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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 Ear Nose Throat Tonic 250Ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
This elixir provides exceptional respiratory support.The price above is inclusive of New Zealand GST. If you are wanting this product delivered outside of New Zealand, the GST will be removed from ...
$34.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Boosts and builds strong immunity and supports increased energy levels. Liquid Dietary Supplement.Boosts and builds strong immunity and supports increased energy levels. Supports strong immunity an...
$39.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Maxiclear Cold & Flu Sinus & Pain Relief 30S
Life Pharmacy Orewa
For the temporary relief of cold and flu symptoms including headache, fever, pain, and nasal and sinus congestion. Common Uses Treats symptoms of: Headache Fever Blocked nose Runny nose Sinus pain ...
$14.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Difflam Sore Throat Spray 30Ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Difflam Sore Throat Spray 30ml For the relief of painful conditions of the mouth and throat Including: Tonsillitis, Sore Throat Radiation Mucositis, Aphthous ulcers Pharyngitis, Swelling Redness an...
$27.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Duro-Tuss Chesty Cough Liquid Forte 200Ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
UsesClears heavy chest congestion. Double action - breaks down and liquefies mucus to help mucus from the chest. Suitable for diabetics. Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If sy...
$25.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Duro-Tuss Chesty Cough Lozenge Lemon 24 Lozenge
Life Pharmacy Orewa
UsesClearing chest congestion and relieving a sore throat associated with a chesty cough. Suitable for diabetics. Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to...
$21.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Demazin Kids 2+Chest +Immune Support 200ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Demazin Kids 2+ Chest & Immune Support 200ml Help your little ones breathe easier and stay healthy with Demazin Kids 2+ Chest & Immune Support. This gentle formula is designed to support r...
$23.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Harker Herbals Deep Lung Support 250Ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Deep Lung Support is our most powerful respiratory tonic designed to aid the removal of mucus buildup in the lungs and support healthy breathing. This trusted elixir is our most popular herbal toni...
$36.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
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