharmacy Orewa
The specially-made positive pressure rinse bottle is one of the easiest nasal irrigation systems to use. But some may ask, why even use an irrigation system? An irrigation system is used to thoro...
$38.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
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