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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
Sinus Rinse Hypertonic Refill Sachet 30
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Sinus Rinse Hypertonic Refill Sachet 30 is a clinically-tested nasal rinse packet that helps with sinus congestion and facial pain. It provides fast relief by gently flushing out allergens and irri...
$26.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Neilmed Nasaflo Neti Pot With 60 Packets
Life Pharmacy Orewa
NasaFlo Neti Pot is a natural soothing saline nasal wash. Neti pots have been around for thousands of years, mainly used by yoga enthusiasts. Use For:: Nasal Allergies, Dryness & Hay Fever Sinu...
$45.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Blis Toothguard Pro Vanilla 30
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Protect your teeth and gums from harmful bacteria with Blis Toothguard Pro. This innovative probiotic lozenge contains BLIS K12, a unique strain of Streptococcus salivarius that helps to maintain a...
$29.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Harker Herbals Ear Nose Throat Tonic
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 ...
$49.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Supports a rapid and robust response for immune systems under attack Supports a rapid and robust response at the first signs of feeling unwell Helps dry excess mucus Useful everyday support to gu...
$39.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Harker Herbals Chest Relief Day
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Helps relax tight chests, remove mucus and settle tickly airways. Liquid Dietary Supplement.Helps relax tight chests, remove mucus and settle tickly airways Helps relax and soothe a tight chest Su...
$39.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Duro-Tuss Chesty Forte Cough Tablets
Life Pharmacy Orewa
For heavy chesty coughs – On the go!DURO-TUSS Chesty Forte Cough Tablets contain a double action formulation which breaks down and clears heavy chest congestion. In a convenient tablet format for w...
$22.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Sudafed Sudafed Pe Sinus Allergy Pain Relief
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Get relief from allergy symptoms—including nasal congestion and sinus pressure.Available in packs of 24 ?Lactose Free ?Gluten Free ?Alcohol Free ?Saccharin Sodium Free
$24.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
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