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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
Neilmed Sinus Rinse Starter Kit With 10 Packets
Life Pharmacy Orewa
NeilMed SINUS RINSE is an easy squeeze bottle system that allows you to deliver the saline solution with positive pressure to clean the nasal passages thoroughly, while maintaining your head in an ...
$19.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Harker Herbals Childrens Chest Soothe Night
Life Pharmacy Orewa
A gentle, soothing herbal syrup to: Help relax and ease the chest Support healthy breathing Promote calm before bedtime Help settle into a restful nights sleep The price above is inclusive of N...
$29.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Harker Herbals Childrens Ear Nose Throat
Life Pharmacy Orewa
A gentle, soothing herbal syrup to: Ease blocked sinuses Help clear mucus Soothe the throat and a heavy head The price above is inclusive of New Zealand GST. If you are wanting this product deli...
$29.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Benadryl Pe Chesty Cough & Nasal 200Ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
PHARMACIST ONLY MEDICINE Pharmacist assistance is necessary for the purchase of this product. Our dedicated pharmacists will carefully review the information you provide and may reach out to you by...
$24.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Demazin Cold Relief Colour Free 200ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
DEMAZIN COLD RELIEF is an over-the-counter medication used to relieve symptoms of the common cold and flu. The medication contains three active ingredients: paracetamol, phenylephrine, and chlorphe...
$18.99 $25.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Scullys Lavendar Super Sleep Aid 15Ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Experience rejuvenating sleep with Harkers Super Sleep Well. Crafted with natural ingredients, this potent formula assists in quicker sleep onset and increased duration. Ideal for those facing inso...
$18.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Vicks Vaposteam Inhalant 100Ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Vicks VapoSteam provides the refreshing fragrance of eucalyptus and peppermint for use in steam. The soothing vapours penetrate nasal and throat passages quickly and safely to gently soothe and com...
$20.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Otrivin Nasal Spray Junior 10Ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Otrivin Nasal Spray Junior clears blocked noses.Size10mLIngredientsXylometazoline Hydrochloride 0.5 mg/mL.Directions- Before first use, remove protective cap and press applicator until an even spra...
$14.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
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