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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
Harker Herbals Expectorant Support
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Its combination of herbs and pure essential oils work together to loosen and assist in removing mucus from the lungs.The price above is inclusive of New Zealand GST. If you are wanting this product...
$36.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Harker Herbals Ear, Nose And Throat Tonic 100Ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Harkers ears nose and throat is a go to tonic for thousands of New Zealanders when battling winter ills and chills. This classic herbal blend focuses on the upper respiratory tract, helping clear ...
$23.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Harker Herbals Vitamin C+ Echinacea 200Ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
High strength Echinacea fortified with Vitamin C (550mg per dose) and the recommended daily intake of Zinc. The combination of antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties in this formula provides p...
$42.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Harker Herbals Children'S Calm Super Sleep
Life Pharmacy Orewa
A calming, soothing herbal syrup to: Help settle restless, active children Support wakeful children to settle into sleep Encourage relaxed, restful sleep The price above is inclusive of New Zeal...
$29.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Harker Herbals Celtic Nz Sea Salt With Kelp
Life Pharmacy Orewa
A nutrient-rich blend of premium Celtic and New Zealand sea salt enriched with iodine sourced from NZ deep water kelp. A 100% natural source of more than 84 minerals and trace elements essential fo...
$20.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Fess Children Nasal Spray 20 Ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Keep your child's nose healthy with Fess Children's Saline Nasal Spray, a non-medicated, preservative-free solution. Crafted from micro-filtered seawater, it effectively alleviates nasal and sinus ...
$17.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Fess Little Noses Drops + Aspirator 25Ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
FESS Little Noses Drops offer gentle, non-medicated relief for newborns and babies with blocked noses. This saline nasal solution is perfect for easing nasal congestion and includes a convenient as...
$18.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Neilmed Pediamist Isotonic Spray
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist or you have side effects see your healthcare professional. Description Applying a gentle fine mist in the nose is an excellent way t...
$15.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
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