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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
Otrivin Seawater &Eucalypt Sphotoready 20Ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Otrivin Natural Seawater & Eucalyptus contains, hypertonic seawater with eucalyptus essential oil and extract of wild mint. The solution also retains the richness of all the important minerals ...
$14.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Harker Herbals Childrens Tummy Soothe
Life Pharmacy Orewa
A calming, gentle herbal syrup to: Soothe and ease upset stomachs Improve digestion Encourage settled rest by relaxing the nervous system May relieve symptoms associated with bloating and gas T...
$28.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Make a Sensitive Choice.FESS Original Nasal Saline Spray is approved by the Sensitive Choice program in Australia and New Zealand.How does it work?FESS Original Nasal Saline Spray is a natural way ...
$18.99 $21.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Lemsip Max Cold & Flu Hot Drink With Decongestant Lemon 10 Pack
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Use this Lemsip for temporary relief of: Blocked or Runny Nose, Headache & Fever, Sore Throat, Body Aches & Pains, Non-drowsy. Contains Paracetamol. Keep out of reach of children. Does not...
$21.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Supports clear sinuses, dries excess mucus and soothes heavy heads. Liquid Dietary Supplement.Supports clear sinuses, dries excess mucus and soothes heavy heads Helps keep sinuses clear Helps dry ...
$39.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Harker Herbals Super Sleep Well
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Harkers Sleep Well is a natural, non-addictive sleep aid that helps promote deep, restful sleep. This powerful formula is made with a blend of natural ingredients like valerian root, passionflower...
$39.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Strepsils Throat Lozenge Soothing Honey & Lemon 16 Pack
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Strepsils Soothing Honey & Lemon Lozenges for sore throats and mouth infections. Strepsils® Lozenges contain an effective combination of two antibacterial agents to help kill the bacteria which...
$10.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Fess Little Noses Spray Single 15 Ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
FESS Little Noses is a non-medicated, preservative free, saline nasal spray for newborns and babies which provides relief of dry or blocked noses. Common Uses Helps clear baby's nasal congesti...
$16.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
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